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Final Quest #1
The Final Quest by Rick Joyner
Rick Joyner relates the contents of a trance that he says was given to him by God over the period of one year, detailing events in the last days.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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About the author
Rick Joyner
234 books189 followersRick Joyner is the founder and executive director of MorningStar Ministries and Heritage International Ministries and is the Senior Pastor of MorningStar Fellowship Church. He is the author of more than forty books, including The Final Quest, A Prophetic History, and Church History. He is also the president of The Oak Initiative, an interdenominational movement that is mobilizing thousands of Christians to be engaged in the great issues of our times, being the salt and light that they are called to be. Rick and his wife, Julie, have five children: Anna, Aaryn, Amber, Ben, and Sam.
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May 18, 2009
I don't even know where to start with this one. If it was a story, I'd say it was fine. The writing is sort of elementary and the author does tend to drone on, but it's not a bad romp for the middle school set. If it was an allegory, I'd say it was pretty typical, but that some of the theology was problematic. But Rick Joyner says this is a vision given to him while he was in a trance state at the highest level of prophetic revelation, like John experienced on the island of Patmos. These are not Rick Joyner's thoughts, but God's. And that...I have a hard time swallowing.
It's not that I don't believe in visions. I do. I don't think I've ever had one, but I believe they occur. God still speaks, miracles still happen, spiritual gifts are still active in the church--I believe all of that. But when you've studied as many medieval morality plays as I have, and when you've cut your teeth on the illustrated version of The Pilgrim's Progress, you notice the earmarks of allegory. The Final Quest felt no different to me than any of the man-made religious fictions I've read (less well-written and creative than some, actually), and as this story is supposedly being presented by God, I would have expected better. That sounds crass, but it's true. That doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile. I love allegories. I always have. But The Final Quest purports to be something better than a mere story, and I just don't see any evidence to support that claim.
There was nothing in the Final Quest that was beyond the scope of a human imagination. As I said, it was typical fare for religious allegory. There was a battle between good and evil, a mountain of glory the hero (Joyner) had to climb in order to learn enough to defeat the rebel host, countless conversations with Jesus, talking eagles, dead saints and angels, a beautiful treasure room and a glorious throne room. Nothing that would throw the average fantasy reader for a loop. For an allegory, it was a little more disgusting than many recent works in the same genre, what with all the condemnation vomit being spewed down by vultures of depression and the myriad mentions of demons urinating and defecating their slime on Christians. Don't read this while eating. Seriously. But by medieval morality play standards, it was pretty tame. Medieval playwrights were dirty in a way you wouldn't expect. In any case, it was more coarse than any vision I've read of in the Bible. Now, I realize that doesn't make The Final Quest not a vision, but I think it's always good practice to compare the questionable with what you know to be true. The story struck me as very dude-ly, with all the emphasis on bodily fluids and violence. The first part reads like the creative work of a seventh grade boy. It got my husband's attention, anyway. :)
Another reason why The Final Quest seems to me a bit out of character for a true vision is how well explained everything was. All the parts of the story were expounded upon at length. The demonic arrows had a name (I forget what it was), the snakes entangling the prisoners were snakes of Shame, all the different levels of the mountain corresponded to spiritual truths, the eagles were prophets, and on and on. Every detail was a symbol and every symbol was explained. You know. Just like in an allegory. In the story, Jesus too was quite loquacious and exact in his dialog with Joyner. He answered all of Joyner's questions at (great) length and sermonized about all kinds of things. This struck me as odd, because one of the things I've noticed in my wrestling with the Bible is that every truth is not handed to us on a silver plate. Some of it is clear, but a lot of it you need to contend for. And I've complained often to my husband as to why the Bible isn't more obvious. So many Christians disagree on so many different points of doctrine for very good reasons with biblical support all around, and I didn't see why this is necessary. Why couldn't God just set out Christian doctrine like a textbook with numbered points and subpoints? Why do we have to work for it? Well, Joyner's Jesus in The Final Quest is rectifying this issue. He states what he wants the church to know quite plainly and with no equivocation. He doesn't speak much like Bible Jesus at all. Final Quest Jesus is quite didactic and obvious with his meaning, while Bible Jesus spoke mainly in symbols and parables, even in Revelations with the letters to the churches. It's almost as if Jesus gave up on the church ever figuring out what He really wanted to say, so He decided to make it easy for us. It's one of those things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
That said, there's a lot of solid teaching going on in The Final Quest. It speaks of love and humility and the necessity of the cross. Very good stuff. I don't want to miss highlighting that. The vast majority of what is taught in The Final Quest is biblical. But there are also a few instances of bad theology that crop up, especially near the end of the narrative. For one thing, Joyner portrays heaven as a hierarchy. It is ruled by an aristocracy, and your rank depends on how well you lived for God when you were on earth. Joyner spent a lot of time talking to people on the outer fringes of heaven--The Foolish Virgins--who got into heaven by the skin of their teeth and were cast out into utter darkness because of how they had failed God. However, all that weeping and gnashing of teeth is in the past now and they are content to stand in the outer limits of God's glory. It was of interest to me that some of Joyner's enemies were in this group. Heh. I love fictional revenge. Now, I don't know how heaven is going to operate. There may well be a ranking system, although the parable of the vineyard workers seems to point away from that. The way Joyner describes it, though, seems like a very wordly meritocracy. While the lowly people are content to be lowly and relatively far from the throne, it's hard for me to envision unity in heaven if it is so rigorously hierarchical. It doesn't seem in character with who God is or how heaven is described in the Bible. It strikes me as an entirely human conception. On top of that, there are many thrones in heaven alongside or along with Jesus' throne, and the saints that sit on these thrones are given charge over galaxies and cities. That's just weird. What do the galaxy rulers do all day? "Star, go there. Planet, spin. Now, spin faster. Comets, collide." Strange job. The city rulers thing gives credence to the idea of patron saints, which I don't think is biblical.
Another problem I have with the theology is that The Final Quest propagates the idea of a great endtime revival and restoration. Joyner writes that the church in the last days will do great signs and wonders which will amaze all the people and confound the demonic horde. The church will be elevated and take its rightful place in the world. But everything in the Bible points to the endtimes being not so much fun. I don't get it.
More crucially, Joyner's conversation in the book with dead apostle Paul is very worrying. Paul tells Joyner that the church has misconstrued his epistles because it takes them as foundational texts. They are not foundational. Only Jesus' words are foundational. Paul's writings are to be viewed in light of what Jesus said, not the other way around. I don't really know what Joyner's trying to get at here, but I wonder if he mightn't be a bit confused. Jesus did not physically write any of the books of the Bible. In the gospels, His words are related by others. Just as in the epistles, the words of God are related by the New Testament writers. There's no difference. All scripture is God-breathed. Theoretically, Jesus had as much to do with writing Ephesians as He did Matthew, so I don't know where Joyner is coming from on this. Aside from that, while the Bible is clear that Jesus is the cornerstone, it is equally clear that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. So Paul's epistles are foundational, as are Isaiah's prophecies and the Pentateuch. I could just chalk this up to a mistake on Joyner's part--I mean, we all err theologically on some point, right?--but this isn't supposed to be Joyner's own understanding. These are the words Joyner reportedly received directly from dead apostle Paul. That is troubling. And creepy.
The Final Quest is really a mixed bag for me. I think a Christian could glean a lot from it (Joyner even encourages readers to separate the wheat from the chaff) but its being touted as a prophetic revelation direct from God makes it quite the quagmire for the undiscerning. Proceed with caution.
It's not that I don't believe in visions. I do. I don't think I've ever had one, but I believe they occur. God still speaks, miracles still happen, spiritual gifts are still active in the church--I believe all of that. But when you've studied as many medieval morality plays as I have, and when you've cut your teeth on the illustrated version of The Pilgrim's Progress, you notice the earmarks of allegory. The Final Quest felt no different to me than any of the man-made religious fictions I've read (less well-written and creative than some, actually), and as this story is supposedly being presented by God, I would have expected better. That sounds crass, but it's true. That doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile. I love allegories. I always have. But The Final Quest purports to be something better than a mere story, and I just don't see any evidence to support that claim.
There was nothing in the Final Quest that was beyond the scope of a human imagination. As I said, it was typical fare for religious allegory. There was a battle between good and evil, a mountain of glory the hero (Joyner) had to climb in order to learn enough to defeat the rebel host, countless conversations with Jesus, talking eagles, dead saints and angels, a beautiful treasure room and a glorious throne room. Nothing that would throw the average fantasy reader for a loop. For an allegory, it was a little more disgusting than many recent works in the same genre, what with all the condemnation vomit being spewed down by vultures of depression and the myriad mentions of demons urinating and defecating their slime on Christians. Don't read this while eating. Seriously. But by medieval morality play standards, it was pretty tame. Medieval playwrights were dirty in a way you wouldn't expect. In any case, it was more coarse than any vision I've read of in the Bible. Now, I realize that doesn't make The Final Quest not a vision, but I think it's always good practice to compare the questionable with what you know to be true. The story struck me as very dude-ly, with all the emphasis on bodily fluids and violence. The first part reads like the creative work of a seventh grade boy. It got my husband's attention, anyway. :)
Another reason why The Final Quest seems to me a bit out of character for a true vision is how well explained everything was. All the parts of the story were expounded upon at length. The demonic arrows had a name (I forget what it was), the snakes entangling the prisoners were snakes of Shame, all the different levels of the mountain corresponded to spiritual truths, the eagles were prophets, and on and on. Every detail was a symbol and every symbol was explained. You know. Just like in an allegory. In the story, Jesus too was quite loquacious and exact in his dialog with Joyner. He answered all of Joyner's questions at (great) length and sermonized about all kinds of things. This struck me as odd, because one of the things I've noticed in my wrestling with the Bible is that every truth is not handed to us on a silver plate. Some of it is clear, but a lot of it you need to contend for. And I've complained often to my husband as to why the Bible isn't more obvious. So many Christians disagree on so many different points of doctrine for very good reasons with biblical support all around, and I didn't see why this is necessary. Why couldn't God just set out Christian doctrine like a textbook with numbered points and subpoints? Why do we have to work for it? Well, Joyner's Jesus in The Final Quest is rectifying this issue. He states what he wants the church to know quite plainly and with no equivocation. He doesn't speak much like Bible Jesus at all. Final Quest Jesus is quite didactic and obvious with his meaning, while Bible Jesus spoke mainly in symbols and parables, even in Revelations with the letters to the churches. It's almost as if Jesus gave up on the church ever figuring out what He really wanted to say, so He decided to make it easy for us. It's one of those things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
That said, there's a lot of solid teaching going on in The Final Quest. It speaks of love and humility and the necessity of the cross. Very good stuff. I don't want to miss highlighting that. The vast majority of what is taught in The Final Quest is biblical. But there are also a few instances of bad theology that crop up, especially near the end of the narrative. For one thing, Joyner portrays heaven as a hierarchy. It is ruled by an aristocracy, and your rank depends on how well you lived for God when you were on earth. Joyner spent a lot of time talking to people on the outer fringes of heaven--The Foolish Virgins--who got into heaven by the skin of their teeth and were cast out into utter darkness because of how they had failed God. However, all that weeping and gnashing of teeth is in the past now and they are content to stand in the outer limits of God's glory. It was of interest to me that some of Joyner's enemies were in this group. Heh. I love fictional revenge. Now, I don't know how heaven is going to operate. There may well be a ranking system, although the parable of the vineyard workers seems to point away from that. The way Joyner describes it, though, seems like a very wordly meritocracy. While the lowly people are content to be lowly and relatively far from the throne, it's hard for me to envision unity in heaven if it is so rigorously hierarchical. It doesn't seem in character with who God is or how heaven is described in the Bible. It strikes me as an entirely human conception. On top of that, there are many thrones in heaven alongside or along with Jesus' throne, and the saints that sit on these thrones are given charge over galaxies and cities. That's just weird. What do the galaxy rulers do all day? "Star, go there. Planet, spin. Now, spin faster. Comets, collide." Strange job. The city rulers thing gives credence to the idea of patron saints, which I don't think is biblical.
Another problem I have with the theology is that The Final Quest propagates the idea of a great endtime revival and restoration. Joyner writes that the church in the last days will do great signs and wonders which will amaze all the people and confound the demonic horde. The church will be elevated and take its rightful place in the world. But everything in the Bible points to the endtimes being not so much fun. I don't get it.
More crucially, Joyner's conversation in the book with dead apostle Paul is very worrying. Paul tells Joyner that the church has misconstrued his epistles because it takes them as foundational texts. They are not foundational. Only Jesus' words are foundational. Paul's writings are to be viewed in light of what Jesus said, not the other way around. I don't really know what Joyner's trying to get at here, but I wonder if he mightn't be a bit confused. Jesus did not physically write any of the books of the Bible. In the gospels, His words are related by others. Just as in the epistles, the words of God are related by the New Testament writers. There's no difference. All scripture is God-breathed. Theoretically, Jesus had as much to do with writing Ephesians as He did Matthew, so I don't know where Joyner is coming from on this. Aside from that, while the Bible is clear that Jesus is the cornerstone, it is equally clear that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. So Paul's epistles are foundational, as are Isaiah's prophecies and the Pentateuch. I could just chalk this up to a mistake on Joyner's part--I mean, we all err theologically on some point, right?--but this isn't supposed to be Joyner's own understanding. These are the words Joyner reportedly received directly from dead apostle Paul. That is troubling. And creepy.
The Final Quest is really a mixed bag for me. I think a Christian could glean a lot from it (Joyner even encourages readers to separate the wheat from the chaff) but its being touted as a prophetic revelation direct from God makes it quite the quagmire for the undiscerning. Proceed with caution.
February 26, 2010
One of the only books I can think of that has impacted my life and thinking as much as the Bible. Inspirational messages that I will remember the rest of my life, and which I reread often.
March 28, 2009
What can you say about a book that supposedly contains a vision from God? How do you write a critique of revelation? It might be like trying writing a review of the book of Revelations. If the words are Holy Spirit inspired, does one have the audacity or the foolishness to cast dispersions upon it? I would highly recommend to anyone commenting on a book such as this that they think really hard about what they say. The Bible says ‘woe unto him who calls evil good and good evil.’ I don’t know about you, but I’ve made a practice in my life of avoiding woe. Mr. Joyner claims he received the contents of this book in a series of visions that took place over about a year in duration. Thus the big question becomes, is it legit? We as believers need to discern between God’s word, man’s word, and Satan’s lies. It’s not always easy, because the flesh is weak and Satan is definitely ramping up his activities in the area of counterfeiting the supernatural.
Where do I start? How about with the reviews of the book on Amazon? Several one and two star reviews were written suggesting that Rick Joyner is a servant of the devil, deluded, and most heinous of all, doesn’t write well either. They warn that the book is dangerous. Ironically, one of the more salient aspects of the first part of the dreamlike adventure that the author goes through is doing battle against the enemy and discovering that many of the troops of the opposing army are deceived Christians. Do you see the dilemma here? Somebody is in error because they both can’t be right. Is Mr. Joyner representing God’s truth or are these reviewers being valiant defenders of the faith? The answer to that question is very critical. Besides the group of believers that are hoodwinked into fighting against God’s army in the belief they are fighting for Him are a group who just believe that they don’t need to fight. They believe that God is love, and all we need to do is just love, so they burn their draft notices. This is a different type of delusion, but is deception just the same. Personally, I’d really like to believe in a Pollyanna (or Beatles’ song) world where love is all you need. But I’ve been called to battle personally, and I recognize that the darkness is growing darker. The light is also growing more brilliant in response as the drumbeat is summoning the Christians soldiers onward. The two sides have clashed throughout the history of man. The final quest is at hand, according to this book.
Back to the quest - in between battles, the author is taken to Heaven and speaks with a few people there. Some were famous evangelists and authors who reside in the lower part of Heaven instead of the penthouse because they labored for their own glory while on the Earth. In some cases, God ended their lives early to prevent them from going all the way over to the dark side due to their pride. And in the places of highest honor, people that labored in anonymity for God with faithfulness and perseverance are found. One of these is a man who was homeless, what some would consider a bum. Ironically, my next book deals with the homeless, and the story of this man was a distinct revelation for me and an aid in deciding what to include in my book. I had to consider this a divine appointment for me to read this story at this time. Another concept that is super stressed is the importance of true humility. The author dons a cloak of humility which is a badge of honor among those in Heaven. A warning against false humility is issued, labeling it as another variety of self-centeredness. Pride is portrayed as the banner of a hidden army that the enemy uses to attack unsuspecting troops loyal to Jesus.
I have been on this humility bandwagon for a while now. I think God has been speaking to me about it. I’m reading a book by Andrew Murray on the topic. I’ve been trying to kill my flesh and ensure my motivation for any success is God centered. It’s a difficult task. This book points to centering your focus on Jesus, just like Peter did when he successfully walked on water for a few steps. We need to please Him and not the people around us, even those whom we love. And love leads to faith. From this book I’ve gained great insight into what the target should be. Self promotion, self-aggrandizement, and even self-esteem itself pale into insignificance at the comparison with the glory of God. Satan wants us to think about numero uno all the time. How else can we send out invitations to a pity party if we’re not focused on our puny little world and its inherent problems? Confucius said, “Man who wrapped up in self, makes very small package.” I’ve been guilty and still am. I’m trying to truly die to self, so that I might walk in God’s power and Spirit. That’s the kind of supernatural strength which is raising people from the dead and healing the blind and deaf. This book has given me a vision of what that is like. I highly recommend that you read it and with an open mind.
As to the detractors, what can you say about a review which portrays the author, who has just confessed being guilty to many things and extolls the virtue of humility and the danger of false humility, as being arrogant and falsely humble? My mom used to tell me, consider the source. The enemy is at work sowing lots of false teaching and doctrines and practices in our world today. It is confusing when Christians fight. However, Jesus said you will know them by their love. If any believer wants to criticize the writing or teaching of another, let him speak in love and not mockery, or I’m not going to listen. If the enemy is spreading false information (and that’s his specialty), will he not also attack the truth? Sometimes we fight battles that we don’t need to, similar to Don Quixote tilting with windmills. I truly believe that we are in the last days (many have thought that in the past and obviously they were wrong), and that means there will be a battle between God (good) and the devil (evil). Which side are you going to fight on? And remember, if Joyner’s vision is truly from God, not fighting will be the same as being on the enemy’s side. You might wonder how you can love and fight at the same time since those two activities seem to be contradictory. All I can say is – read the book, and you too will share the vision of that paradoxical position.
Where do I start? How about with the reviews of the book on Amazon? Several one and two star reviews were written suggesting that Rick Joyner is a servant of the devil, deluded, and most heinous of all, doesn’t write well either. They warn that the book is dangerous. Ironically, one of the more salient aspects of the first part of the dreamlike adventure that the author goes through is doing battle against the enemy and discovering that many of the troops of the opposing army are deceived Christians. Do you see the dilemma here? Somebody is in error because they both can’t be right. Is Mr. Joyner representing God’s truth or are these reviewers being valiant defenders of the faith? The answer to that question is very critical. Besides the group of believers that are hoodwinked into fighting against God’s army in the belief they are fighting for Him are a group who just believe that they don’t need to fight. They believe that God is love, and all we need to do is just love, so they burn their draft notices. This is a different type of delusion, but is deception just the same. Personally, I’d really like to believe in a Pollyanna (or Beatles’ song) world where love is all you need. But I’ve been called to battle personally, and I recognize that the darkness is growing darker. The light is also growing more brilliant in response as the drumbeat is summoning the Christians soldiers onward. The two sides have clashed throughout the history of man. The final quest is at hand, according to this book.
Back to the quest - in between battles, the author is taken to Heaven and speaks with a few people there. Some were famous evangelists and authors who reside in the lower part of Heaven instead of the penthouse because they labored for their own glory while on the Earth. In some cases, God ended their lives early to prevent them from going all the way over to the dark side due to their pride. And in the places of highest honor, people that labored in anonymity for God with faithfulness and perseverance are found. One of these is a man who was homeless, what some would consider a bum. Ironically, my next book deals with the homeless, and the story of this man was a distinct revelation for me and an aid in deciding what to include in my book. I had to consider this a divine appointment for me to read this story at this time. Another concept that is super stressed is the importance of true humility. The author dons a cloak of humility which is a badge of honor among those in Heaven. A warning against false humility is issued, labeling it as another variety of self-centeredness. Pride is portrayed as the banner of a hidden army that the enemy uses to attack unsuspecting troops loyal to Jesus.
I have been on this humility bandwagon for a while now. I think God has been speaking to me about it. I’m reading a book by Andrew Murray on the topic. I’ve been trying to kill my flesh and ensure my motivation for any success is God centered. It’s a difficult task. This book points to centering your focus on Jesus, just like Peter did when he successfully walked on water for a few steps. We need to please Him and not the people around us, even those whom we love. And love leads to faith. From this book I’ve gained great insight into what the target should be. Self promotion, self-aggrandizement, and even self-esteem itself pale into insignificance at the comparison with the glory of God. Satan wants us to think about numero uno all the time. How else can we send out invitations to a pity party if we’re not focused on our puny little world and its inherent problems? Confucius said, “Man who wrapped up in self, makes very small package.” I’ve been guilty and still am. I’m trying to truly die to self, so that I might walk in God’s power and Spirit. That’s the kind of supernatural strength which is raising people from the dead and healing the blind and deaf. This book has given me a vision of what that is like. I highly recommend that you read it and with an open mind.
As to the detractors, what can you say about a review which portrays the author, who has just confessed being guilty to many things and extolls the virtue of humility and the danger of false humility, as being arrogant and falsely humble? My mom used to tell me, consider the source. The enemy is at work sowing lots of false teaching and doctrines and practices in our world today. It is confusing when Christians fight. However, Jesus said you will know them by their love. If any believer wants to criticize the writing or teaching of another, let him speak in love and not mockery, or I’m not going to listen. If the enemy is spreading false information (and that’s his specialty), will he not also attack the truth? Sometimes we fight battles that we don’t need to, similar to Don Quixote tilting with windmills. I truly believe that we are in the last days (many have thought that in the past and obviously they were wrong), and that means there will be a battle between God (good) and the devil (evil). Which side are you going to fight on? And remember, if Joyner’s vision is truly from God, not fighting will be the same as being on the enemy’s side. You might wonder how you can love and fight at the same time since those two activities seem to be contradictory. All I can say is – read the book, and you too will share the vision of that paradoxical position.
February 21, 2019
One of the few times I've completely removed a previous review. Going back and realizing that a former favorite book of mine claims to be of a higher level of inspiration than the same Scripture it purports to support kind of kills any feelings I had for the book. It's disappointing, because a lot of the imagery of this stuck with me, and still does. I felt like the book really helped me at points in my life.
but regardless of past love, I still need to call out books in sheep's clothing when I see them.
but regardless of past love, I still need to call out books in sheep's clothing when I see them.
January 3, 2011
Wow, I mean what do you say about this book. I read this right when I was breaking with the Charismatic movement, in fact it actually served as a catalyst in doing so. The book is both full of doctrinal errors and is it written at a 5th grade reading level, which unfortunately makes it accessable to the average American. Here is a run down of the stuff that comes to mind right away as to what is wrong with this book:
1. There is a "civil war" in the church between the blues (Spirit filled guys like Joyner) and the grays (think gray matter, brains, RC Sproul) and the blues are the good guys. According to Joyner's vision everyone who is a "gray" has a demon on their back puking in their faces and defacating all over them. Meanwhile the "blues" are fighting valiantly against these foes with no help from the "grays." This is just idiotic, and is a false dilemma between being "spirit filled" and being a "thinker", God wants both, not just in the Church but in each individual.
2. Rick climbs this mountain in the quest which Rick blatantly represents as being different levels of Christianity and "spirit filled-ness". This is rather Gnostic, and we also note that the Gospel has little place here.
3. Rick of course is able to cruise through all of these levels and gets to heaven, here he meets the apostle Paul. Paul allegedly tells Rick that he is rather bothered that people put his writings on par with Jesus' words and wishes people would focus more on Jesus' words. Again, this is idiotic and heretical, Paul's words were Jesus words, he was His apostle.
More can be said but this is the blatant stuff I recall having read this thing almost 10 years ago now.
1. There is a "civil war" in the church between the blues (Spirit filled guys like Joyner) and the grays (think gray matter, brains, RC Sproul) and the blues are the good guys. According to Joyner's vision everyone who is a "gray" has a demon on their back puking in their faces and defacating all over them. Meanwhile the "blues" are fighting valiantly against these foes with no help from the "grays." This is just idiotic, and is a false dilemma between being "spirit filled" and being a "thinker", God wants both, not just in the Church but in each individual.
2. Rick climbs this mountain in the quest which Rick blatantly represents as being different levels of Christianity and "spirit filled-ness". This is rather Gnostic, and we also note that the Gospel has little place here.
3. Rick of course is able to cruise through all of these levels and gets to heaven, here he meets the apostle Paul. Paul allegedly tells Rick that he is rather bothered that people put his writings on par with Jesus' words and wishes people would focus more on Jesus' words. Again, this is idiotic and heretical, Paul's words were Jesus words, he was His apostle.
More can be said but this is the blatant stuff I recall having read this thing almost 10 years ago now.
March 21, 2008
This one book has had more influence on me than most others combined. I would recommend this to anyone who loves the Lord, and who wants to go deeper in the Lord. Rick Joyner paints amazing visuals that you will never forget. I've read this book a dozen or more times, and something different stands out every single time. Fabulous.
September 27, 2024
This is the type of prophecy the church needs to hear so bad. We are under such deception as Christian’s. We have to have a heart for the lost and desire for the truth. We have to hunger for relationship with Jesus. Make Jesus Lord of your life today. Acts 2:17, “and it shall be in the last days, says God, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall see dreams.”
August 9, 2013
I'll begin this review by stating that the most dangerous doctrine is that in which truth is mixed with error. This is certainly the case of this book.
Good things: it tells you to pursue humility, to value your brothers and sisters, to see the Christian life as a battle, and that the smallest doctrine has more riches than we can think of.
Cool, but I don't need a vision in order to know that. A faithful exposition of a few verses of the Bible will teach you all that, and more - all this done under the authority of the Word of God. Unlike this book. I'll explain:
I think that there are two major errors - deep, ugly, demonic errors - in this book. The first one is the attack on the Scripture, more specifically on the doctrine of Scripture's sufficiency. He clearly states this, whether he will accept this or not, by saying on the first pages that we need new revelations from God. Plus, he says that his revelations are not lesser than the revelations of those who were inspired to write the Canon (and it seems that he refers not only to Revelations, but to the Epistles and Gospels too, which is nonsensical). And despite his acknowledgement that he is not able to transcribe all that he has seen and heard with accuracy, he still writes the words of the Lord. And he says that that was the situation of the writers of the Canon too. Yeah, right. The book is full of this repulsive doctrine; it just makes one sick to dive into the implications of his statements.
The second one is his attack on rationality, on the use of reason. This is applicable to any false teacher: "Thou canst understand it, thou must avoid the use of your head," and so you will swallow every garbage that he throws into your brains. Just like the Apostles, huh, who commended the Bereans for searching the Scriptures and see that what they've been told lines up with the O.T. The clearest example of this is when Christ says to him that "Reason will always drive you do exactly the opposite of My will". This cannot be accepted.
He also rips off verses of the Bible and applies them to totally different contexts. In this, I applaud him: he clearly follows his principles; he does not use his brains.
Horrible. Read The Pilgrim's Progress instead. This is not useful.
Good things: it tells you to pursue humility, to value your brothers and sisters, to see the Christian life as a battle, and that the smallest doctrine has more riches than we can think of.
Cool, but I don't need a vision in order to know that. A faithful exposition of a few verses of the Bible will teach you all that, and more - all this done under the authority of the Word of God. Unlike this book. I'll explain:
I think that there are two major errors - deep, ugly, demonic errors - in this book. The first one is the attack on the Scripture, more specifically on the doctrine of Scripture's sufficiency. He clearly states this, whether he will accept this or not, by saying on the first pages that we need new revelations from God. Plus, he says that his revelations are not lesser than the revelations of those who were inspired to write the Canon (and it seems that he refers not only to Revelations, but to the Epistles and Gospels too, which is nonsensical). And despite his acknowledgement that he is not able to transcribe all that he has seen and heard with accuracy, he still writes the words of the Lord. And he says that that was the situation of the writers of the Canon too. Yeah, right. The book is full of this repulsive doctrine; it just makes one sick to dive into the implications of his statements.
The second one is his attack on rationality, on the use of reason. This is applicable to any false teacher: "Thou canst understand it, thou must avoid the use of your head," and so you will swallow every garbage that he throws into your brains. Just like the Apostles, huh, who commended the Bereans for searching the Scriptures and see that what they've been told lines up with the O.T. The clearest example of this is when Christ says to him that "Reason will always drive you do exactly the opposite of My will". This cannot be accepted.
He also rips off verses of the Bible and applies them to totally different contexts. In this, I applaud him: he clearly follows his principles; he does not use his brains.
Horrible. Read The Pilgrim's Progress instead. This is not useful.
August 12, 2014
An extraordinary book. As difficult to classify as it is to put down. While the opening sections read like an allegory—sharing a format similar to The Pilgrim's Progress and The Divine Comedy—overall Joyner’s vision feels more like the apocalypse of John the Beloved. Joyner assumes the reader is a Christian. His frequent references to the Bible and church history will make little sense to non-believers.
While this book shares the challenging tone of many apocalypses, it is not about End Times so much as the individual readers reaction to the person and message of Jesus Christ. Joyner uses himself in his “visions” as an Everyman representation of all believers. While he seems to allot himself the role as an exemplar of perfect endtime Christian, a close reading will note that he castigates himself at almost every turn for his failures.
Joyner’s vision of the Last Battle differs markedly from Revelation (and you know which one we should take as scripture), but the difference struck me as inconsequential as Joyner focused on the internal preparation of the Christian and church while Revelation focuses on the external conflict between the church and the world. Some will undoubtedly quibble about Joyner’s concerns about divisions and failure with the Church, but it certainly squares with what one sees happening in churches today.
A challenging book as relevant today as when it was written twenty years ago.
While this book shares the challenging tone of many apocalypses, it is not about End Times so much as the individual readers reaction to the person and message of Jesus Christ. Joyner uses himself in his “visions” as an Everyman representation of all believers. While he seems to allot himself the role as an exemplar of perfect endtime Christian, a close reading will note that he castigates himself at almost every turn for his failures.
Joyner’s vision of the Last Battle differs markedly from Revelation (and you know which one we should take as scripture), but the difference struck me as inconsequential as Joyner focused on the internal preparation of the Christian and church while Revelation focuses on the external conflict between the church and the world. Some will undoubtedly quibble about Joyner’s concerns about divisions and failure with the Church, but it certainly squares with what one sees happening in churches today.
A challenging book as relevant today as when it was written twenty years ago.
December 9, 2009
WOW! This book touched me deeply. I borrowed it from a friend and now I'm impatiently waiting for my copy to come in the mail so I can read it again.
June 8, 2009
I read this book about 12 years ago and then again, just recently. The pictures it created for me about heaven, God, His awesome love for us, the angels, the great cloud of witnessess, the spiritual battle the church is in.... will stay with me .... they are already changing the way I think about these things. God's Kingdom is absolutely amazing .... there is nothing boring about living for our great God ... He has hidden so many things for those that are hungry enough to go find them .... and He doesn't withhold any good gift from His children, especially the those that are seeking Him with all their heart, mind and soul.
April 18, 2016
It's hard to explain how I felt about this one. It told like an engaging, epic story, to be sure. The imagery was complex and vivid, and the flow was logical. It illustrated some valuable points about the common pitfalls of faith when the perception of it has been warped and perverted.
As a whole the book didn't seem to contradict Biblical concepts, or claim anything that sent up any red flags with me. Most of all, it lingered in my thoughts for weeks and months afterward, leaving the remnants of a slightly different perspective on something I, admittedly, can't quite comprehend. I definitely think it has it's value.
As a whole the book didn't seem to contradict Biblical concepts, or claim anything that sent up any red flags with me. Most of all, it lingered in my thoughts for weeks and months afterward, leaving the remnants of a slightly different perspective on something I, admittedly, can't quite comprehend. I definitely think it has it's value.
March 1, 2020
Ok I went into this book being very skeptical. But this book (whether or not it was a “vision”) was a total eye opener to what it means to lay treasures in heaven. And how it looks for “the first to be last and the last first” I think every Christian should read this book and gain a better understanding of how crucial it is to be heavenly minded here and now! It really rocked my world and has made me think about what I am doing now that is a sacrifice for the kingdom, which if we’re all honest is probably not much! But I am praying how to change that! I will prob be picking this book a few more times
January 24, 2020
One of my favorite Books of all time.
Many have criticised this book but all i can say is that, the bible says you shall know them by their fruits, and the fruits that this book bore in me are just to great: desire for more of God, wanting to know Him, appreciated the bible more, begun to pray to the Lord for Love and Humility "two things Jesus stressed on when He walked amongst men''. The is an endless list of fruits.
Many have criticised this book but all i can say is that, the bible says you shall know them by their fruits, and the fruits that this book bore in me are just to great: desire for more of God, wanting to know Him, appreciated the bible more, begun to pray to the Lord for Love and Humility "two things Jesus stressed on when He walked amongst men''. The is an endless list of fruits.
June 4, 2007
I read this about 10 years ago, and i remember it being so amazing. It's a vision Rick Joyner was given, an allegory of spiritual battle. It gave me glimpses of heaven that I will never forget. I'm not saying it's fabulous literature, he's pretty much just writing down what he saw, but there's a lot of wisdom in it. I'm re-reading it now.
January 31, 2012
I love good spiritual analogies or any good analogy for that matter. This book taught me so much. It took me a long time to read it because I had to read it slowly in order to absorb all that is was saying. Very dense.
March 10, 2018
This is a sobering and very thought provoking book. It leads a Christian to a closer walk with their Saviour and Judge who is the Source of all Wisdom. It is a book that all Believers should read and prayerfully consider.
November 3, 2014
A book that I come back to again and again. This book contains much-needed wisdom and revelation for the times that we are living in! Win a free copy in this Christmas giveaway - www.godlywomanhood.com
March 9, 2008
this book is entertaining and thought provoking
January 1, 2010
WOW!! This book is up there at the top for me. It really puts into perspective what is happening in this world and what will come to pass.
May 28, 2010
A book that gave me some insight in the symbolic/reality of the spiritual world. It somehow made life in Christ (in the life after earthly life) real. One of the five best books I have ever read.
December 10, 2010
When you think you have the spiritual world in your grasp, read this book and it will enlighten you as to what may be happening.
January 15, 2011
Probably my favorite book in the world. So much revelation came from this book and the truth in it. Want to read again.
September 25, 2014
If you are a believer of Christ, this book will blow your mind. The amount of precise revelation of Rick Joyner's visions are undoubtedly supernatural and divine.
November 16, 2014
Excellent
This is the most compelling book that's not the bible I have ever read. This book is for the church of today.
This is the most compelling book that's not the bible I have ever read. This book is for the church of today.
September 24, 2016
The Final Quest is a compelling read. This book is a must read for those wanting a deeper walk with the Lord.
January 2, 2024
My second read through. I read this first about 20 years ago. It's still as relevant today as it was then, even more so as I believe we are fast approaching the end of days. Good reminder of the verse in Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
October 16, 2025
yes, yes, yes, and YES. it's just 👏so👏good👏
March 23, 2024
كتاب جميل
يتحدث عن رؤية رآها الكاتب عن الايام الأخيرة أو المعركة الأخيرة التي يدعوه الرب للاشتراك فيها
يتحدث عن الصراع الروحية بين مملكة ابليس و ملكوت الله
و هذه الرؤيا تحتوي على صورة حية للمعركة التي تشنها جنود ابليس للقضاء على مملكة الله و ارواح شريرة تؤذي الناس
فيتحدث الكاتب عن الرؤيا و هو يتحرك خلال الجبل الذي تدور حوله المعركة و يحكي عن مقابلته مع اشخاص رحلوا من عالمنا
يتحدث عن رؤية رآها الكاتب عن الايام الأخيرة أو المعركة الأخيرة التي يدعوه الرب للاشتراك فيها
يتحدث عن الصراع الروحية بين مملكة ابليس و ملكوت الله
و هذه الرؤيا تحتوي على صورة حية للمعركة التي تشنها جنود ابليس للقضاء على مملكة الله و ارواح شريرة تؤذي الناس
فيتحدث الكاتب عن الرؤيا و هو يتحرك خلال الجبل الذي تدور حوله المعركة و يحكي عن مقابلته مع اشخاص رحلوا من عالمنا
May 7, 2012
Rick Joyner writes about his experiences with Jesus as he walks with Him like Enoch did. Jesus takes him into adventures that help the readers to know about the kingdom of God and how things work together for our good. You learn about the ranks and orders of hell's armies, the levels of going up the mountain with God and how to fight from each level against the enemies. There are weapons to be obtained on each level. Victories become clearer as you learn which weapons work and which ones do not in our fight against evil. Many common misconceptions are brought to light in his adventures with the LORD. One important lesson is not to drift away from our helper named "Wisdom". Another lesson is how to use hope as an arrow against the enemy by not shooting at the believer that is under attack. Lessons that are very valuable to the prayers we pray in our fight against evil. My favorite part is when the white eagles take flight and scare the enemies; scattering the hoards of demons in all directions to get away. I also enjoyed the stories about the overcomers that are already in heaven and the lessons they impart. This book is the first in a series of three that tie together the ins and outs of our walk with the LORD and our fight against evil for the souls of men. The next book in the series is called "The Call" and the third is "The Torch and the Sword." All three of these are valuable additions to the library of those interested in stirring up prophetic and seer giftings.
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