David Wilkerson Today
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
TRUE GRACE
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]
Let me give you the heart of the true grace message: It is not a permissive
gospel but one that teaches holiness!
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that
blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus
Christ" (Titus 2:11-13).
According to Paul, we are not walking in grace until we have broken from
worldly corruptions. Unless we are endeavoring through the power of the Holy
Spirit to lead godly and righteous lives, looking for the Lord's coming in our
every waking moment, we do not know God's grace.
Many Christians want forgiveness, but that is all. They do not want to be
delivered from this present world, because they love it. They are attached to
their sins, not wanting to give up the pleasures of this earth. So they cling
to a doctrine that says, "I can live as I please — as long as I say that I
believe."
They do not want to hear about obedience, repentance, self- denial, picking up
their cross, taking on the yoke or burden of Christ. They simply want to be
excused on Judgment Day — to have all their iniquities overlooked. They
expect Jesus to open up the pearly gates, put His arms around them, and lead
them down a golden street to their reserved mansion, even though they have
never broken from the spirit of this world!
Paul writes, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). We are to break from this world completely
and be conformed to Christ alone!
Jesus justifies us through faith for a purpose: It is to embolden and empower
us to resist the devil and overcome the world.
"[Jesus Christ] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this
present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians
1:4).
