Foundational Transition From Coronavirus And Lawlessness Series

Foundational Transition from Coronavirus and Lawlessness

The Necessity of Repentances

There are conflicting statements being made over a prophecy spoken by pastor/evangelist David Wilkerson, of which has not been confirmed by Times Square Church, the church he founded in 1987. They cannot confirm nor will they say that Mr. Wilkerson did not say, “I see a plague coming on the world, and the bars, churches and government will be shut down. The plague will hit New York City and shake it like it has never been shaken. The plague is going to force prayer-less believers into radical prayer and into their Bibles, and repentance will be the cry from the man of God in the pulpit. And out of it will come a third Great Awakening that will sweep America and the world.”

What we do know is that a pestilence of modern times has had its negative effects in many parts of the world. What we know Biblically, is that pestilence is warned of / or mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. (Leviticus 26:16; 25; Matthew 24:1-7, Mark 13:1-8; Luke 21:5-11 and many other Scriptures)

We are also seeing lawlessness as another disruption arising around the world of which is warned about in the New Testament. (Matthew 24:12; 1 Peter 4:3) In the Book of Romans mankind is consider to have been or is enslaved to lawlessness. (Romans 6:19) It is crazy how fast mankind can embrace lawlessness and justify it. It is all over the news all around the world in these days.

Many ministries and churches have successfully used the crises we are experiencing to cause people to consider the value of church. Many churches have seen a 44% increase of interest in their work for the Lord, especially as they have embraced the internet outreaches. It is good that churches operating in the new normal have presented the love of God, the goodness of God and pointed people to Jesus Christ. However, there is a foundational truth which is essential for a transitional lifestyle, one which pleases God so we may enjoy His intercession for the church, this country and the cause of Christ around the world.

Let us just consider at the very least, through all the messages Pastor David Wilkerson has preached over the years, he most certainly has in some way warned of God’s judgement and taught what is needed to walk in God’s favor. Before we can enjoy God’s intercession there is a Biblical truth presented in the statement he has supposedly said, “and repentance will be the cry from the man of God from the pulpit.” Except for a few ministries, most churches are not pointing people to the necessity of the fruit of repentance before we can see the hand of God restore America to what this country once was.

What the Bible does say is, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) In Luke 24:47 we read, “and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” The Apostle Paul writes, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10) The Apostle Peter teaches us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

In Scripture, repentance is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a change of mind, a forsaking of sin. It is putting sin out of one’s thoughts and behavior. The New International Dictionary of the Bible gives this definition. “Repentance (µet????a metánoia) is a profound change of mind involving the changing of the direction of life from that of self-centeredness or sin-centeredness to God or Christ-centeredness. God’s forgiveness is available only to those who are repentant, for only they can receive it.” This change of mind is from evil to good and from good to better. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.) Jesus began His ministry by preaching repentance. (Matt. 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:3, 5; 15:7).

Evidence of Salvation

There are many evidences which prove someone has entered into a relationship with Christ and is now living in a healthy fear of God and walking in step with the Holy Spirit. Faith, obedience and repentance are three sure indicators.

The apostle Paul’s prayer for the church in Colosse was, “…That [they] live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (1 Colossians 1:10)

John the Baptist told those who were coming out to be baptized, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance…” (Luke 3:8) The apostle Paul was obedient to his vision given to him by God. He told the people to “…prove their repentance by their deeds.” (Acts 26:20) Jesus said He came to call “…sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)