11. SOME CHALLENGING PASSAGES FROM THE FINAL QUEST
Insofar as many do not consider the book, "The Final Quest" by Rick Joyner to
have the same authority as the texts cited above, it was considered appropriate
to cite passages from The Final Quest in a separate section.
While the writer has doctrinal concerns with regard to certain passages in "The
Final Quest", the writer has been told by the Almighty that much of what is
presented in "The Final Quest" is based on information given by the Almighty in
a series of visions. "The Final Quest" is therefore a valid and valuable resource
from which we can prayerfully increase our understanding of the Kingdom of the
Almighty, His way of doing things and that which is still to come, particularly the
Day of Judgment.
In the text that follows, various quotes and summaries from "The Final Quest"
are presented in support of the overall thesis of this article.
All quotations and references are from the 1996 printing by Whitaker House,
30 Hunt Valley Circle, New Kensington, PA 15068. ISBN: 0-88368-478-0. The
book is available in many book stores and over the Internet, including at Eagle
Star Ministries, the ministry of Rick Joyner, at http://www.eaglestar.org
There are MANY passages in "The Final Quest" that deliver hard and challenging
messages about the way that we understand the ways of the Almighty.
Readers are encouraged to read "The Final Quest", particularly from Part IV
onwards. It is preferable, however, to read the entire book.
Numbers of the form "23 (1)" are page numbers (23) and paragraph numbers
((1)) on the page in the edition of "The Final Quest" referred to above.
In all quotations words like "God" and "the Lord" have been substituted using the
words that i understand to be more pleasing to the Almighty in accordance with
the same conventions used in this document thus far.
THE BATTLE
In one of the early visions, Joyner reports the commencement of a major battle
between the forces of darkness and the servants of the Almighty.
In 22 (3) Joyner reports that there were "many more Christians being used by
the evil one than in the army of Yah {the Lord}".
This is a really important observation in terms of the basic theme of this article.
A large proportion of those who consider themselves to be believers are not
serving the Almighty at present. The problem was severe in 1995, when the
vision was given, it has become considerably more severe since then.
Later in the visions, Joyner sees increasing numbers of people realising they
have been deceived and changing sides. This article is presented to assist people
to do this.
In 23 (1) Joyner reports that the majority of the soldiers in the army of Yah were
"women and children".
Again, this is an important observation in terms of the body of believers at
present. Many of the adult men who appear to be serving the Almighty are not
doing so in a place of submission to the Almighty.
This suggests also that ALL of us who are men should check out very prayerfully
where we REALLY stand with the Almighty!
This observation should also be considered in the light of Isaiah 4:1-5:
"1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We
will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy
name, to take away our reproach.
2 In that day shall the branch of Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}
be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely
for them that are escaped of Israel.
3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that
remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written
among the living in Jerusalem:
4 When Yah {the Lord} shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of
Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof
by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
5 And Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} will create upon every
dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by
day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a
defence." (KJV, adjusted)
This passage is speaking about the end of the age when the Almighty shall
cleanse the body of believers by fire. It is my understanding that this period has
now commenced. The Almighty has also indicated that verse 1 indicates that in
these days there will be SEVEN times as many women as men in the body of true
believers. That is believers as judged by the Almighty, NOT as we judge it.
He has also shown me that many of these women are in spiritually desperate
circumstances and desperately need the covering of a man who fears Yah. There
are not nearly enough of such men to go round and most of the men who fall into
this category do not understand their responsibilities.
THE ARMOUR
In 22 (4) Joyner also reports that very few of those in the army of Yah had on
all their armour and those that did had very small shields (faith).
In 23 (1) he reports that "few of those who were fully armed were adequately
trained to use their arms".
This is a reference to Ephesians 6:10-18:
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord},
and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of Yah {God}, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of Yah {God}, that ye may
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of Yah {God}:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (KJV,
adjusted)
It is really important to pray regularly for guidance to walk in the fullness of what
this passage represents. It is also important to realise that components of the
armour can be lost or damaged. This is what the metaphor tells us and is
confirmed in "The Final Quest".
In 33 (2) Joyner reports an incident in which the Spirit of the Almighty,
embodied in the vision as "Wisdom", one of the seven Spirits of the Almighty,
prevents Joyner from falling off the mountain of Yah and reminds Joyner of
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall." (KJV)
"The Final Quest" offers a number of references to this verse in the context that
when we become confident of our place with the Almighty or have a major
victory, we are most likely to fall. The visions and metaphors in the book also
indicate that such a fall can be dramatic.
For example, it is indicated that pride can result in a person who has won a
mighty victory for the Almighty being taken prisoner by the enemy immediately
thereafter.
Pages 34 and 35 make particular reference to "The Father's Unconditional Love".
This ties in with the passages cited previously in terms of walking in
unconditional love. This is extremely important AND extremely challenging.
On page 45 reference is made to the Third Heaven and it is stated that it is
wisdom to seek to know about the Third Heaven. It is also stated that there is
much more to learn than can be learned in this life. This entire message is
essentially about what is required in order to be an overcomer in the era of the
Third Heaven with some reference to what that looks like.
Pages 46 and 47 make particular reference to knowing both the love and the
severity of the Almighty where His severity is represented by His Judgments. We
are advised to fear the Judgments of the Almighty AS WELL as knowing His love.
In various parts of "The Final Quest", reference is made to humility. It is
repeatedly indicated that humility is NOT something that appeals to human
beings and that we are prone to pride.
It is also indicated that without humility it is not possible to understand much
about the Almighty and His Kingdom. It is also not possible to see clearly in the
spiritual realm without humility. Pride blinds our spiritual eyes and blocks our
spiritual ears.
From this information it appears to be really important to regularly pray "Father
please humble me and cleanse me of all pride, self righteousness and all other
forms of self".
On page 53 it is pointed out that the armour of Yah, set out in Ephesians 6, cited
above, does NOT cover the back. So, turning and running from the enemy in
fear opens one up to defeat just as much as advancing into the enemy ranks in
pride opens one up to defeat.
We are created to work together in teams, Yahooshua sent his followers out in
two's, precisely for this reason, so that each could cover the back of the other.
This is one reason why a divided house cannot stand as stated in Matthew 12:25
"And Yahooshua {Jesus} knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every
kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house
divided against itself shall not stand:" (KJV, name adjusted)
This is a major reason why strife between husband and wife or wives is so
spiritually damaging and why submission of wives is so important. If a wife is
arguing with her husband, how can she cover his back and how can he cover
hers?
If the husband is advancing in pride or the wife is retreating in fear, or vice
versa, how can the house stand?
The same observations apply to strife, pride and fear in a business; strife, pride
and fear in a ministry; strife, pride and fear in a nation; etc. This is why
submission to leaders is so important.
On page 54 it is illustrated that advancing in pride can open the door for "strong
delusion" and doctrines of demons. The potential to fall at any time from any
level is stressed.
On page 55 we are advised to inquire of the Almighty before making major
decisions and to seek humility.
It seems to me that directional prayers, such as those suggested on page 28
above, prayed sincerely in faith out of recognition of one's own fallibility, are
absolutely vital.
In 55 (5) it is stated that Yah is "closer to the homeless than to kings", that we
only have "true strength" to the extent that we walk in the grace of Yah because
the Almighty "gives His grace to the humble".
This is a reference to 1 Peter 5:5, quoted below in the context of 1 Pet 5:1-11:
"1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of the anointed one {Christ}, and also a partaker of the
glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of Yah {God} which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over Yah's {God's} heritage, but being ensamples
to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for Yah {God}
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of Yah {God},
that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the Mighty One {God} of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal
glory by the anointing that was upon Yahooshua {Christ Jesus}, after that ye
have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (KJV, adjusted)
In 55 (5) it is also stated that "no evil weapon" can penetrate the mantle of
humility because nothing can overpower the grace of the Almighty.
This is an extremely important and challenging principle. It seems to me that
the ONLY way one can manage to walk in true humility is to ask the Almighty to
humble one, to judge one, to correct one, to guide one, etc.
PROPHETS
In 59 (2) it is stated that only those who receive prophets as prophets "can
receive the prophet's reward" or the benefits of the services of a prophet. In
other words, those who judge the man to determine if he is a prophet, are likely
to miss it from the start. It seems advisable to rather hear a man who claims to
be a prophet and subsequently prayerfully decide what to do with what he says
than to pass a judgment on him and reject him. No matter what one's
understanding may say about him or his "word".
The reference to prophets in 59 (2) is specifically in the context of receiving
warnings of danger, error, etc.
Only if we realise how far we are from the Almighty and how imperfect all of our
brethren in the faith are, can we choose to cease judging and rejecting others
and let the Almighty speak to us, even through those who are imperfect.
This may be vital to turn us away from strong delusion or other serious error.
We may not like the message of the prophet, however, it may be critical in terms
of where we spend eternity.
MOTIVES
In 63 (2) Joyner states "I now think that most of the right things I did, I did for
the wrong reasons, and many of the wrong things I did, I had good motives for."
Since first reading this passage, i continue to see how true this is.
It also creates great difficulty for others. They see us doing "right things" for
"wrong reasons" and conclude that the Almighty did not speak to us or did not
guide us or that we were doing the "wrong things".
Conversely, where people see we have "good motives" they conclude that what
we are doing is "good" or "right".
Our tendency to do these things and judge others and the actions of others is a
major hindrance to us doing the will of the Almighty AND leading others in the
will of the Almighty.
In 63 (2), Joyner also states "The more I learn, the more unsure of myself I feel."
The prophet that is speaking to Joyner then advises him in 63 (5) that what
Joyner is experiencing is "the true faith". Joyner responds in 63 (6) that he is
referring to "serious doubts".
The prophet responds that it is "wise to doubt yourself" and then goes on to state
in 64 (1) that true faith depends on the Almighty, "not yourself".
In essence, i understand this to indicate that the more we move ahead in
"confidence", the more likely that we are to mess up at some point. Where we
are constantly praying to the Father, asking His guidance, asking Him to close
and open doors, to guide in every way, etc the more likely we are to do His will.
At least to some extent.
This lack of self confidence and total reliance on the Almighty, may be
misinterpreted by others in all sorts of ways. Again, another reason not to judge
others.
In 64 (3) it is stated that it is "together, not individually" that we are to know the
secrets of the Almighty.
In 66 (4) it is indicated that "Spiritual maturity is always determined by our
willingness to sacrifice our own desires for the interests of the kingdom, or for the
sake of others." This is an essential part of the message of Yahooshua in
Matthew 5 and 6 cited above. It is also central to many of the other passages,
such as men loving their wives as Yahooshua loved the body of believers and
died for them, wives submitting to their husbands as Yahooshua submitted to
those who killed him, etc.
In 66 (4) it is also indicated that, that which "requires the most sacrifice"
will "always take us to the highest level".
In other words, a vital point of seeking to qualify for a high throne for
eternity is to be willing to make great sacrifices. This can look like letting
go of deeply held beliefs, dealing with issues in our own lives that we would
rather ignore, doing things we don't want to do or find uncomfortable or
inconvenient, loss of popularity, loss of following, loss of family, loss of finances,
physical suffering or any other form of sacrifice.
THE JUDGMENT SEAT
On page 75 the Judgment Seat of the Anointing of Yah {Christ} is introduced.
Refer to Romans 14:10-13:
"10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of the anointing
of Yah {Christ}.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord},
every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to Yah {God}.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to Yah {God}.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this
rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way." (KJV, adjusted)
2 Corinthians 5:10 states "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
the anointing of Yah {Christ}; that every one may receive the things done in his
body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (KJV, name
adjusted)
In 75 (5) it is stated that the judgment is "the greatest fear in the creation" and
that it is also the source of the "greatest wisdom" that we can know "in
this life, or in the life to come".
It is apparent that seeking to know the judgments of the Almighty and, thereby,
to know how to please Him, is an essential component of qualifying for a high
throne for eternity. We will only get to a high throne VIA the judgment.
Therefore, it is important that we are aware of the judgment and what it
entails.
We can only do this IF we are willing to seek His face and, as far as i can see, if
we are willing to ask Him to judge us and guide us constantly.
On 75 and 76 it is stated that believers are not giving much attention to the
judgment.
In 76 (1) it is stated that the "greatest authority that men can receive will
be entrusted only" to those who are willing to experience judgment in
this life.
Thus, it appears that the only way to a high throne in heaven, which is, after all
a judges or rulers throne, is to be judged in this life so one can be found fit to
judge (rule) the world together with Yahooshua in the life to come. Refer
Revelation 2:26-27, referring to overcomers, cited above.
79 (2) states "Yah {God} has a different definition of peace and safety than we
do. To be wounded in the fight is a great honor. It is by Yahooshua's {the
Lord's} stripes that we are healed, and it is through our stripes that we, too, are
given the authority for healing. In the very place that the enemy wounds us,
once we are healed, we are given the power to heal others. Healing was a basic
part of Yahooshua's {the Lord's} ministry, and it is also a basic part of ours. That
is one reason why the Almighty {the Lord} allows bad things to happen to His
people, so that they can receive the compassion for others by which the power
of healing operates. That is why the apostle Paul told of his beatings and
stonings when his authority was questioned. Every wound, every bad thing that
happens to us, can be turned into the authority to do good. Every beating that"
Paul "took resulted in salvation for others. Every wound that every warrior takes
will result in others being saved, healed, or restored."
It is important to understand that the losses and wounds that we suffer in this
life, provided they result from obedience to the Almighty, do constitute treasure
in Heaven.
In other words, if one is praying to be an overcomer, praying to hear the words
"well done though good and faithful servant" and similar prayers, then one
should not be surprised when one experiences attacks, both spiritual and
physical, loss, etc for the sake of the Kingdom.
Consider James 1:2-4 "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing." (KJV)
The word rendered "temptations" means "a putting to proof (by experiment [of
good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication,
adversity:" (Strong's definition)
This is about being tested in our obedience and willingness to suffer loss. Are we
willing to LITERALLY take up the stake and LITERALLY follow Yahooshua? Either
to physical torture or to spiritual torment and loss?
79 (4) indicates that there is "no courage unless there is real danger" and
reminds us of the Almighty's exhortation to Joshua to be strong and courageous.
Refer Joshua 1:5-9, quoting the Almighty:
"5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy
life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake
thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide
for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe
to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee:
turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper
whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all
that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}
thy Mighty One {God} is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (KJV, adjusted)
Here, immediately after telling Joshua that He will be with Joshua as He was with
Moses, the Almighty three times instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous.
The Almighty would go with Israel, however, Israel had to fight the battle, which
included seeking the Almighty for guidance and assistance and being obedient
to the commandments of the Almighty (verse 8).
In other words, both a physical AND a spiritual battle where the essence of the
spiritual battle is to do what the Almighty tells one to do, no matter how our
natural minds judge it. Like taking one's only son to sacrifice (kill). Like walking
round a city for seven days so the walls fall down. Like raising a staff to the Red
Sea so that the water parts. Like telling the Sun and Moon to stand still. Like
being thrown into a den of Lions. Like being beaten and dying on a stake without
committing any sin. Like ...
This is some indication of the courage the Almighty is seeking in His overcomers.
80 (4) states "Until you have beheld and appreciated the depths of the treasures
of salvation, you cannot see the glory that comes from suffering for the sake
of the good news {gospel}. Once you have seen it, you are ready for the tests
that will release the highest levels of spiritual authority into your life.
These scars are the glory that we will carry forever. This is why even the
wounds our Lord [Yahooshua] suffered are with him in heaven. You can still see
his wounds" ... "These are the medals of honor in heaven. All who carry them
love Yah {God} and His truth more than their own lives. These are the
ones who followed the lamb wherever he went, being willing to suffer for the sake
of truth, righteousness and the salvation of men. True leaders of His [Yah's]
people, who carry genuine spiritual authority, must have first proven their
devotion this way."
This reinforces the message that it is an honour and a privilege to suffer in the
service of the Almighty.
In 81 (2) it states that it is "through these sufferings" that ones "worthiness to
receive the great authority" that will be given to those who become members of
the Almighty's own household are "surely proven".
In 81 (3) it is stated that "courage is a demonstration of faith" and that the
Almighty "never promised that His way would be easy, but He has
assured us that it would be worth it".
In 82 (3) it is stated to Joyner that "Because you have been faithful in a few
things you will now be given the great honour of going back to suffer, that
you may be made a ruler over many more."
Each of us must ask ourselves whether we are willing to make sacrifices in order
to become rulers in heaven, versus living a comfortable life on earth and
something much less in the life to come.
In 83 (2) Joyner states "what seems right is usually the least fruitful path, and
often the road to failure. Throughout my journey, the path of greatest risk
was the path that led to the greatest reward"
In 83 (3) we are advised that "it takes more faith to walk in the higher realms of
the Spirit". It is suggested that the "map" to the Kingdom of the Almighty is
contained in the words "If you seek to save your life you will lose it, but if you
will lose your life for My sake you will find it". We are advised that "those words
alone" can keep us on track.
<<< PREVIOUS SUB-SECTION: How do we overcome? What is the Price?
NEXT SUB-SECTION: Joyner's experience of the Judgment >>>