By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

Christ emphasised that the hypocrites and the godless would be rejected and go into everlasting punishment. These abominable persons will face exclusion from the blessedness of heaven. The “fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable [who are dirty in character, behaviour and thought] …shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” The fearful easily compromise their stand during persecution, trial or temptation. Though they know the mind of God and His ways, they are afraid of people’s comments and reactions and so, lose their consecration. Such people will be excluded from heaven.

Paul the apostle repeatedly reminded the Galatian believers of the “works of the flesh… that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Like him, believers and preachers of the gospel must not be afraid to clearly define sin and state its consequences to sinners. It will be a terrible thing to go to church regularly and still end up in hell.

The Lord used the example of those abandoned in the burning brimstone outside heaven, to make it clear that the lake of fire is real. The fearful, unbelieving, abominable and all who die in their defilement, “and the devil that deceived them [will be] cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” They will face expulsion for their absence from the Bridegroom’s book in heaven.

People whose names are missing from the Book of Life will spend eternity in hell. This is because “there shall in no wise enter into [heaven] anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Moses once failed to realise that God works by His laws and not anyone’s good intentions. He asked the Lord to either forgive the sins of the Israelites or blot him out of the Book of Life. But the Lord clarified that, “Whosoever hath sinned against [Him]…will [He] blot out of [His] book.” Forgiveness does not come on the basis of excuses but genuine repentance and change of heart, life, character and behaviour. Those whose names are “not found written in the book of life [will be] cast into the lake of fire.”

If we desire to enter heaven, we must fulfill one key requirement. Righteousness and entire sanctification are indispensable experiences we must possess to get to heaven. Those who do not meditate on the Word of God, ask for grace to overcome temptation or grow spiritually, will not get to heaven. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” But first, such a person must fulfil the divine prerequisite for earnest seekers of heaven.

Those who earnestly seek to enter heaven also must please God, “diligently seek him” and “desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” These are people who have made decisive preparation with entire sanctification of heart.

A serious-minded believer must “abstain from all appearance of evil.” We must not compromise our stand in holiness despite the mockery and reproach we face from those who do not believe. Rather, “Let us go forth, therefore, unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”

As believers, we should present ourselves to the Lord, surrender our time and other resources without holiness does not attract God’s reward. He is more concerned about the state of our heart and wants us to “submit” ourselves to Him.

• Further Reading (KJV): Revelation 21:1-7;Revelation 21:8; 22:15;Revelation 21:8,27; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21; Mark 7:21-23;Revelation 21:8; 14:10,11; 19:20. 20:10; Matthew 25:41,46;Revelation 21:27; Exodus 32:31-33;Revelation 13:8. 17:8; 20:15;Revelation 21:3-7; Hebrews 11:6,14,16. 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:12-14;James 4:7;1 Thessalonians 3:12,13; Romans 12:1-2.