Some Thoughts on Wilkerson's Word and Prophecy In General

Let me say outright that I have mixed emotions concerning David Wilkerson. In many things, I admire this man. No doubt, he has been awesomely used of the Lord over the years, and few ministries that I know of in America can even begin to compare their fruit with his. I very much appreciate many of the stern messages brother Wilkerson has given over the years, some of which have shot an arrow through my own heart. With that said though, I have personally heard Wilkerson say some things "prophetically," in speech and in writing, that clearly were not from the Lord, and indeed, the Lord used time to show they were not of Him.

Personally, I can point to some things Wilkerson has said that indeed came to pass. Likewise, I can point to some things Wilkerson has said that did not come to pass. Some of these things though, I have heard him publicly repent of from his own pulpit. How closely he monitors such predictions, I'm unsure. But he does seem to hold himself accountable for whatever he says just the same. He is one of the few prophetic people I have known, that when "missing" a word by speaking presumptuously for the Lord, actually has confessed to doing such. Instead of blowing off a failed word as being from a "immature prophet," as many do so easily today... and in private at that, he openly confesses to such sin before the entire church. And of course, whatever he says before the entire church quickly is transmitted through the world wide web, newsletters, the radio and television. Whatever one's opinions, his speaking, no matter how right or wrong, always seems to be accompanied with a sense of integrity about it.

Thus, while I always have some reservations concerning our dear brother, I do take him very seriously, and always seek to carefully weigh his words. As I said, I do believe he has been mightily used of the Lord in the past, and still is today. Even though I have my reservations in regard to Wilkerson, without reservation I have distributed some of his sermons to others in the past, and have used "The Cross and the Switchblade" as an evangelistic tool in my area... and plan to continue to do such in the future as well.

When judging a prophetic word though, while it is important to consider a prophet's history, each word must be weighed on its own individual merits. If each message is to be a once and only "event" as Art used to say, then each unique event must be judged by its uniqueness, and whether it stands up to the scrutiny of the Scriptures and the Spirit as He indwells other believers.

As far as Wilkerson's usage of Scripture as found in this word, I personally can find no fault with it. No doubt, not every citation stands up to the rigors of the historical-grammatical rules of interpreting the Scriptures, though much of it does. While not wanting to slight the importance of using the historical-grammatical method of exegesis, if you really closely study the Scriptures you will find that this method was not always used by the Lord, the apostles, or the writers of the Gospels. Indeed, without getting caught up into a full-blown discussion of the issue, you will often find NT citations of the OT do not follow this rule, and sometimes even deliberately break such a "rule" of interpretation (even in Messianic fulfillment passages!) Indeed, sometimes all a citation of the OT in the NT is looking to do is take the "spirit" of what that passage was saying, and apply it to whatever situation is being addressed. For example, Paul cited an OT law about not muzzling an ox while it is threshing to prove that one should financially support those engaged in ministry. From the historical-grammatical method of interpretation, this is simply irresponsible on Paul's part. But what he quotes is in keeping with the "spirit" of what is being said, and thus, none of us find fault with the apostle. Such examples could be multiplied by the dozens for those interested in a real in depth Bible study. But, I will not belabor this point any further...

As far as the scrutiny of Wilkerson's word against the indwelling Spirit of other believers, while this word does not seem to be hitting a home-run with everybody, I do find that this word is in keeping with the spirit of many other such words currently being proliferated across the body of Christ. Indeed, the church being the prophetic body it is supposed to be, seems to have been anticipating the current events and other things that are to come quite well. Such a word that Wilkerson has published here is indeed in keeping with the words many other sober minded God fearing individuals have been saying for some time. Of course, that is not to say the church hasn't had some measure of failure in regard to these things... indeed it has. But at least in my own personal network, locally and across the country, this seems to be a message that many in the body of Christ have been preaching. Indeed, even in my own local fellowship, which has had some flirtations with the Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel message, this word about difficult days ahead has been sounding much more loudly than anything else, and even in direct contradiction to things previously said. The Lord started waking us up a couple years ago about some of these things.

Personally speaking, the Lord has been saying to me for quite some time, "Violent days are ahead." I know, one needs no personal prophetic word from the Lord to know such. Undoubtedly, the Scriptures teach that violent days will be merely a characteristic of the age we live in. But with that in mind, I believe the Lord has "quickened" what the Scriptures clearly teach in a general sense, for my personal application and for those within my sphere of influence. Indeed, such is clearly in keeping with the prophetic tradition which we as a church are all part of. Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc., were not innovative prognosticators in their predictions. They were individuals who were simply echoing what Moses had said long before them, and in his words found soon-coming applications for the age they were apart of. They "found" these applications in the Scriptures through the "quickening" of the Spirit of God within them. If such were a characteristic of the old dispensation, how much more then should this characteristic not be a defining mark of our present dispensation, in an age which God has poured out His spirit on all flesh?

As to the specific things Wilkerson is predicting, while I believe his words are probably of the Lord and will probably come to pass, we must ultimately objectively weigh such with a "wait and see" attitude, as Deuteronomy 18 demands such. Even if Wilkerson's specific word does not come to pass, and he spoke this word presumptuously and in error, I think his message is still in keeping with what God has been echoing throughout the body of Christ in America and abroad. He may not have received this message from the Lord and heard from heaven the things written in his article, and the Lord may not have sent him to speak this message to the nations, but I think he still has heard one way or the other what God has been saying to the church in large. And indeed, many even in the secular media have picked up on this message, as I believe they have heard something of the Lord in it too.

Well said!

Amen Jesus-Is-God. If we are going to be openly critical of somebody, we need to do so with a spirit that looks to edify the body. Any much needed criticism must not center itself with the one somebody thinks to be in error, or the actual error itself, but rather, it needs to be a correction centered in Christ. When we read Paul's epistles, for example, he is often busy refuting error. But even in the midst of correcting error, he is so busy trying to set forth Christ to his hearers that when we attempt to reconstruct the exact arguments of the heresies that were propigated in his day, at best we get sketchy formulations of what those errors were. Christ was the center of all apologetics and polemics.

If brother Wilkerson has been or is presently in error, then we should not hesitate to point out such. But when we do, let's do so in a way that brings all of us closer to Christ, and by bringing us closer to Christ, we become closer to one another.

The Holy Spirit has used David Wilkerson to speak directly, and piercingly, to my situation on so many occasions, that I can not begin to count them. He has used him to bring me up from the depths of despair, and down from the heights of pride. At exactly the time that the Lord really started working on me, David Wilkerson's first newsletter appeared in the mail - I had no idea who he was or why I was receiving his newsletter.

To me, what he wrote the other day rings with the same truth that I have heard from the beginning. I have taken in his warning, and the Lord has started to direct me accordingly.

I am not sure why, but I really felt the need to say this.

I'm no economist, but as a novice trader/investor, I believe the only reason the market has gone up in the last couple day is because it dropped for so many days in a row and so quickly, people are just taking advantage of some sales on the market. It's a temporary bounce on the way down the hill. Most analysts were calling this bounce for the last couple weeks... especially early on this week.

Of course, the Devil is probably looking to discredit such words and give them a false hope. "Natural market forces" demand that even in the middle of a crash that there will be bounces along the way down. I believe the devil will take advantage of such natural forces.

Hi Jimmy.

I posted the following comment on another thread a few days ago, but things move so fast on this page these days that it got buried almost immediately. So I decided to lift it and post it again on your thread. It appeared on Wayneman's "Wilkerson's Prophetic Scoreboard." Sure, Wilkerson has not always hit the mark... but I think people ought to read that "scoreboard." Pretty sobering.

(By the way, I too was a little disappointed with the way certain leadership handled this.)

Here's my earlier post.

Re: Wilkerson's Prophetic Scorecard

There are so many threads up now concerning David Wilkerson's recent "Urgent Message" that I don't know where to post what I want to say.

But personally I take his recent message very seriously... and feel that certain leadership who have called this in question have not weighed carefully enough what they put forth.

Yes, it may be said (perhaps) that Wilkerson doesn't quite have 20:20 vision, spiritually speaking. But this does not make him a false prophet. I look at the whole man, and his integrity, and his faithfulness, and the obvious evidence that God is with him.

We are not at the place yet, I think, where any prophets in the church have the testimony Samuel had, which was that "the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall the ground" (I Sam. 3.19). In other words, every single word Samuel spoke came to pass. We are not there yet, but I believe in due time we shall be.

But for many years, David Wilkerson has been sounding an alarm. He is a faithful watchman (he doesn't call himself a prophet, actually). He has faithfully sounded the alarm concerning what is coming. Surely we ourselves are hearing that, aren't we? I believe if we are listening in on the Lord these days, and hearing what the Spirit is saying, we are hearing this alarm.

"...The day of thy watchmen, and of thy visitation, cometh..." (Micah 7:4).

Someone asked (on another thread) what the purpose of such a message would be.

Well, what is the purpose of a trumpet that sounds an alarm? Awaken! Prepare! Seek God!

And Wilkerson is not the only one sounding this alarm these days. For many years now, God has been faithful to send, "rising early and sending," those with a message warning His people about the days that are at the door.

We do well to heed Him, I would say.

And so, speaking of 20:20 vision, I am reminded of 2 Chr. 20:20. "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."

...It is a very critical hour. Hopefully we are not waiting for the crisis to hit before we get our relationship with the Lord to where it needs to be. I think we should seek these days to be living in such a way that, when a great shaking takes place, it doesn't overtake us by surprise: no changes in our life are necessary; we are already living a life in which our ear is bent toward our Lord Jesus, listening, and ready to do His will. All the time.

Let us be looking to our Lord to bring us deeper into that abiding relationship with Christ. We need to be seeking the grace to abide in Christ. That is the only place of safety (as always), being in Him, and in the centre of the will of God.

AD

Again, at the risk of this being redundant, I thought I would post here what I just referred to-- Wilkerson's Prophetic Scorecard from Wayneman's earlier thread.

AD

Wilkerson's Prophetic Scorecard
We know DW is not a false prophet, because he doesn't claim to be a prophet. We know he isn't a false teacher, because Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them," and DW's ministry does not bear the fruit of a false teacher. Fame has not gone to his head and managing millions of dollars has not turned him into a money-grubber. David Wilkerson Ministries glorifies Christ, not David Wilkerson. There can be no doubt as to his honesty, humility and faithfulness.

Here is a record (no doubt incomplete) of his past prophecies/predictions.

An excerpt from his 1973 book The Vision, predicting events for "the next ten years:"

A Crash is Coming-1
There is worldwide economic confusion just ahead. In my vision, this is the clearest thing I have seen. Many praying people now share this very same vision.

Not only is the American dollar headed for deep trouble, but so are all other world currencies. I see total economic confusion striking Europe first and then affecting Japan, the United States, Canada, and all other nations shortly thereafter.

It is not really a depression I see coming—but a recession of such magnitude that it will affect the lifestyle of nearly every wage earner in America and around the world. Countries that now control huge amounts of Western currency are going to be in very deep trouble also. Arab countries will especially be hurt.

Without a doubt, there are lean years ahead full of monetary confusion and despair. How soon is not clear, but it is not far away. The world’s greatest economists will be at a loss to explain the confusion, and an international crisis of fear will develop. A false economic boom will precede the recession—but it will be shortlived.

A Few Good Years to Prepare—2

In spite of all the danger signs around us of impending economic disaster, the next few years (from 1973) will be among the most prosperous in the history of mankind. They will be fat and flourishing years. In spite of tight money policies, people will continue to spend freely. Sales will continue to break records and people will spend more than ever in modern history. Credit debt will become nearly uncontrollable.

I see, very clearly, just a few years of tremendous affluence and continuing economic prosperity. Church budgets will increase, wages will increase—missionary giving will also increase.

Inflation, costs, and wages will spiral higher and higher. There will be a few minor adjustments in prices, but world economy will become white-hot.

When I received this vision in April of 1973, I also received clear instructions from the Holy Spirit to believe God for sufficient finances to clear all debts of our organization other than necessary mortgages. The message I received from God was very clear and to the point. It was simply this:

There is great economic confusion coming and lean years lay just ahead. There will be a few short, fat, and flourishing years to prepare for the lean years. Work and pray to clear off all debts and get ready for drastic cuts in budget. The money will not be flowing as it was in the past, and if you are free of debt, you’ll be able to maintain your programs even in the difficult years. Don’t panic—and don’t be afraid—just prepare for it and expect it!

Bankruptcies of Major corporations—3

I believe we are going to witness the bankruptcies of some of this nation’s major and most popular corporations. I see tremendous difficulty arising for credit corporations. There are going to be any people unable to pay off their heavy obligations to major credit card companies, causing near-chaos.

Thousands of small businesses will also be forced into bankruptcies. Three, and possibly four, of the major religious denominations will be forced to operate with a skeleton organization due to a lack of funds. More than a few churches are going to have to pull back. All but a few of the radio and television ministries will have to be abandoned.

Tight money will trigger a wave of uncertainty and fear. Those who have money will hold it in reserve.

The United States government is going to “overreact” to the confused economical developments.

I see a flurry of near-panic decision being made by various government agencies—but these hasty efforts to shore up the economy will backfire.

The President of the United States will make one, and possibly two, national radio and TV appearances to reassure the nation that all is well and that the best of economic times is just ahead. It will not work. People will distrust these statements, and their fears will lead to a revolution at the polls.

The auto industry is going to be hurt badly. Makers of recreational vehicles are going to get hit very hard. Appliance inventories will pile up, and sales will fall off drastically.

Almost every economic indicator will be gloomy. It will be spotty at first—but will eventually affect nearly all industry.

September 7, 1992:

"I have had recurring visions of over 1,000 fires burning at one time here in New York city. I am convinced race riots will soon explode! New York City is right now a powder keg-ready to blow!...federal and State Welfare cutbacks will be the spark that ignites the fuse. Next year, New York City could have over 100,000 angry men on the streets, enraged because they have been cut off from benefits....Federal troops will have to move in to restore order. New York City will have tanks running down its avenues....Churches will be closed for a season because it will be too dangerous to travel about. Fires will rage everywhere."

He stated in 1994:

"Right now I sense in my spirit that in less than 5 years there will be no more so-called gospel television networks. They will all fall into bankruptcy and absolute ruin."

April 15th 1992, "I am writing this letter to you on Saturday, April 15, 2000. I have on my desk the headlines in yesterday's paper: "BLACK FRIDAY - BIGGEST ONE-DAY DROP IN HISTORY." The Dow fell 618 points - the Nasdaq fell 355. I do not know what is coming in the next sixty days. If the market bounces back, I can assure you it will be temporary. THE CRASH IS INEVITABLE - NOTHING CAN STOP IT."

Follow-up, May 22nd, "In prayer, I have told the Lord I am ready at any time to confess I am wrong - that I must have spoken from my own fears or that I have spoken unadvisedly. Recently, when the market reached record highs, I wondered if those calling me a false prophet were right."

In the mid-eighties he stated, "I know from God I have less than ten years to live."

Several sources, including a member of this forum, stated that in the weeks preceding 9-11, TSC pastors devoted their time to prayer for NYC, sensing impending calamity.

More predictions from The Vision:

There will be major earthquakes.

There will be a major famine.

Floods, hurricanes and tornadoes will increase in frequency.

"A new kind of cosmic storm appearing as a raging fire in the sky leaving a kind of vapor trail."

"A flood of filth and a baptism of dirt in America"

Topless women will appear on television, followed by full nudity.

Adult, X rated movies will be shown on cable television. Young people will gather at homes to watch this kind of material in groups.

There will be an acceptance of homosexuality, and the church will even say that it is a God-given gift.

"I see the new number one youth problem in America and the world as hatred towards parents."

"A persecution madness against truly Spirit filled Christians who love Jesus Christ"

There will arise a world church consisting of a union between liberal ecumenical Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church, using Christ in name only.

There will be a hate Christ movement.

There will be a spiritual awakening behind the Iron and Bamboo Curtains.

There will be another wave of riots.

There will be a fall in moral conduct.

There will be a new drug that will be popular with teenagers that will break down resistance and will encourage sexual activity.

Homosexual and lesbian ministers will be ordained and this will be heralded as a new breed of pioneer.

There will be nude dancing in church, but this will never be widespread.

There will be occult practices in churches.

Good word KJ. Here's another thought:

If DW didn't include timeframes in his prophecies, he would have an unblotted record. His prophecies would fall into two categories: those that have been fulfilled and those that have not yet been fulfilled. It is only when things do not come to pass within the appointed time that he has had to admit he was wrong. If we subtract the statement "the next ten years" from The Vision (1973) it is uncannily accurate in its description of things TODAY.

William Branham uttered hundreds of prophecies of future events and has never been proved wrong and never will be because (as far as I know) he never included a timeframe. In his latest warning DW has stepped out on a limb again by saying it will happen soon.

His ministry to gangs began with an improbable Word from the Lord: "Go to New York and help those boys." After the humiliating failure of his first mission, he received an even more improbable Word: "Go BACK to New York." It struck him as a crazy idea, but he went ahead and did it anyway, because he believed it was from God. Subsequent events would prove him right.

DW wouldn't have been used as mightily as he has been if he weren't the kind of guy who, like Peter, isn't afraid to step out on the water while the rest stay in the boat and watch.

William Branham uttered hundreds of prophecies of future events and has never been proved wrong and never will be because (as far as I know) he never included a timeframe.

Wayne, are you a follower of Willaim Branham? just wondering..

ginnyrose

ginnyrose wrote:

Wayne, are you a follower of Willaim Branham? just wondering..

ginnyrose

No, but there are still Branhamites in the world. They transcribe his sermons in chapter and verse like Scripture. Late in life he came to believe that he was the Angel of the Church of Laodicea, and took up Oneness Pentecostalism and the hillbilly "Serpent Seed" theology. He seemed sincere in his convictions that his visions and revelations were from God, but I have read and listened to a few of his sermons and didn't find them edifying. He talks more about himself than Jesus.

wayneman

Thank you for that word to be in much prayer for David Wilkerson. As this came out, I took it as God's way to increase my prayerfulness. God is faithful. It is easy to think that those who are in an appearance of strength are just okay and it isn't so necessary to be in constant prayer. I am constantly reminded though that they are often the most attacked by the enemy, oftentimes through the mouths of brethren. Thanks for the reminder!
In Christ, Barry

It is easy to think that those who are in an appearance of strength are just okay and it isn't so necessary to be in constant prayer. I am constantly reminded though that they are often the most attacked by the enemy, oftentimes through the mouths of brethren.

We unleash powers by our words, and we bind powers by our words. We are bringing things about by that which we choose to say. If we have spoken against a brother, we must repent in order to stop the destruction that occurs as a result of that which we have said.

We must also remember that which we sow we shall also we reap. There is a lady that I know that likes to gossip. Time and again I have seen her words come back to bite her. This has given her such a fear of man that she is practically useless in being used of the Lord. She has bound herself by her own words.

Words can't do any damage to a 'dead' person. :-(

He just needs prayer for physical strength and a hedge of protection from the forces that would love to hurt him in order to hurt the message of and focus on CHRIST ALONE.