2011.02.18
WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?
(WHAT IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO QUALIFY TO SIT ON
A HIGH THRONE FOR ETERNITY?)
This book has been revised, please click here to access the Second Edition
Download the pdf version
1. A CRITICAL QUESTION
The most important question facing every human being today, as in every generation, is:
"Where will i spend eternity?"
This is a question that very few people are considering in earnest.
Revelation 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (KJV)
It IS possible for any one of us to sit on a throne for eternity IF we overcome.
versus:
Revelation 20:11-15:
"11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the Almighty {God}; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (KJV, adjusted)
It is possible to be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
There are few who understand that eternity involves a continuum ranging from reigning on a High Throne with Yahooshua {Jesus} for eternity to spending eternity close to Satan in the most tormented part of the lake of fire.
This article seeks to present some data with a view to making the options more readily visible.
2. AN IMPORTANT CAVEAT
Many readers are likely to conclude that this article is written from what many will regard as a "Christian" perspective, based on the writings that are cited.
At one level this is accurate, since this is the tradition from which my perspective has developed and on which most of my knowledge is based.
However, i have chosen to detach myself from the "Christian" tradition and simply to see myself as "a believer in Yah the eternally self existing" (the Almighty). In doing this, i am seeking to find a position which is the essence of what the Almighty is saying to mankind today.
While my understanding of this position is based on what is commonly referred to as the "Christian" tradition, i have increasingly come to understand that there are pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that are not really covered in modern "Christian" thinking. I have also come to conclude that most of modern "Christian" thinking is far removed from the way Yahooshua {Jesus} understood things.
In arriving at this position i have increasingly taken account of other traditions, particularly Jewish and Muslim since both these groups are expressly seeking to serve the Almighty.
There are also traditions and bodies of knowledge that i am currently not knowledgeable about. Particularly in John 10:16 Yahooshua says "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (KJV)
There is reportedly a tradition in South or Central America amongst Aztec or Inca Indians, of a man, who is considered by some to be Yahooshua, appearing to their ancestors at about the time of Yahooshua's resurrection and appearance to his followers in Israel. There are other reports of others around the world looking to some manifestation of a saviour from the Almighty.
Accordingly, there are grounds to suppose that there is much that we do not understand about other traditions, other bodies of teachings, etc which may add to the understanding of what is presented in this document.
Accordingly, this message is relevant to ALL mankind, no matter what tradition they have followed to arrive at their present position.
3. WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?
The question of "where will i spend eternity" is a question that very few who claim to "believe" and to have some form of relationship with the Almighty seem to be considering in earnest.
As far as the writer can determine, most of those who "believe" have some vague idea that because they "believe", whatever they "believe", they WILL spend eternity in Heaven.
There are many verses in the sacred writings that indicate that this is not necessarily so.
Amongst the broad spectrum of those who CLAIM to "believe" there is massive disparity, diversity and disagreement. They CANNOT all be correct. How does anyone know that they are correct?
In fact, prayerful consideration of key verses and other prophetic documents indicates that the reality is very different.
The book, "The Final Quest", by Rick Joyner, reports a number of visions in which Joyner was caught up into the Second Heaven and the Third Heaven. In this book, Joyner reports statements that suggest that only 1% of those who had been called to spend eternity in Heaven up to the time of the visions in 1995 would do so.
In other words, 99% of those called to spend eternity in Heaven as of 1995 would, in fact, spend eternity in the lake of fire unless something happened.
On 17 January 2002, the writer was told by the Almighty that, in terms of the present generation, it was no longer one percent that would make it, the number of the present generation had declined. I was told that as at that date, IF the world was to be judged at that moment, only thirty million (30,000,000) people of the entire world population on earth at that moment would qualify to enter heaven.
On Passover 2004 (6 April), i was told that this number had reduced to three million (3,000,000).
These statistics relate to dramatic changes that have taken place in the spiritual realm in the years following the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}.
These statistics are given by the Almighty in order to challenge every one of us to turn to Him and repent of our sins and our errors. Particularly those that we do NOT KNOW are sins and errors. We are called to turn from those things that are accepted as true doctrine by hundreds of millions and in some cases billions of people and turn to Him.
Much of this relates to the withdrawal of the Grace that has prevailed on earth since the death of Yahooshua on the stake {cross} and the ushering in of the New Covenant at that time.
Today, mankind is being required to take responsibility for what we believe.
We are being called to enter into a close personal relationship with the Almighty.
We are being called to take personal responsibility for what we believe and to stop relying on other men and the writings of other men to define our faith.
We are being called to return to the essential, fundamental writings, inspired by the Almighty, both ancient and modern and to hear His Prophets. We are also being called to test every word in prayer through a deep personal relationship with the Almighty.
We are being called to consider the challenge:
a) Will YOU go all out to seek to please the Almighty?
b) Will YOU go all out to seek to be found to be a "good and faithful servant"?
c) Will YOU go all out to seek a high throne for eternity in the hope that you will AT LEAST qualify to spend eternity in Heaven SOMEHOW?"
d) or will YOU consume your life believing whatever you believe at the risk of being bitterly disappointed on the Day of Judgment?
Do YOU fear the Judgment of the Almighty?
With a view to assisting each one of us to answer these questions, here are a few verses to consider:
Revelation 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (KJV)
It IS possible to sit on a throne for eternity, HOWEVER, it requires that one "overcometh".
Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (KJV)
We are advised to work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling.
In other words, simply because one has "made a decision" or prayed a prayer, or goes to the local assembly {church}, or prays regularly, or reads the writings {book / Bible}, this verse suggests we need to WORK OUT our salvation.
Salvation is NOT inevitable, nor is it a right.
A place in Heaven is NOT inevitable, nor is it a right.
Consider Revelation 21:7-8 "7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Mighty One {God}, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (KJV, name adjusted)
Here we see a critical juxtaposition:
a) If we overcome, we shall inherit all things and the Almighty will be our Mighty One {God} and we will be His son's (children).
b) Otherwise, we will have a PART in the lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death. This says a "part".
In other words, one can go to heaven but FIRST burn in the lake of fire and brimstone for one's sins!
Notice also that verse eight specifically mentions "the unbelieving". This accounts for all those who are NOT believers!
In other words, the REST of verse eight is speaking to "believers". It is also speaking to those who call themselves believers but who do not believe.
So, if you are a believer and at some time in your life you have been:
- fearful
or
- unbelieving
or
- abominable
or
- a murderer (remember Matthew 5:22 "whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire")
or
- a whore-monger (adulterer, fornicator - Man are you living with every woman whose virginity you have taken? Woman, are you living with the man who took your virginity? - Sexual intercourse with a virgin IS marriage, if a woman is not living with the man who took her virginity, they are almost certainly in adultery - repentance does NOT fix this, it is much more complicated!
Fornication ALSO includes spiritual treachery - Man, are you in complete submission to the Almighty or in rebellion? Woman, are you in complete submission to your husband or in rebellion? etc)
or
- sorcerers (Are you engaged in manipulation? Are you praying manipulative prayers? Are you cursing others by judging them and speaking out your judgments or in other ways? Are you using swear words like "damn" and "hell", etc? etc)
or
- idolaters (Who or what are you worshiping besides the Almighty? Are you worshiping Yahooshua {Jesus}, a created being? Are you worshiping "The Bible" as the "inerrant word of God" even though none of the writers claim this? etc)
or
- a liar (includes all false doctrines you have heard or read about and believed, practice, talk about, preach yourself. Includes all jokes, white lies, practical jokes, etc. Includes what you write for advertisements, TV programmes, magazines, books, etc that is not factual and accurate versus fiction. Includes if you even absorb these things and speak of them as though they are true.
IF you are doing ANY of the above, Revelation 21:8 indicates that you WILL spend time in the lake of fire and brimstone, EVEN if you make it to heaven, UNLESS you have confessed your sin and repented in this life.
1 John 1:8-10 "8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (KJV)
Matthew 13:49-50: "49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (KJV)
4. A VITAL QUESTION: DO WE KNOW WHAT SIN IS? - WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THE JUDGMENT?
Revelation 21:8, cited above, gives us a fairly detailed identification of sin. Many other verses provide more detail.
In essence, the basis of the Judgment is defined in Exodus 20:
Exodus 19:16-20 & 20:1-19
"16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with Yah {God}; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and Yah {God} answered him by a voice.
20 And Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
...
CHAPTER 20
1 And Yah {God} spake all these words, saying,
2 I am Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God}, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other mighty ones {gods} before me. (1)
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God} am a jealous Mighty One {God}, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (2)
7 Thou shalt not take the name of Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God} in vain; for Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (3)
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God}: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (4)
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God} giveth thee. (5)
13 Thou shalt not kill. (6)
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. (7)
15 Thou shalt not steal. (8)
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (9)
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (10)
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not Yah {God} speak with us, lest we die." (KJV, adjusted)
This is the only time in recorded history that i know of where the Almighty has come down on a mountain in fire and smoke and SPOKEN to a large group of human beings about His commandments.
Since the people asked that it never happen again, it seems likely that it has never happened again.
Furthermore, in Deuteronomy 10:4 Moses (Moshe) states "And he [Yah the eternally self existing] wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} gave them unto me. (KJV, adjusted)
The Almighty, Himself, recorded the ten commandments on the tables (tablets) of stone.
Stone indicates that these commandments will NEVER pass away.
It therefore seems clear that those commandments are the most important words the Almighty has spoken to mankind. It is the writers clear understanding that the entire basis of the Judgment and the essential basis of whether a person will spend eternity in Heaven or the lake of fire will be based on these ten commandments.
5. CAUSE FOR CONCERN - NEARLY ALL OF MANKIND IS BREAKING MOST OF THE COMMANDMENTS
In recent years, the writer has come to understand that most of mankind, including PARTICULARLY the "Christian" "church" is, at an individual and corporate level, breaking most of the commandments.
In particular, almost universal doctrines of the "Christian church" regarding who Yahooshua {Jesus} is considered to be, the way many view "The Bible", the names applied to the Almighty and Yahooshua, the day observed as Sabbath, the major holidays and feasts, the way parents are treated, marriage and virginity (monogamy) are resulting in sins that are affecting an extremely large portion of the world population.
Furthermore, sins that are commonplace in "Christian" nations, like abortion, advertising that stimulates covetousness or is misleading or manipulative, "jokes" (which are lies), etc is seriously compounding the sin of the world.
This is compounded by the false doctrines of the vast majority of mankind.
All of this adds up to a terrible litany of sin.
Ultimately every person will pay the price for what they have done and what they have believed on the Day of Judgment AND for what they have caused others to believe.
Hence the terrible statistics in terms of the implications if judgment was to come on the world today!
This is coupled with an enormous need for repentance, self examination and turning around in order to reverse these statistics.
Matthew 18:14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (KJV)
6. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE? - CAN ONE ASPIRE TO A HIGH THRONE?
Psalm 111:10 states "The fear of Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (KJV, name adjusted)
So, we can start by fearing Yah and seeking to DO His commandments.
1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of Yah {God}, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (KJV, name adjusted)
IF we love the Almighty then we should want to keep His commandments and we should not find this grievous.
IF we love the Almighty, we should be willing to check out our doctrines and our conduct and make whatever adjustments are called for.
IF ...
Are you willing to love the Almighty THIS intensely - even if it requires that you RADICALLY change what you believe and what you do?
Consider Jude 1:7 as a counterpoint "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (KJV)
Fornication includes spiritual treachery, idolatry, false doctrines, etc.
There IS a place of ETERNAL FIRE, where some (many?) will suffer torment for eternity.
The Quran is very much more explicit about the eternal torment for those who do not believe and for those who repeatedly and unrepentantly transgress the commandments of the Almighty.
There IS a CHOICE!
7. IT IS NOT JUST HEAVEN OR THE LAKE OF FIRE, THERE IS A CONTINUUM
As mentioned above, it is not simply a question of EITHER Heaven or the lake of fire.
There is a continuum between the "outer darkness" at the very fringes of Heaven where the "foolish virgins" will weep and wail and gnash their teeth and there are high thrones with Yahooshua for those who overcome in this life.
Consider Matthew 8:11-12
"11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (KJV)
So there is a place of outer darkness, seemingly for believers, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Consider also the parable of the "foolish virgins" in Matthew 25:10-13:
"10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (KJV)
Here believers are rejected on the basis of their conduct.
Consider also Matthew 7:13-24:
"13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" (KJV)
The way to destruction is large and the way to salvation is straight (constrained, tight, difficult) and the gate is narrow.
Those which do not bring forth good fruit are cast into the fire.
Many will call on Yah the eternally self existing and on Yahooshua and do many mighty works in the name of Yahooshua and yet the Almighty and Yahooshua will declare "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Iniquity is lawlessness, failure to keep the commandments.
So, one can call on the Name of Yah, pray in the Name of Yahooshua and yet not keep the commandments and on the Day of Judgment one can be told "I never knew you, depart from me".
It appears from "The Final Quest" that such people may STILL qualify to enter Heaven but will be in the outer darkness, the location furthest from the throne.
There is much that is not entirely clear.
However, it is clear that there is a broad continuum between those who truly please the Almighty and who sit on a high throne to those with whom He is greatly displeased but who may exercise just sufficient faith to scrape into Heaven,
It is my understanding that there is a similar continuum in the lake of fire, between those who lived "good" lives but did not keep the commandments of the Almighty and those who energetically served Satan who will reside for eternity in the most tormented part of the lake of fire, close to Satan. Further discussion of this aspect is not relevant, this document is directed at those who choose to seek to spend eternity in Heaven.
For an indication of this continuum in Heaven consider 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
"12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (KJV)
This passage confirms that our works in this life (what we do) will be tried by FIRE and that which endures the fire shall result in a reward.
So, it is possible to live life in some form of service to the Almighty and yet lose EVERYTHING one has worked for on the Day of Judgment and STILL be saved.
Consider also Jude 1:23 "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (KJV)
Carnality, the flesh, is something that will be destroyed in the fire.
The works of our own strength, our own intellect, our own comfort, our own will, etc - those things that we do that the Almighty did NOT tell us to do, will be destroyed in the fire and we may be saved with nothing to show for our lives.
Consider also 1 Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}:" (KJV, adjusted)
Consider also John 15:6 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." (KJV)
If we do not live life the way the Almighty wants us to live it and abide in Him through Yahooshua, we can be cast forth and burned.
The book, "The Final Quest", provides considerably more insight into this and some extracts are presented later in this document.
8. IT IS POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME
In the context of earning a high throne or even earning a place in Heaven, consider the following passages:
Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Yah {God}." (KJV, name adjusted)
Only those who overcome will get to eat of the tree of life?
Revelation 2:11 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies {churches}; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (KJV)
Only those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death (the lake of fire and brimstone) - refer above.
Revelation 2:17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (KJV)
We may not understand this today, however, it is presented as a significant reward and benefit.
Revelation 2:26-28 "26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star." (KJV)
Does this mean that those who do NOT overcome shall be ruled with a rod of iron?
Revelation 3:5 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (KJV)
Does this mean that those who do NOT overcome will have their names blotted out of the book of life and will NOT have their names confessed before the Father?
Revelation 3:12 "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my Mighty One {God}, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my Mighty One {God}, and the name of the city of my Mighty One {God}, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my Mighty One {God}: and I will write upon him my new name." (KJV, adjusted)
We may not understand this today, however, it is presented as a significant reward and benefit.
Revelation 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (KJV)
Those who OVERCOME will sit with Yahooshua on his throne for eternity!
Revelation 21:7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Mighty One {God}, and he shall be my son." (KJV)
Those who overcome will inherit ALL things and the Almighty will be their Mighty One and they shall be sons of the Almighty. This suggests that those who do not overcome may NOT inherit anything and the Almighty may NOT be their Mighty One and they may NOT be sons of the Almighty.
Collectively, these passages about overcomers present a picture of enormous eternal benefit if one overcomes and enormous loss if one does not overcome.
From these passages it seems clear that the overcomers are those who sit on thrones for eternity.
It seems possible that not everyone will overcome in every area and this will result in a further distribution of the continuum within Heaven. Some of what is reported in "The Final Quest" suggests this interpretation although other passages suggest a more rigid approach.
At this point, it seems less important to understand the finer nuances of the Torah {Law / commandments / judgment} than to understand the broad principles and to take a choice whether to make a CONCERTED effort to seek to please the Almighty and seek to earn a position on a throne for eternity, versus taking some other view of how one choses to live one's life.
It is important to understand that we know so little about the ways of the Almighty in this age that simply deciding to seek a high throne is NOT enough.
One must be willing to pray differently, live differently, act differently, believe differently - one must be willing to embark on radical change AND carry it out AND live it through to the VERY LAST DAY of one's life!
There is NO guarantee that anyone can achieve a high throne.
We can aspire, and if we truly aspire and truly commit ourselves to seeking to please the Almighty in EVERYTHING, there seems to be a reasonable basis to conclude that the probability of AT LEAST entering Heaven for eternity will be materially better than if one aims for a lower target.
9. WHAT INDICATORS ARE THERE ABOUT PLEASING THE ALMIGHTY?
There are some verses that give indications of individuals who have pleased the Almighty.
Hebrews 11:1-40 provides quite a lengthy catalogue of people for reference and indicates that FAITH is a vital component of pleasing the Almighty:
"1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of Yah {God}, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto Yah {God} a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, Yah {God} testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because Yah {God} had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased Yah {God}.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Yah {God} must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of Yah {God} of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Yah {God}.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore Yah {God} is not ashamed to be called their Mighty One {God}: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that Yah {God} was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of Yah {God}, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ} greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 Yah {God} having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (KJV, adjusted)
It is really important to notice that at times ALL of these people suffered for their faith and made sacrifices. Some more than others.
NONE of them lived according to the standards of the world in which they lived. ALL of them chose to live life differently to those around them, NO MATTER WHAT it cost them, even if they were stoned or sawn apart while alive.
There is a reasonable basis to conclude that the people mentioned above, at least at some level, represent overcomers. We may not understand why some names are on this list and others are not. That is not the point.
We can learn lessons and we can learn that service to Yah demands a PRICE in this life!
Following are a few specific cases:
James 2:23 "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed Yah {God}, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of Yah {God}." (KJV)
Abraham was called the FRIEND of Yah.
So the life of Abraham is certainly a frame of reference.
Even if we may think he missed it a few times or there are things we do not understand.
Genesis 32:28 "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with Yah {God} and with men, and hast prevailed." (KJV)
Jacob (Israel) had POWER with the Almighty.
Another frame of reference, even if there are things we think he may have missed or which we do not understand.
It is really important that in considering all these people that we remember Romans 14:4 "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for Yah {God} is able to make him stand." (KJV, name adjusted)
It really is NOT our place to judge ANY of these people.
A few more examples:
Exodus 33:11 "And Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." (KJV, name adjusted)
This is a remarkable testimony with regard to the relationship between Moses and the Almighty.
In 1 Samuel 13:14, Samuel, speaking to Saul and referring to David states "But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} commanded thee." (KJV, adjusted)
David is referred to here as a man after the Almighty's own heart! And Saul is rejected after only a few years as king.
Again, a useful frame of reference. David is not a man whose life it is wise to condemn or preach against. He may have done some things which we understand to be mistakes, however, there is considerable evidence that the Almighty was well pleased with David.
1 Kings 15:5 confirms this "Because David did that which was right in the eyes of Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite." (KJV)
This brings us to Yahooshua of whom it is written in 2 Peter 1:17 "For he received from Yah {God} the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (KJV, adjusted)
Insofar as the Almighty saw fit to say of Yahooshua on at least one occasion publicly that He (the Almighty) was WELL PLEASED with him (Yahooshua) it is clear that Yahooshua provides a valuable source of information regarding what is required to please the Almighty and, therefore, by extension, what is required to overcome and sit on a high throne for eternity.
Colossians 1:18-20 states the following about Yahooshua:
"18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his stake {cross}, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (KJV)
Yahooshua is the FIRSTBORN from the dead.
Yahooshua is THE example of how a person can overcome in this life in order to triumph, please the Almighty and sit on the HIGHEST throne next to the Almighty for eternity.
Yahooshua is therefore THE example to follow. He has gone before and he has shown us how it can be done.
And, Yahooshua did this by suffering and DYING voluntarily despite having NEVER committed ANY sin as stated in Hebrews 4:15-16:
"15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (KJV)
So Yahooshua WAS tempted in ALL points like we are and yet he was able to do so without sinning.
In considering this point, it is really important to recognise that Yahooshua was a created being, the result of a creative miracle, and he lived life ENTIRELY as a human being.
The ONLY divinity in Yahooshua was the anointing of the set apart {Holy} Spirit of Yah that came upon Yahooshua when John immersed him.
Matthew 3:16 "And Yahooshua {Jesus}, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of Yah {God} descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" (KJV, adjusted)
Yahooshua also repeatedly went apart to pray to the Almighty. Mark 6:46 "And when he [Yahooshua] had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray." (KJV)
Clearly, Yahooshua is not the Almighty, if he was he would not need to pray to the Almighty and he would not have said what he said in Matthew 27:46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My Mighty One {God}, my Mighty One {God}, why hast thou forsaken me?" (KJV, adjusted)
It is therefore POSSIBLE that we can aspire to live life to the standard that Yahooshua set. We will may not succeed. However, we CAN aspire.
After all, Yahooshua stated in John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (KJV)
We CAN do GREATER works than Yahooshua did, IF we aspire to.
IF we are willing to pay the price!
We CAN overcome to the end.
We CAN sit on high thrones for eternity.
IF we are willing to PAY the price.
10. HOW DO WE OVERCOME? WHAT IS THE PRICE?
In order to understand at some basic level what is required to overcome and what the price is, we can consider all the people listed above with particular, but NOT exclusive, emphasis on Yahooshua.
In order to understand this and INTERPRET these experiences, reports, teachings, etc there is a VERY important principle set out in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31:
"18 For the preaching of the stake {cross} is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of Yah {God}.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not Yah {God} made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of Yah {God} the world by wisdom knew not Yah {God}, it pleased Yah {God} by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach the anointed one {Christ} executed on the stake {crucified}, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ} the power of Yah {God}, and the wisdom of Yah {God}.
25 Because the foolishness of Yah {God} is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yah {God} is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But Yah {God} hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Yah {God} hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath Yah {God} chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in the anointing of Yahooshua {Christ Jesus}, who of Yah {God} is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}." (KJV, adjusted)
It is really important to grasp that the Almighty's way of doing things is NOT the way of the world.
IF we desire to please the Almighty it is necessary that we be willing to live life VERY differently to the way we may have lived it up to now. In fact, it is probably accurate to say that there is no one on the earth today who is truly living life the way the Almighty would like them to be living.
We know so little of the things of the Almighty today that there is an ENORMOUS amount for us to learn.
What follows highlights some important points.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Yahooshua states:
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (KJV)
This is referring to the same principles addressed previously.
We are advised to do works that will withstand the fire and that will result in being overcomers on the Day of Judgment.
In considering this, it is important to consider that the very word "overcomer" implies that there will be adversity and that it will not be easy.
The reward is so GREAT precisely because it is NOT easy.
The reward that Yahooshua received was so great precisely because it is NOT easy to live a life without sin, to please the Father, to do the Father's will ALL the time and then to DIE a terrible and agonising death by CHOICE!
So, when Yahooshua tells us in Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21 and Luke 14:27 that we should take up our stake {cross} and follow him, it seems prudent to take his advice seriously.
Consider particularly Matthew 16:24-27:
"24 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus} unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake {cross}, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (KJV, adjusted)
This entire passage contains a number of very profound and very challenging statements.
We are told to deny ourselves, take up OUR stake {cross} and FOLLOW (do like) Yahooshua.
We are told that if we try and save our lives in a worldly way we will lose our souls and we are told there is something we CAN give in exchange for our souls - the essence of what this message is about.
We are told that Yahooshua WILL come and we will all be rewarded ACCORDING to our works.
If one really considers deeply what this is saying, it is profoundly challenging.
I have certainly come to understand increasingly that what i have understood about this passage and many of the others quoted in this document, was very shallow and that there is MUCH more that is expected of us.
The piece about "he who seeks to save his life shall lose it", i have found to be much more far reaching.
It applies to ANYTHING that we seek to hold onto in our own strength, our possessions, our family, ANYTHING that we try and force to remain with us rather than trusting the Almighty to either restore it to us or not, as He pleases.
Abraham sacrificing Isaac and Yahooshua laying down his life are two classic examples. Isaac was restored to Abraham and Yahooshua gained eternal life and the highest throne next to the throne of the Almighty through his obedience.
In order to start seeking to better understand what is being referred to here, consider again Matthew 6:19-21 referred to above where Yahooshua advises us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven".
This passage is preceded by Matthew 5:1-6:18:
"CHAPTER 5
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see Yah {God}.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of Yah {God}.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is Yah's {God}'s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
CHAPTER 6
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (KJV, adjusted)
All the verses that begin "blessed are" are very challenging, particularly the verse about "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." We are told that there is a great reward for this.
There are many other passages above that are very difficult, like loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, etc.
Consider also Ephesians 5:22-25:
"22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord}.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} is the head of the body of believers {church}: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the body of believers {church} is subject unto the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua}, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also loved the body of believers {church}, and gave himself for it;" (KJV, adjusted)
Wives are told to submit to their husbands in EVERYTHING.
Husbands are told to love their wives the way Yahooshua loved the body of believers AND gave himself for it.
In other words - wives submit to your husbands even if they beat you.
Husbands love your wives even if they strive with you and beat you!
Consider also 1 Peter 2:1-3:22:
"1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Yah {God}, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yah {God} by Yahooshua the anointed one {Jesus Christ}.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Yah {God}: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify Yah {God} in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for Yah the eternally self existing's {the Lord's} sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of Yah {God}, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of Yah {God}.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear Yah {God}. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward Yah {God} endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with Yah {God}.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and overseer {Bishop} of your souls.
CHAPTER 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yah {God} of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Yah {God}, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} Mighty One {God} in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ}.
17 For it is better, if the will of Yah {God} be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For the anointed one {Christ} also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to Yah {God}, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of Yah {God} waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Yah {God},) by the resurrection of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of Yah {God}; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (KJV, adjusted)
Again, some enormously challenging verses.
We are advised to follow after Yahooshua and to suffer for doing good, no matter how unjustly we are treated.
Wives are advised to submit to their husbands without a word, EVEN if their husbands treat them the way Yahooshua was treated when he was taken prisoner and put to death. So wives arguing with, questioning or judging their husbands is NOT an option.
We are all advised to submit to the authorities whether they are just or unjust. So, believers opposing the government of the day (other than democratically), or condemning the government of the day or leading protest marches or "freedom fighters" does not fit.
There is a big component embedded in all of this which relates simply to UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Unconditional love to wife, to husband, to neighbours, to enemies - there are NO EXCUSES, NO explanations, NO justifications ONLY LOVE!
Summed up by Yahooshua's words on the stake {cross} "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"
Luke 23:33-34 "33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they executed him on a stake {crucified him}, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus}, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (KJV, adjusted)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 defines charity or covenant love (Greek agape, Hebrew chesed):
"1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (KJV)
In many respects, verses 4 to 7 summarise much of what has been presented above.
Much of this may seem simple, one may even pay "lip service" to many of these principles.
However, in my own experience, i very seldom manage to walk in much of this for very long and it increasingly seems apparent that most believers experience the same difficulty.
This becomes particularly apparent when one chooses to walk in the difficult truths that not many people are talking about AND then finds oneself being attacked verbally and spiritually.
Fundamentally, it seems that the essence of this message is about really understanding WHY those who sit on thrones for eternity are referred to as "overcomers". Grasping what that means in one's own life. At least at some basic level. And then choosing to live life that way anyway - which means first and foremost praying prayers like:
"Father please show me the level of my present deception and help me to change".
"Father please judge me severely and correct me ruthlessly so that i may serve you more perfectly".
"Father please bring the people you want into my life and take the people you don't want in my life out".
"Father please open the doors that you want opened in my life that no man or spirit can close and close the doors that you want closed in my life that no man or spirit can open".
"Father please help me to lead a life that is pleasing to you in every way, every day".
"Father please guide me by your Spirit in every possible way every micro-second of every day".
Another very important prayer - based on Galatians 2:20 "Father please let me be put to death with Yahooshua; nevertheless let me live; yet not i, but let the anointing of your set apart Spirit live in me: and the life which i now live in the flesh let me live by the faith of Yahooshua who loved me, and gave himself for me." (based on the KJV)
Galatians 2:20 reads "I am put to death {crucified} with the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua}: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua} liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of Yah {God}, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV, adjusted)
and then:
PRAYING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to pray.
DOING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to do, no matter how uncomfortable, how unconventional, how much you don't want to do it, how much it offends you or hurts you or upsets your friends or your family or your wife or ...
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight:" (KJV)
Proverbs 3:5-8
"5 Trust in Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (KJV, adjusted)
There is so much that we do not even begin to understand.
We cannot figure this out in our own understanding or based on what we see with our natural minds.
We can only accomplish anything of worth in this life if we choose to be TOTALLY led by the Spirit of the Almighty and do the best we can each day to hear His voice, be led by His Spirit, to seek His guiding hand, etc.
The more that we can come to a realisation that we can do NO GOOD THING in our own strength, the more we are likely to please Him and come to close relationship with Him. Consider Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (KJV)
There is much more that could be written, however, it is hoped that this gives some indication.
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.
12. JOYNER'S EXPERIENCE OF THE JUDGMENT
Starting on page 84, Joyner reports a series of visions in which he is taken into the Hall of Judgment in Heaven and experiences judgment of himself.
This experience includes meetings with people who have already died and been judged. In his conversations with these people he learns much about the Judgment and how life on earth is viewed very differently by the Almighty relative to how men view it.
Insofar as the Day of Judgment is still to come, it is my understanding that these visions were all visions and that Joyner did not actually meet with the people concerned. It is my understanding that, at this time, only Yahooshua has been resurrected and all other souls are in places of waiting pending the Day of Judgment when all the dead will be resurrected.
I understand this to relate to Luke 23:43 "And Yahooshua {Jesus} said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (KJV) This indicates that the criminal who came to repentance on the stake, would meet Yahooshua in paradise. However, Yahooshua thereafter went to preach to the spirits in prison, refer 1 Peter 3:19 cited above and was then resurrected. It is my understanding that the criminal who repented is still in Paradise today, together with all others who qualify for that position, and they are awaiting the Day of Judgment.
Notwithstanding that the Judgment has yet to occur, i am certain that Joyner DID experience the visions he describes and that most, but not all, of what is reported in "The Final Quest" IS from the Almighty and is for our edification, instruction and guidance.
Joyner describes the Judgment experience commencing at the outer reaches of the outer darkness until he eventually reaches the throne and subsequently is permitted to have conversations with certain people who are sitting on thrones.
I understand this data to be enormously important for anyone who aspires to spend eternity in heaven.
THE OUTER DARKNESS
In the vision, Joyner enters into the Judgment Hall through a door. As the door closes behind him, he finds himself in "the most frightening darkness I had ever experienced" 84 (5). He describes a "terrible battle with fear" and even states that he began to think that he had "stepped into hell itself".
I understand this to be "the outer darkness" referred to in various passages above.
It seems, that there is a place in HEAVEN which is frightening!
It seems from the references in Matthew 8:12; 22:13 and 25:30 that believers can be placed there.
In this location Joyner does not report meeting anyone or having any conversations. This does not mean there were not people there, simply that it was so dark that he may not have met anyone who might have been there and might not have been able to receive what they might have had to say. This is my speculation.
After entering into the outer darkness, Joyner reports that he cried out for forgiveness and for help and then started to see Yahooshua on the stake as a light in the distance and started to move toward it. As he did so he began to experience peace.
As he moved forward he describes no longer feeling "cold", then starting to see a "dim light" which gradually became a "glorious light" which then "became so wonderful that i felt that i was entering into heaven itself".
In 85 (3) Joyner describes how he soon reached a point where "the beauty of it could not even be imagined by any reference to human architecture" he reports that he was "overwhelmed with joy and beauty".
Heaven truly IS exceedingly beautiful and there IS joy to be experienced there.
Also in 85 (3) Joyner reports that he then understood that every time that he had "experienced great pain or darkness of soul, it had been followed by a much greater revelation of glory and peace".
It is perhaps helpful for some who have had experiences of pain or darkness of soul to see that such experiences may well also have had similar benefits.
In 85 (4) and 86 (1) Joyner reports a "holy fear" as he moved towards the judgment seat but that he also experienced the judgment seat as a "source of more security than i ever experienced".
THE FOOLISH VIRGINS
In 86 (3) Joyner describes noticing enormous numbers of people standing in ranks. He describes them as "dazzling, more regal than anyone I had ever seen. Their countenance was captivating. Never had such peace and confidence graced a human face. Each one was beautiful beyond any earthly comparison."
Joyner enters into conversation with one of these people who informs him that they are "the great cloud of witnesses" and that they "know all of you, and we see all that you do."
This information, in its own right, is sobering. This great cloud of witnesses are, in some way, able to observe all that we are doing. In addition to the Almighty they are seeing what we do or do not do. They see what we do in private, they see our arguments, etc.
On page 87 Joyner recognizes someone that he had known on earth and they enter into conversation. In 87 (3) this man states that "Heaven is much greater than we could have dreamed while on earth" and states that the room where Joyner finds himself is "but the threshold of realms of glory that are far beyond the ability we had to comprehend".
Heaven IS clearly a desirable place to spend eternity.
This same man goes on to say "the second death is much more terrible than we understood". A sobering warning.
He says further "If I had known on earth what I know here I would not have lived the way that I did".
In 88 (2) the same man makes the point that there is "a marked difference between honouring one another in love, and worshiping them." He further states that if this was understood on earth we would treat "others very differently".
In 88 (4) this man advises Joyner that "we are the least of those here".
When Joyner questions this, the man continues in 89 (1) "There is an aristocracy of sorts here. The rewards for our earthly lives are the eternal positions that we will have forever. This great multitude are those whom Yahooshua {the Lord} called 'foolish virgins.'" He goes on to explain that the people in this group knew Yah the eternally self existing and trusted in the stake of Yahooshua for salvation, "but we did not really live for Him, but for ourselves. We did not keep our vessels filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. We have eternal life, but we wasted our lives on earth."
In 89 (3) Joyner protests in response that the "foolish virgins gnashed their teeth in the outer darkness" and in 89 (4) the man he is speaking to confirms that this was the case. He further states "The grief that we experienced when we understood how we had so wasted our lives was beyond any grief possible on earth."
The speaker further confirms that Joyner is standing "among the lowest rank in heaven" and states that "there is no greater folly than to know the great salvation of Yah {God} but to then go on living for yourself. To come here and learn the reality of that is a grief beyond what an earthly soul can experience."
In 89 (5) Joyner questions how this can be since he is experiencing these people as "more glorious and full of more joy and peace" that he imagined possible.
In 89 (6) the other man states that the love of the Almighty is also far greater than is understood on earth.
In 90 (3) the speaker describes further details of the continuum of "rank" in Heaven -- "The next level of rank here is many times greater than what we have. Each level after is that much greater than the previous one. It is not just that each level has an even more glorious spiritual body, but that each level is closer to the throne from where all the glory comes."
This is a confirmation of 1 Corinthians 15:37-44:
"37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38 But Yah {God} giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (KJV, adjusted)
In 91 (1) the person speaking to Joyner, quoted above, states that he is in Heaven "by grace alone".
Every time i read these above passages, i find myself IMMENSELY challenged in terms of how i am spending my life and find new energy to pray for my life to make an impact and to be led by the Almighty in everything.
In 91 (6) Joyner describes the grief that he experienced in looking back at his life. It seems to me that this is a challenge that everyone of us faces. IF we have eyes to see and ears to hear!
On 92 Joyner meets a man whom he had "esteemed as a great man of God" on earth, also in the place of the foolish virgins, and enters into a discussion. In this discussion various points are raised about discipling people on earth which are outside the scope of this document.
In 94 (1) this man states "Had I not been so self-centered and concerned with my own reputation I would be a king here. All that you [Joyner] have and will accomplish would have been in my heavenly account as well. Instead, much of what I gave my attention to was of very little true eternal significance."
This raises some really challenging points in support of statements made earlier in this document.
It also introduces a concept which, while touched on in the traditional writings, was not previously clear to me. It is a concept that occurs in a number of other passages in "The Final Quest". This concept is as follows:
- All that we do on earth results in debits and credits in our heavenly bank account, this is a reasonably well understood principle.
- All that OTHERS do in response to our influence on them is ALSO accumulated in our account.
So, if we influence others for good, through our teachings, example, whatever, not only do they obtain credit, we ALSO obtain credit. Thus we can continue to earn credit for centuries or even millennia after we die!
Conversely, if we influence others for evil the same applies.
It is my understanding that this is why we will ALL be Judged at the same time.
Thus, there is NOT only an opportunity to accrue credit after our deaths, there is ALSO an opportunity to accrue debits.
So, while we may live a life that is reasonably pleasing to the Father in this life, we can plant seeds that can result in destruction after our deaths which, it seems to me, can eventually cancel out the credits and overwhelm them with debits!
Conversely, we could live a reasonably ordinary life on earth and plant a few seeds that bear great fruit for later generations.
The accounting system for storing up treasure in Heaven is COMPLEX and it seems to me that the only way we can have any hope of a nett positive account balance on the Day of Judgment is to turn totally to the Almighty for mercy, grace and His guidance and judgment in our lives.
It looks to me that anything else is a form of gambling with one's life for eternity.
In 94 (2) Joyner states to the man that he is talking to that in his (Joyner's) opinion, what this man, who is amongst the foolish virgins, had accomplished during his life was "astounding".
In 94 (3) the man replies "What looks good on earth looks very different here. What will make you a king on earth will often be a stumbling block to keep you from being a king here. What will make you a king here is lowly and unesteemed on earth."
This supports the verses quoted earlier in this document. What is important to the Almighty is VERY different to what most of us have believed.
In 94 (5) he goes on to state that because we discern peoples problems correctly that is "never reason to reject someone". He refers to Yahooshua's life and death to support this.
In 95 (1) he states that he became like "one of the goats in the parable" because he rejected the Almighty by rejecting those whom the Almighty sent to him.
In 95 (2) Joyner observes that the "whole battle" is for the people and yet people are often regarded as "the least important". I find this a very sobering statement, one that i so easily loose sight of.
A "FAMOUS REFORMER" AMONGST THE FOOLISH VIRGINS
In 95 (4) another man joins the conversation. Joyner describes this man as one who Joyner had considered as "one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time".
This man goes on to say "Paul the apostle said near the end of his life that he was the least of the saints. Then, just before his death, he even called himself 'the greatest of sinners.' Had he not learned that in his life on earth, he, too, would have been in jeopardy of becoming one of the least of the saints in heaven. Because he learned it on earth he is now one of those closest to Yahooshua {the Lord} and will be one of the highest in rank for all eternity."
Such a vital lesson.
In 96 (1) Joyner states that "Seeing this man in the company of 'the foolish virgins' was the greatest surprise" he had yet had.
This man explains that he became proud and even became "an enemy of the true gospel" although, at the end, he trusted in the stake for his salvation.
In 97 (4) Joyner states that he was "stunned" since "history" had given a very "different picture" of this man.
In 97 (5) the speaker states that the Almighty "does have a different set of history books than those on the earth." He goes on to say that Joyner does not yet know "how different" these books are. He continues "Earthly histories will pass away, but the books that are kept here will last forever. If you can rejoice in what heaven is recording about your life, you are blessed indeed. Men see through a glass darkly, so their histories will always be clouded, and sometimes completely wrong."
In 97 (6) Joyner asks why many other leaders "esteemed" this man and the man replies that very few people, including believers, "have the true gift of discernment". In 98 (1) he explains that this "is why we were warned not to judge before the time".
He goes on to say that there have been "good motives in even the worst of men, and evil motives in even the best of them." He also says that on earth we "cannot really know what is in the heart of others".
It is really important that we learn not to judge others.
In 98 (3) Joyner is told that he is having the vision because he prayed for the Almighty to judge him "severely", to correct him "ruthlessly", so that he [Joyner] could serve the Almighty more "perfectly".
He also states that "the wise judge themselves" and the "even wiser ask for the judgments of the Almighty {the Lord} because they realise they cannot even judge themselves well".
In closing 98 (3) Joyner refers to this man as "the famous Reformer". There are not many men to whom this designation could apply and it therefore seems important to prayerfully consider who this might be and what impact the beliefs one may have about him and his work may have on one's life today.
The more we can come to terms with the reality that we do not have the capacity to really understand whether another person is acting in a way that is pleasing to the Almighty or not, the more we may be able to stop judging others and trust the Almighty to lead us.
The wife of the abovementioned man then speaks to Joyner and, in 99 (2) makes the following statement. You can reform the church without reforming your own soul. You can dictate the course of history, and yet not do the Father's will, or glorify His Son. If you commit yourself to making human history, you may do it, but it is a fleeting accomplishment that will evaporate like a wisp of smoke."
In 99 (3) Joyner questions this statement "But your husband's work, or your work, greatly impacted every generation after him for good. It is hard to imagine how dark the world would have been without him".
She replies "True. But you can gain the whole world and still lose your own soul. Only if you keep your own soul pure can you impact the world for the truly lasting eternal purposes of Yah {God}."
There is considerably more jarring information about this man and his wife contained in this section of "The Final Quest" that warrants reading.
In 100 (2) Joyner reports that he realised that much of what he was doing he was doing to "promote" himself rather than the Almighty and His Kingdom. He also states that he began to see how much he did to "prove myself to others, especially those who disliked me, who rejected me, or who I felt in competition with in some way". He refers to seeing that much of his life was "built on the facades of a projected image that belied who I really was".
The important point here is not Joyners judgment of himself, but to what extent his judgment of himself may be almost universally applicable to men on earth today!
In 101 (3) the "famous Reformer" states "Do not try to teach others to do what you, yourself, are not doing. Reformation is not just a doctrine." He goes on to say that "true reformation" only comes from union with the Almighty and from being "yoked" with the anointing of the Spirit of Yah and carrying "the burdens that He gives you."
He goes on to say that "You can only do His work when you are doing it with Him, not just for Him. Only the Spirit can beget that which is Spirit."
The "famous Reformer" further states that "the things that are done in an effort to make history will at best confine your accomplishments to history, and you will fail to impact eternity. If you do not live what you preach to others you disqualify yourself from the high calling ..."
The need to apply what one teaches in one's own life on a daily basis seems to me to be an ENORMOUS point and an enormous challenge. It is relatively easy to read a text and obtain revelation, or to obtain revelation in prayer - to APPLY it ...!
In 102 (1) it is stated that "the high calling is not out of reach for anyone that the Almighty {the Lord} has called." It is also stated that love for the Almighty alone and seeking His glory alone is what will keep one "on the path of life".
It is further stated in 102 (1) that "Everything you do to exalt yourself will one day bring you the most terrible humiliation." while everything that one does "out of true love" for the Almighty, "to glorify His name, will extend the limits of His eternal kingdom and ultimately result in a much higher place for yourself. Live for what is recorded here. Care nothing for what is recorded on earth."
In 103 (4), in a conversation with the wife of the "famous reformer" it is stated that "All of the relationships that you have on earth are continued here, and they are all purified by the judgment, and by the fact that they are now spiritual just as we are now spirit."
This is a really important point. At one level it seems obvious, at another level i wonder how many of us really think about this in our relationships with others.
Firstly, what will it be like for a husband and wife if one is on a high throne and the other is in the outer darkness? Particularly when the dross of this world has been burned off by the judgment and they then discover that they deeply love one another.
This seems really critical in the context of the indication that so few people will currently make it into heaven if judged today. What will it be like for a husband and wife if one is in heaven and one in the lake of fire for eternity? What about other relationships? What if a man has committed adultery with another man's wife, fallen deeply in love with her and come to repentance while she has continued in her sin? Will he still experience his deep love for her even if she is burning in the lake of fire and he is in heaven? Or vice versa?
The Almighty has indicated to me that this is indeed so.
What about family members and friends we could have interceded for more effectively, witnessed to more constructively, ...?
Consider Luke 16:22-26:
"22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence." (KJV)
Those in hell can speak to those in heaven or paradise AND ask for help and those in heaven can reply but CANNOT help!
What is it going to be like to be in the one place and see others one knew, liked, loved in the other place - whichever way round it works out for you?
What do you choose to do about this?
THE PURE TRUTH SPOKEN IN PURE LOVE
In 104 (3) it is stated that "The pure truth spoken in pure love, will always attract."
It seems to me that this is a very important principle in how one shares these truths with others, particularly when one is concerned that another is in sin and one hopes to bring them to repentance. It seems to me that pure truth spoken in pure love has an order of magnitude greater probability of being received.
How to get there?
How to deal with one's own hurts, pain, drivenness, fear of rejection, memories of past arguments or encounters, ...?
A great challenge but part of the challenge of seeking to be transformed to become like Yahooshua as the pattern, or way or example that we have been given.
In this age, i have found it really important to come to terms with just how far i am from being like Yahooshua and therefore just how difficult that makes it for me to communicate with others in a way they can receive.
In recent years i have done much work in dealing with childhood hurts and beliefs, using psychological tools and practices, including those taught by the "Life Training Programme". I have found that the depth of these childhood hurts and beliefs about myself and others have had a massive impact on my ability to communicate effectively with others.
I have learned that i have been sending out all sorts of unconscious messages about myself and about others that have seriously detrimented my ability to communicate effectively with them. I have come to understand that these hurts and beliefs in some form or another are present in every human being on earth today and that they contribute in large measure to the extent to which so many relationships, including marriages, are dysfunctional.
PAIN IS GOOD
Also in 104 (3) it is stated, also by the wife of the reformer, that "Pain is good; it shows you where there is a problem. Do not try to reduce the pain until you find the problem. Yah's {God's} truth often brings pain as it highlights a problem that we have, but His truth will always show us the way to freedom, too. When you know this you will even begin to rejoice in your trials, which are all allowed to keep you on the path of life."
RELATIONSHIPS ARE FOR GIVING
In 105 (5) the wife of the "famous reformer" states that "As your mind is renewed by the Spirit of Truth, you will not see relationships as an opportunity to get from others, but to give. Giving provides the greatest fulfillment that we can ever know. The most wonderful human relationships are but a fleeting glimpse of the ecstasy that comes when we give ourselves to Yah {the Lord} in pure worship."
She continues "True love never seeks to be first, or to be in control, but rather the place of service. If my husband and I had kept this in our marriage, we would be sitting next to the King now, and this great hall would be filled with many more souls."
The pages prior to this statement contain some shocking information about how a dysfunctional marriage in the life of someone with a high calling detrimentally impacted the lives of every generation thereafter AND detrimentally impacted their own eternal destiny.
There is a big lesson here for every marriage.
LEARN ON EARTH
In 106 (6) another person states that everything that Joyner was learning in the vision had been given to him on earth. I understand this to apply to every one of us. he is told that "Every relationship, every encounter with another person, could teach you what you are learning here if you will keep that cloak of humility on, and learn to always keep your attention fixed on His glory."
The speaker turns out to be a man who had had "a great ministry". This man reports that he became very proud near the end of his life and started to touch the Almighty's anointed and to do His prophets harm. That he and his followers looked for faults in other ministries and exposed them.
In 108 (2) this man states that he became "the worst thing that a man can become on the earth -- a stumbling block who produced other stumbling blocks. We sowed fear and division throughout the church, all in the name of protecting the truth. In my self-righteousness I was headed for perdition. In His great mercy the Almighty {the Lord} allowed me to be struck by a disease that would bring about a slow and humiliating death. Just before I died I came to my senses and repented."
There is an opportunity to change sides right up to the last minute. If you are near the end of your life and experiencing severe illness, it might be really important to check out what the Almighty may be wanting you to learn before it is too late.
In 109 (3) this man states "And we always comforted ourselves by actually thinking that we were doing Yah {God} a favour when we attacked His own children". He goes on to refer to "the worst judgment of all -- the judgment of the stumbling blocks" he also states that those who are doing these things are "doing the work of the Accuser [Satan]".
In 108 (6) and 109 (1) it is indicated that simply allowing people to talk about the errors of another congregation, or asking people to pray for a congregation that is considered to be in error and similar actions are all part of the sin of being a stumbling block. I understand this to relate to judging others and then encouraging others to judge them as well by speaking about their perceived or actual sin to others.
The truth is we are not competent to judge and frequently when we do judge we are judging based on our own pride, error, self righteousness, etc. It is better to notice, move on and pray in one's heart that the will of the Almighty will be done in a particular situation. Don't discuss it and certainly do not tell others about it or issue emails to large numbers of people or publish articles, etc condemning others, no matter how "politely" or "nicely" or "gently" or "lovingly" or ... one thinks one is doing it.
Still in the place of the foolish virgins, Joyner meets a "famous writer" who confesses that, while his writings are widely esteemed in the church, they are "shallow, and filled more with worldly wisdom than divine truth".
This man goes on to state that he had "failed the King of Kings", that he had used his gifts to "draw men more to myself and my wisdom" than to the Almighty, that he "hardly knew" the Holy Spirit, that he did not point men to Yahooshua and the Almighty but to himself and "others like" him. He states that his mind was his "idol".
In 113 (3) this same man states that he buried his talents beneath his "own spiritual pride and ambitions".
He states further that "The more authority you are given, the more potential for both good and evil you will have. Those who will rule with Him for the ages will know responsibility of the most profound kind. No man stands alone, and every human failure, or victory, resonates far beyond our comprehension, even to generations to come."
In 113 (5) this man states "Had I sought Yah {the Lord} instead of knowledge about Him, many thousands who I could have led successfully would have resulted in many more millions being here now." He goes on to say "Never seek influence for yourself, but only seek the Almighty {the Lord} and be willing to take His yoke. My influence did not feed your heart, but rather your pride in knowledge."
In 113 (3) he concludes by saying "Study to show yourself approved unto Yah {God}, not men."
I constantly see this as an enormous challenge, it is so easy to want to be approved by other human beings and lose sight of the approval of the Almighty.
This is particularly so as a consequence of the fallen state of the world. That which is esteemed by the Almighty is generally ridiculed or rejected by mankind in this age. It requires real commitment to seek to please the Almighty!
SUMMING UP - THE FOOLISH VIRGINS
In 114 (4) Joyner reports "In this first multitude I saw many other men and women of Yah {God} from both my own time and history. I stopped and talked to many more. I was continually shocked that so many whom I expected to be in the highest positions were in the lowest rank of the kingdom. Many shared the same basic story -- they had all fallen to the deadly sin of pride after their great victories, or fallen to jealousy when other men were anointed as much as they were. Others had fallen to lust, discouragement or bitterness near the end of their lives and had to be taken before they crossed the line into perdition. They all gave me the same warning: the higher the spiritual authority that you walk in, the further you can fall if you are without love and humility."
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