- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Our Inheritance
David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of our inheritance in Christ, comparing it to Elisha receiving Elijah's cloak, which symbolizes the perfect righteousness bestowed upon us by Jesus. This righteousness is our inheritance, meant to be valued and sought after, just as Naboth fiercely protected his vineyard from King Ahab. Wilkerson urges believers to understand that this inheritance is a gift from God, providing us with the ability to stand justified in His presence. He encourages us to pursue this righteousness diligently, as it is an unshakeable foundation that no external force can take away. Ultimately, we are called to claim and cherish this divine legacy, seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else.
Our Inheritance
When Elijah went up to heaven, he left Elisha his cloak (2 Kings 2:13). Likewise, when Jesus went up to the Father, He left us His own garment — His perfect righteousness. He cast it upon us, as surely as Elijah cast his garment upon Elisha. The prophet's action was a type and shadow of what was going to happen when Jesus was translated to the Father. Indeed, we are heirs to a wonderful garment of righteousness that covers us completely, making us acceptable in God's holy presence! This garment is our inheritance and God expects us to value it. He expects us to seek after it, to be willing heirs to His legacy. You may remember what happened when King Ahab came against Naboth, coveting his vineyard. Naboth valued his vineyard so much, he rejected Ahab's offer to buy it, saying, "The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee" (1 Kings 21:3). He was saying, "God forbid that anyone should take my inheritance from me. It's mine!" I believe the most important thing you can seek from God is the understanding that this inheritance is yours and it is waiting to be claimed. The knowledge of the perfect righteousness of Jesus will put you on a rock that is unshakable. It will end all your useless struggles and put you in God's presence justified and accepted. If God has provided you with an inheritance whereby you can stand before Him with perfect righteousness in Jesus Christ, then you should want it. It should be an inheritance nobody can take from you. No lie of the devil should be able to remove it from your spirit, no man should be able to steal it from you, and no emotion should drain you of it. Because God said it, you must lay hold of it! You need to seek it, go after it, allow your soul no rest until you get your hands on it. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.