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Destined for the Throne
"I have seldom read anything more glorious in its thorough presentation of God's total purpose and destiny for the church-satisfying and demanding." Norman Grubb International Director, WEC A Fresh Edition of a Classic Call to Prayer With its message of God's love for His Bride and believers' triumph in Christ, Destined for the Throne has been a rousing call to prayer for thousands. God's eternal purpose, writes Paul Billheimer, has been the preparation and training of an eternal companion for His the Bride of Christ. This preparation takes place as believers engage in spiritual warfare, as they exercise believing prayer. God has chosen to work in the world through His children's prayers; Christians need prayer in order to practice for their heavenly destiny. Inspiring, challenging reading for all Christians serious about preparing for the Heavenly Bridegroom for those who are Destined for the Throne
139 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 30, 2020
Disappointed. Inferior to Billheimer’s later work, Don't Waste Your Sorrows: New Insight Into God's Eternal Purpose for Each Christian in the Midst of Life's Greatest Adversities. Most readers should skip this book and read it, especially as that book includes a summary of this material. Sadly, Billheimer’s scholarship here is lower, too.
His most controversial doctrine may be that “salvation is limited wholly and entirely by the intercession, or lack of it, of the Church.” He skirts theologically close to discounting both free will and the sovereignty of God.
He supports this doctrine with several examples, such as Paul’s Damascus road conversion, using logic like “We are not told specifically that the church was praying for Saul, its most deadly foe, but can anyone doubt that they were…?” Followed by the assertion, “It can hardly be doubted that the desperate intercession was made for him…” to “Can it be doubted…” to “If God, in answer to the prayers of the Church, could so reveal himself to Paul….” He starts with speculations, grows them to assumptions, then graduates to his being the only possible interpretation of the cited biblical passages.
The editor, Edwin Messerschidt, acknowledges the “unbiblical extremes” to which these teachings had been taken by some readers, but his attempt to “clarify the points found troublesome" falls short.
Despite his flaws, Billheimer makes a good argument that believers consist the Body of Christ, the Church, the Bride, and that we are living way below God’s plan for our purpose. He specifically touches on faith, prayer and praise as areas needing attention. Without being drawn into the heresy which others found troubling, the discerning reader will find much of value in these teachings.
Christians should read it carefully—even prayerfully—but read it. Non-Christians will find little of interest or use.
His most controversial doctrine may be that “salvation is limited wholly and entirely by the intercession, or lack of it, of the Church.” He skirts theologically close to discounting both free will and the sovereignty of God.
He supports this doctrine with several examples, such as Paul’s Damascus road conversion, using logic like “We are not told specifically that the church was praying for Saul, its most deadly foe, but can anyone doubt that they were…?” Followed by the assertion, “It can hardly be doubted that the desperate intercession was made for him…” to “Can it be doubted…” to “If God, in answer to the prayers of the Church, could so reveal himself to Paul….” He starts with speculations, grows them to assumptions, then graduates to his being the only possible interpretation of the cited biblical passages.
The editor, Edwin Messerschidt, acknowledges the “unbiblical extremes” to which these teachings had been taken by some readers, but his attempt to “clarify the points found troublesome" falls short.
Despite his flaws, Billheimer makes a good argument that believers consist the Body of Christ, the Church, the Bride, and that we are living way below God’s plan for our purpose. He specifically touches on faith, prayer and praise as areas needing attention. Without being drawn into the heresy which others found troubling, the discerning reader will find much of value in these teachings.
Christians should read it carefully—even prayerfully—but read it. Non-Christians will find little of interest or use.
December 2, 2014
I was given this book when I was a young Christian and I didn't get it then. Years later I picked it up again and was blown away.I don't read a lot of Christian books. I was discipled by someone who always said two things to me, "faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God" and "God doesn't need any foreign aid". Now I'm not going to quibble over the value of getting help with interpreting, etc. BUT, I want to know that I know, that I know. I don't spend a lot of time having someone tell me what the bible says. I want to know and find it for myself. It IS all there. Immersing myself in the word got me straight on EVERYTHING. That said Destined For the Throne is my favorite Christian book of all time. (Another great one is "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn)
Do we really contemplate enough what it means to be the bride of Christ. That we are meant to be co-rulers with Christ?
This book revolutionized my prayer life. It isn't oh well I guess we should pray!
PRAYER IS OUR ACCESS TO THE POWER OF GOD!
PRAYER IS STRIKING THE WINNING BLOW and service is picking up the pieces.
If we pray anything according to the will of God, He hears us. God doesn't will that anyone should perish. Can we pray with assurance for someone's salvation...The Holy Spirit can so woo a soul that it is easier to give in to God, than to continue in rebellion.
Do we really contemplate enough what it means to be the bride of Christ. That we are meant to be co-rulers with Christ?
This book revolutionized my prayer life. It isn't oh well I guess we should pray!
PRAYER IS OUR ACCESS TO THE POWER OF GOD!
PRAYER IS STRIKING THE WINNING BLOW and service is picking up the pieces.
If we pray anything according to the will of God, He hears us. God doesn't will that anyone should perish. Can we pray with assurance for someone's salvation...The Holy Spirit can so woo a soul that it is easier to give in to God, than to continue in rebellion.
October 22, 2018
This was not an easy book to get into and I notice that other reviewers question the theology of some of the arguments but overall I think the book is a real inspiration for prayer.
Three chapters were particularly helpful and thought provoking. The two that dealt with Jesus death on the cross and the terrible cost to him which brought authority to the Church and his incredible victory on the cross which demolished all the power of the enemy. If as Christians, we could only get hold of that truth, how much greater our lives would be living in the reality of Christ's victory rather than battling the enemy in 'guerilla warfare.'
The other really good chapter was on on the Mystery of Unanswered Prayer - much food for thought there.
This maybe an older book but it is nevertheless inspiring and encouraging and well worth a read.
I have just re-read this book and it was very inspiring the second time. The chapter on the Mystery of Unanswered Prayer was very encouraging.
Three chapters were particularly helpful and thought provoking. The two that dealt with Jesus death on the cross and the terrible cost to him which brought authority to the Church and his incredible victory on the cross which demolished all the power of the enemy. If as Christians, we could only get hold of that truth, how much greater our lives would be living in the reality of Christ's victory rather than battling the enemy in 'guerilla warfare.'
The other really good chapter was on on the Mystery of Unanswered Prayer - much food for thought there.
This maybe an older book but it is nevertheless inspiring and encouraging and well worth a read.
I have just re-read this book and it was very inspiring the second time. The chapter on the Mystery of Unanswered Prayer was very encouraging.
August 19, 2018
(Papa) Paul E. Billheimer b.s. written a short but fabulous book that explains why God has bound Himself from acting except in answer to prayer. The reason is He's giving the Church on-the-job training in overcoming the powers of darkness that have hold of so much of the world. He is also preparing the. Church for her kingdom status in heaven. The author has answered questions I've had, and also questions I didn't know to ask. This is a Christian classic that is bound to be a reference to turn to many times, and it will help the reader to answer the questions others have about the purposes of the Church and the necessity of prayer.
April 28, 2022
Interesting book, a little deep in places. A good reminder that God wants to involve us in what He is doing, and prayer is a good part of that. I especially appreciated the reminder of how praise is so important. I was reading that on a day I was in a bit of a funk.
November 27, 2016
"In spite of all her lamentable weaknesses, appalling failures, and indefensible shortcomings, the Church is the mightiest force for civilization and enlightened social consciousness in the world today." (Paul E. Billheimer, Destined for the Throne, Page 60)
I have read some other reviews here on Goodreads and the ones who give a low score to this book are so wrapped up and brainwashed by corrupt theology that they fail to see what the author is making an effort to convey in this book. He says this quote over and over throughout this book and I think this may be the mission of this book. It is, "prayer is where the action is" and "God does nothing but in answer to prayer".
The author is not saying that no one will be saved if we don't pray. He is saying that God moves through our prayers. Jesus said, "pray that workers be sent into the harvest field." (Matthew 9:38) Therefore, why doesn't God just send the workers without our need to pray for workers. It is because God has given management of the earth to man. We require to invite him into our affairs upon this earth. There is reference after reference, scripture after scripture to support this. Even in Proverbs it says, "commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed." If we try to do things on our own without consulting with God and giving him our plans, then we are sure to fail.
The chapter on praise is invaluable in this book. If this book does not get you motivated to pray and praise then I don't know what will.
Pray always.
I have read some other reviews here on Goodreads and the ones who give a low score to this book are so wrapped up and brainwashed by corrupt theology that they fail to see what the author is making an effort to convey in this book. He says this quote over and over throughout this book and I think this may be the mission of this book. It is, "prayer is where the action is" and "God does nothing but in answer to prayer".
The author is not saying that no one will be saved if we don't pray. He is saying that God moves through our prayers. Jesus said, "pray that workers be sent into the harvest field." (Matthew 9:38) Therefore, why doesn't God just send the workers without our need to pray for workers. It is because God has given management of the earth to man. We require to invite him into our affairs upon this earth. There is reference after reference, scripture after scripture to support this. Even in Proverbs it says, "commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed." If we try to do things on our own without consulting with God and giving him our plans, then we are sure to fail.
The chapter on praise is invaluable in this book. If this book does not get you motivated to pray and praise then I don't know what will.
Pray always.
December 1, 2025
There are definitely moments where Billheimer stretches a passage or reads a little more into a verse than I would, but honestly? This book still feels like something every believer should read if they want to understand the real weight and power of prayer. His idea of prayer being “on the job training” shows up again and again, and it stuck with me. This book shifted how I think about many aspects of prayer and added a whole new layer to how I see God’s love toward His people. Even with its flaws, it’s impactful, challenging, and worth the read.
June 27, 2012
The author has some incredible insights into the universal church, God's purpose for his church, the authority that has been given the church, and the dynamic of prayer. Billheimer has challenged me through this book to spend even more time in prayer than I have been doing, which was probably much more than the average believer.
August 10, 2017
While there are certainly statements made by the author that should compel the reader's careful contemplation, the work as a whole is deeply thoughtful and a powerfully convicting call to prayer that demands unclouded, honest introspection.
January 2, 2008
this book is helped me learn my role as a part of the church of Jesus. this is almost a manual on how to approach living a Christian life.
February 27, 2013
favorite author of my life readings. will change your life. if i had one book ...this would be it other than the Bible.
January 4, 2019
This is a book that every believer who seeks to have an impact in the world needs to read.
Read
July 8, 2024I own a signed copy of this book, it belonged to my grandmother, Paul Billheimer's sister.
I have nothing good to say about this book or its author.
He petrified me as a child, and I learned later that my instincts were correct.
Quoted by so many 'men and women of God' in their books, they would be surprised to know what a cruel man he was and how he and his wife lost contact with their 3 children who wanted nothing to do with their parents for good reason.
Paul and Jan Crouch bought the rights to all of his books and sent each living child a silver dollar.
How cruel is that?
They didn't respond. They wanted no contact.
We have letters between my mother and one of her cousins, but we prefer to protect that cousin since their parents did not.
Happy reading with all of his books... picture him beating his kids with a belt and then handing them the belt to beat him with you are reading and thinking of the throne
I have nothing good to say about this book or its author.
He petrified me as a child, and I learned later that my instincts were correct.
Quoted by so many 'men and women of God' in their books, they would be surprised to know what a cruel man he was and how he and his wife lost contact with their 3 children who wanted nothing to do with their parents for good reason.
Paul and Jan Crouch bought the rights to all of his books and sent each living child a silver dollar.
How cruel is that?
They didn't respond. They wanted no contact.
We have letters between my mother and one of her cousins, but we prefer to protect that cousin since their parents did not.
Happy reading with all of his books... picture him beating his kids with a belt and then handing them the belt to beat him with you are reading and thinking of the throne
August 2, 2022
This book is incredible!! My friend recommended and gave me this book, as a gift, along with a few other books that she gave me to read. I really like this book because it emphasizes the importance of prayer and why prayer is so important for the life of the Christian. This book speaks of prayer as a way of being, communicating, saying, and doing, as a Christian and believer in Christ. I highly recommend this book to read as it will change your perspective in how often you should pray, as a Christian, and how you can overcome obstacles if you are distracted from praying or prayer, in general. READ THIS BOOK TODAY!!
December 3, 2017
"Destined for the Throne: How Spiritual Warfare Prepares the Bride of Christ for Her Eternal Destiny", by Paul E. Billheimer, is a must-read for followers of Christ. A truly amazing book which gives clarity to the power and importance of prayer, as well as praise. I will read this again.
This book was a suggested reading from our church last summer.
This book was a suggested reading from our church last summer.
May 13, 2025
Such a theologically dense read but honestly one of the better books I’ve ever read. The way the author uses so much scripture but brings in so much of Gods heart is so cool. It also gives proper emphasis to the importance of prayer.
Super encouraging and has me really fired up to dive deeper into intercession.
Super encouraging and has me really fired up to dive deeper into intercession.
December 13, 2021
What a treasure. I have never understood Calvary and the price paid for us on the cross so much as what this book on the Bride of Christ explains. Many tears and convictions for a life of lukewarmness.
Time for us to live worthy of our calling as God's own.
Time for us to live worthy of our calling as God's own.
August 28, 2023
"A God who can take all "evil", even the mistakes and sins of a penitent child of God, and by the alchemy of His divine grace so transform them that they boomerang against Satan, enhance the character of the saint, and rebound to the glory of God, is worthy of unceasing praise!"
Paul E. Billheimer
Paul E. Billheimer
March 25, 2025
Excellent book. A study that comprises many relevant and intriguing topics to our faith and to better understand Christianity as a whole. The author also creates outstanding links and references to other writer who are considered to be great authorities on the matter.
May 15, 2025
Read this in college and loved it. With this reread, I’m noticing a lot of inspiring truth mixed with some startling error here and there. Here is a good blog post review. https://mytwocents.wordpress.com/tag/....
February 19, 2018
Great theological journey.
April 7, 2019
One of the best books I have read. Lifts your outlook from the earth to the heavenlies, literally. A challenge to see the real picture and live a life before the face of God
May 25, 2020
LOVED this book! One that I would re-read!
Want to read
August 17, 2021I think this book is so much investing
July 17, 2015
The author tries to provetext his theory. Contains some good ideas and the general theory is not bad per se but it's just read into the Bible. This book also contains the incorrect doctrine of original sin and it's result that Jesus was not a son of Adam (which He was according to the Bible) (p 74-76). It contains the heresy of Jesus not fully paying for our sins on the cross (p 94: footnote) but having to suffer in hell to redeem us (p 84) and later on having to be born again to be reconcilled to the Father (p 86).
April 19, 2012
A classic book on prayer that is still life-changing. Chapter 8 on praise is worth the purchase of the book. I used it with a home group study along with Batterson's The Circle Maker and it was an incredible study! So many Christ-followers live defeated lives, not understanding the authority we have in Christ Jesus. Billheimer's book reminds us that we are the bride of Christ and what that truly means. Even if you've read it before, as I had, it's worth picking up again.
October 10, 2014
Interesting and a reminder of who we are in Christ. if we we destined to reign with Christ, how might this change the way we pray? Are things not happening because we do not pray? God is not unable, but he has chosen to work when His people pray. There are questions concerning the sovereignty of God vs the freewill of man. All in all, If God has commanded us to pray, and to ask, Should we expect to receive if we do not ask; find if we do not seek; or to have doors opened if we do not pray?
April 8, 2014
great book that breaks the faith down and explains due process of law, importance of the church, how the church and believers have the same authority as Christ, the importance of prayer, how prayer is our weapon against evil forces, and the list goes on. totally recommend for believers who want the details - this book grew my faith; or for skeptics who are looking for answers as well.
January 30, 2021
I don't agree with quite all of his conclusions about the authority of the church as it applies to men's salvation, but still LOVE this and am so challenged to be faithful in prayer and praise. It's super motivating and practical. Chapter 5, The Legal Basis for the Authority of the Church, is my favorite and so interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews