In God alone shall Nigeria, nay, mankind as a whole, find rest and refuge in this most trying period of human history and for ever and ever. But this all depends on the choice of the people themselves and their bent for the truth and righteousness of God. In a nutshell, our salvation is in our own hands.
It is extremely important that our fellow Nigerians are made to know the essentials of a truly great nation by the standards of God’s judgment. The fact must be brought home to our people that what would be of benefit to this country is for them to correct the errors of the past that have militated against the nation’s progress, and to re-dedicate themselves to the service of this country with honesty of purpose, and in unity that gives strength, and, above all in the fear of God.
Righteousness
We therefore seize this opportunity to remind the nation once more of the message with the caption, “Only by Righteousness Will Independent Nigeria Survive” published by God’s Kingdom Society on the eve of Independence in 1960. (Daily Times, Sept. 30, 1960) Among other things in the message, we stated:
“It cannot be disputed that Nigeria has every cause to rejoice on her political independence but we hope that all and sundry will realize that it is what is made out of the freedom now achieved that Matters. Political freedom or independence is not the solution to the various problems of humanity. Freedom with bribery and corruption in high places and shameful beliefs in superstition, which will make some resort to witch-doctors and base and satanic rites in order to avert trouble or death, will not conduce to the spiritual health of the nation.
“Internal squabbles, petty jealousies and inordinate bid for power as are obtaining in certain independent states will not help independent Nigeria to survive. It is by reason of our knowledge of and unshaken faith in God and His perfect Kingdom, and godly dealings with our fellow men that the people win enjoy the PEACE AND TRUE FREEDOM of Christ. ‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.’ (John 8: 36).
“In all we do, true lovers of Nigeria should always remember that ‘RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION: BUT SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE.’ – Proverbs 14: 34.”
Greatness
The greatness of Nigeria, like any other country, depends on the faith of its people in God and the quality of their character. Let us not count greatness in terms of material possessions, or achievements in science and technology without God but by the standard of truth and righteousness as ordained by the Almighty God. In Psalm 33: 12, it is written: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.”
Today, there are countries in which godlessness has taken firm root, yet in the eyes of the world they command wealth and might. Very soon God shall show to them as He did to Nebuchadnezzar, that He “ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will”. – Daniel Chapter 4.
In Isaiah 60: 12, it is written: “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve Thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” This is the fate that godless nations, no matter their worldly achievements and fame, shall suffer in this age in which we are now living. God does not discriminate against anyone because of colour or race. His blessings and salvation are for those, in any part of the world, who worship Him in truth and do righteousness. St. Peter said: “or a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”-Acts 10: 34, 35.
New World
Let the lessons of our bitter experience lead us Nigerians nearer to God so that we may, by His grace, have a place in His promised New World wherein dwells righteousness. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.” said God Almighty, “and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65: 17) This is a promise of great hope for all His true worshippers. And St. Peter declared: “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” – 2 Peter 3: 13.
In the New World there will be no bribery, adultery, fornication, stealing, murder, drunkenness, oppression or any form of evil. Then the devil and all unrepentant sinners who perpetrate these evils shall have been destroyed. The Psalmist said: “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” – Psalm 37: 9-11.
It is in the New World – which, according to the Scriptures, is God’s Kingdom fully established – that all the privileges and blessings lost by man through sin will be restored. The beauties of that Kingdom of peace and righteousness of which Jesus Christ is the head and king, cannot be described enough in human words. – Isaiah 64: 4; Isaiah 11: 6-9.
We cannot do without making reference to the wonderful revelation of Jesus Christ to John the apostle in regard to the New Heavens and New Earth – God’s universal everlasting Government. He described it as “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”. He added: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things (obviously, things of this world of sin) are passed away.” – Read Revelation 21: 1-7.
Excerpted from Weekly Sermon VOL. II No. 44