It Is Finished by David Wilkerson, Book review

Publisher: Chosen Books; Reprint edition (April 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800795498

Synopsis:

Founder of Teen Challenge Shows How to Overcome Persistent Sins

This is David Wilkerson's capstone teaching, poured out from a heart that discovered the power God has given his people to triumph over sin. Through Wilkerson's expert ability to blend teaching with personal application, he shows that the key to defeating life-controlling habits is found in one thing: the new covenant God enacted with his people.

In today's era of pop psychology, most Christians battle temptation and sin through self-help techniques or gritty self-will. Even Wilkerson, through decades of ministry that led hundreds of thousands to salvation and deliverance, struggled to know true peace as he battled his own "besetting sins." Determined to find victory, Wilkerson came to grasp the stunning reality that the vast love of God provides the spiritual resources believers need to obey his every command.

Gathered from some of his most prominent sermons, this is one of Wilkerson's most powerful teachings--one that will redeem countless lives into the life-giving experience of purity.


My thoughts:


The legendary name of David Wilkerson brings to mind to most of us a well known book (later a 1970 movie) called The Cross and the Switchblade, it itself a recount of Wilkerson's early ministry amongst troubled teens and gang violence in the streets of New York . 

In 'It Is Finished', the late preacher's recalls perhaps his best known sermons about finding lasting victory over sin. Complete with extensive notes about the many misconceptions of the true meaning of the New Covenant, the book includes ample examples, discussions, answers and profound testimonies of the many reached out to by this believer in Christ. 

Wilkerson does not hide that he too struggled to understand the real message behind the words 'It Is Finished.' We say we believe but let's face it, we all feel our circumstances are 'different'.
Yet if we can accept our problem is not sin, but our lack of faith in God's covenant promises, we can go forward joyfully and prevail.

When Christ died on the cross, our sins were washed away but this does not mean we can go on and continue on our troubled path obviously. 
In Matthew 18:11 we read 'The Son of Man has come to save that which is lost.' The Lord is telling us we cannot save ourselves, our salvation depends entirely upon Him.

Wilkerson's words brings a clear message: 'Jesus made it easy for you. Simply place childlike trust in His finished work of the Cross. His covenant promises and provisions are found only there.'

As a student of His word, I do not always feel comfortable in revealing my own thoughts about redemption, but I can attest it gets easier when I just place my trust onto Him.

Well written and worth 5 stars, a great addition to any believer's library!



About the Author:

David Wilkerson (1931-2011) was the founder of Teen Challenge and World Challenge and founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. 

He authored more than thirty books, including the bestselling The Cross and the Switchblade and Knowing God by Name. He ministered to people worldwide and was still ministering on the day of his death. 

Visit his ministery website (HERE) to learn more!

 

I received this book from BETHANY HOUSE - CHOSEN BOOKS as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.