A Clearer Vision of Christ
Repentance opens the door to a new and clearer vision of Jesus, as seen in Daniel's experience.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of repentance as illustrated in the book of Daniel. After Daniel's heartfelt confession, he received a profound vision of Jesus in His glory, highlighting that true repentance opens the door to divine revelation. This vision was not sought by Daniel; rather, it was a gracious gift from Jesus, who reveals Himself to those who genuinely turn from their sins. Wilkerson notes that while Daniel's companions experienced fear, Daniel, with a repentant heart, was able to encounter Christ without fear of judgment. The sermon encourages believers to embrace repentance to experience a clearer vision of Jesus.
Text
The book of Daniel mentions several benefits for those who have a repentant heart. Indeed, for all who acknowledge their sin, God does the miraculous. One such benefit is a new and clearer vision of Jesus. Read what happened after Daniel's repentance prayer in Daniel 9:
"Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision . . ." (Daniel 10:5-7).
Who do you think Daniel saw in this vision? It was Jesus! What a wonderful benefit the Holy Spirit opened to Daniel when he confessed his sin. He was given a clear vision of Christ in all His glory!
Please understand that Daniel was not praying for this vision. All he was doing was repenting--confessing and mourning over sin. Jesus took it upon Himself to come to Daniel in this revelation--He initiated it. You see, when we repent and make all things right with God and others, we do not have to seek a revelation. Jesus will manifest Himself to us.
Daniel had friends who were also godly, because he walked only among the righteous. Yet Scripture tells us none of them saw the vision Daniel received: "The men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone" (Daniel 10: 7-8).
A truly repentant heart never has to hide from the Lord because there is no longer any fear of judgment. If you acknowledge your sins with godly sorrow and make restitution, you can look confidently into the Master's face. You do not have to quake with fear when you hear the thundering word of reproof because you will see Christ in His glory.
Sermon Outline
- A Clearer Vision of Christ
- Daniel's Vision of Jesus
- The Importance of Repentance
- A Repentant Heart Sees Christ in Glory
- No Fear of Judgment with a Repentant Heart
- Confidence in the Master's Presence
Key Quotes
“Indeed, for all who acknowledge their sin, God does the miraculous.” — David Wilkerson
“You see, when we repent and make all things right with God and others, we do not have to seek a revelation. Jesus will manifest Himself to us.” — David Wilkerson
“A truly repentant heart never has to hide from the Lord because there is no longer any fear of judgment.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Repentance is essential to seeing Jesus in His glory and experiencing a clearer vision of Christ.
- A truly repentant heart has no fear of judgment and can look confidently into the Master's face.
- Jesus initiates revelation, not man, and we do not have to seek it out.