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It Is Finished: Finding Lasting Victory over Sin
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 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.
188 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
David Wilkerson
262 books264 followersDavid Ray Wilkerson was an American Christian evangelist, best known for his book The Cross and the Switchblade. He was the founder of the addiction recovery program Teen Challenge, and founding pastor of the non-denominational Times Square Church in New York.
Wilkerson's widely distributed sermons, such as "A Call to Anguish", are known for being direct and frank against apostasy and serious about making the commitment to obey Jesus' teachings. He emphasized such Christian beliefs as God's holiness and righteousness, God's love toward humans and especially Christian views of Jesus. Wilkerson tried to avoid categorizing Christians into distinct groups according to the denomination to which they belong.
Wilkerson was killed in a car crash in Texas on April 27, 2011.
Wilkerson's widely distributed sermons, such as "A Call to Anguish", are known for being direct and frank against apostasy and serious about making the commitment to obey Jesus' teachings. He emphasized such Christian beliefs as God's holiness and righteousness, God's love toward humans and especially Christian views of Jesus. Wilkerson tried to avoid categorizing Christians into distinct groups according to the denomination to which they belong.
Wilkerson was killed in a car crash in Texas on April 27, 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads giveaways. Thank you.
I grew up in an old fashioned church setting where people always told me I had to "live it" to be saved and get to heaven. When someone would get saved they would be handed a Bible and a lot of "advice" and rules about how they were now supposed to live. "You have to read it! You have to pray it! You have to live it!" is what they would gather around you and say and then leave you to yourself.
That, my friend, is an impossible life. I would look at these "leaders" in the faith and think they had everything worked out just right and one day if I worked hard enough, controlled myself strong enough and stopped having any semblance of fun or satisfaction I could also be a "strong" man in the faith. What a bunch of bologna! What I have found out is that I lived the early years of my life without any joy in my salvation. I was bound up by the very law that Christ died to redeem me from. Why? Because I didn't fully understand what the new covenant was all about. All I knew was the faith of my fathers. No wonder they didn't seem very happy. Who wants that? David Wilkerson (God rest his soul) through this book helped me to realize that I cannot "live it" nor could I ever "live it" but Jesus "lived it" for me so I don't have to be able to. You just don't realize how much pressure that takes off of me. I can be happy and enjoy life and live to the fullest trusting that what Christ did for me was a complete work and He in no way needs my help to complete it. Jesus satisfied the penalty of sin that was laid on me. Thank God for grace!
I grew up in an old fashioned church setting where people always told me I had to "live it" to be saved and get to heaven. When someone would get saved they would be handed a Bible and a lot of "advice" and rules about how they were now supposed to live. "You have to read it! You have to pray it! You have to live it!" is what they would gather around you and say and then leave you to yourself.
That, my friend, is an impossible life. I would look at these "leaders" in the faith and think they had everything worked out just right and one day if I worked hard enough, controlled myself strong enough and stopped having any semblance of fun or satisfaction I could also be a "strong" man in the faith. What a bunch of bologna! What I have found out is that I lived the early years of my life without any joy in my salvation. I was bound up by the very law that Christ died to redeem me from. Why? Because I didn't fully understand what the new covenant was all about. All I knew was the faith of my fathers. No wonder they didn't seem very happy. Who wants that? David Wilkerson (God rest his soul) through this book helped me to realize that I cannot "live it" nor could I ever "live it" but Jesus "lived it" for me so I don't have to be able to. You just don't realize how much pressure that takes off of me. I can be happy and enjoy life and live to the fullest trusting that what Christ did for me was a complete work and He in no way needs my help to complete it. Jesus satisfied the penalty of sin that was laid on me. Thank God for grace!
December 28, 2020
This is a powerful book.
Apart from:
1. The Pentecostal idiosyncrasies. I was brought up in that tradition so I get it but if you haven’t then you may be unsure at times in regards to some of the words used and why they are used in certain ways. But this is a very tiny thing that should not affect your reading, and let’s be honest some of you reformed guys need a good dose of un-comfortability given to you be a strong classic Pentecostal!
2. Wilkerson has this amazing gift of preaching wonderful solid truths, but from the wrong passages. What he tells you and what he teaches is wonderful and solid gold but his exegesis is sometimes quite wayward by the fact that he’s putting something in the passage which isn’t there, when he could of just gone elsewhere in scripture and got it from a place where it does say that. Again this is a small issue if you are able enough to see past it and grab the gold and chew the meat.
There are very few books like this one which centres around the glory of the new covenant, we need more of them. I’m a big fan of Wilkerson for various reasons and as a reformed baptist I am very thankful for what he has served up in this work.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Apart from:
1. The Pentecostal idiosyncrasies. I was brought up in that tradition so I get it but if you haven’t then you may be unsure at times in regards to some of the words used and why they are used in certain ways. But this is a very tiny thing that should not affect your reading, and let’s be honest some of you reformed guys need a good dose of un-comfortability given to you be a strong classic Pentecostal!
2. Wilkerson has this amazing gift of preaching wonderful solid truths, but from the wrong passages. What he tells you and what he teaches is wonderful and solid gold but his exegesis is sometimes quite wayward by the fact that he’s putting something in the passage which isn’t there, when he could of just gone elsewhere in scripture and got it from a place where it does say that. Again this is a small issue if you are able enough to see past it and grab the gold and chew the meat.
There are very few books like this one which centres around the glory of the new covenant, we need more of them. I’m a big fan of Wilkerson for various reasons and as a reformed baptist I am very thankful for what he has served up in this work.
Soli Deo Gloria.
October 18, 2020
One of the first Christian books I read, having loved hearing Wilkerson’s preaching on the internet.
I recall this to be an oversimplification of the Christian view on holiness. It kept promising and promising for those struggling with sin, and then finally got the point of receiving what Christ has done for us and resting in Him, and His sacrifice on our behalf. Yes, yes and yes. This is foundational, but this is not the end of the story for holiness.
Instead of this, read John Owen’s “Mortification of sin”, on “Temptation”, and “Indwelling / Remaining sin”. Also read Walter Marshall’s “Gospel mystery of sanctification”. Difficult puritan literature but it pays off. For a lighter and more modern introduction, read Jerry Bridges “Pursuit of holiness” or “Discipline of grace”.
I recall this to be an oversimplification of the Christian view on holiness. It kept promising and promising for those struggling with sin, and then finally got the point of receiving what Christ has done for us and resting in Him, and His sacrifice on our behalf. Yes, yes and yes. This is foundational, but this is not the end of the story for holiness.
Instead of this, read John Owen’s “Mortification of sin”, on “Temptation”, and “Indwelling / Remaining sin”. Also read Walter Marshall’s “Gospel mystery of sanctification”. Difficult puritan literature but it pays off. For a lighter and more modern introduction, read Jerry Bridges “Pursuit of holiness” or “Discipline of grace”.
July 25, 2019
Very similar to Wilkerson's book "New Covenant Unveiled", but still a very good read. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are very helpful. I do wish they would put the testimonials at the end or beginning of a chapter- having them in the middle is very distracting- but they were still very encouraging.
September 2, 2015
A message for today
If the world ever needed to hear this message it would be today. Keep an open heart as you read and let the Holy Spirit use this message to mold you into the person He sees you as.
If the world ever needed to hear this message it would be today. Keep an open heart as you read and let the Holy Spirit use this message to mold you into the person He sees you as.
April 13, 2021
It was very insightful and powerful in helping me fight sin. It’s not about our strength and striving, but it’s about letting the Holy Spirit empower you to overcome through God’s strength. And how because God has promised to beat sin through us we can hold God to that promise and trust he will do it. Excellent book, highly recommend to anyone wanting to beat sin!
January 30, 2026
Collection of teaching from David Wilkerson. Jesus said, “It is Finished” on the cross. What is the “IT” that was finished on the cross? This book is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the New Covenant.
June 14, 2021
Great read! Especially helpful for those struggling to be "good"... it is finished! By His grace we are redeemed not by our strength.
April 16, 2013
David Wilkerson is best known for his early ministry to drug addicts and gang members in New York City. His story is told in The Cross and the Switchblade which was made into a movie in 1970. For many years, Wilkerson struggled with the New Covenant and how to put that into practice having grown up with legalism and works theology.
“In my later years, I have concluded that laying hold of the New Covenant is the only way to break free from the power and dominion of sin” writes Wilkerson in his introduction to “It is Finished”. It’s not about hard work to make up for the bad things you’ve done. It’s about the redeeming power of the New Covenant.
“It is Finished” is composed of messages Wilkerson preached at Times Square Church in New York City. Wilkerson has filled his book with basic covenant truths with deep explanations in order for you to apply God’s truth to your life. If you have ever struggled with sin and grieved over them and sought freedom from them, Wilkerson’s powerful teachings will show you how to stop the cycle of sinning and confessing.
Wilkerson helped me understand the New Covenant concept better than any other pastor or teacher ever has because he struggled with this himself and diligently sought the truth. Thank goodness he was able to share this knowledge with us through the generosity of his estate. It is a book you will devour as you read. I am grateful this book was written and that I was able to receive this book I so desperately needed at this time in my life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“In my later years, I have concluded that laying hold of the New Covenant is the only way to break free from the power and dominion of sin” writes Wilkerson in his introduction to “It is Finished”. It’s not about hard work to make up for the bad things you’ve done. It’s about the redeeming power of the New Covenant.
“It is Finished” is composed of messages Wilkerson preached at Times Square Church in New York City. Wilkerson has filled his book with basic covenant truths with deep explanations in order for you to apply God’s truth to your life. If you have ever struggled with sin and grieved over them and sought freedom from them, Wilkerson’s powerful teachings will show you how to stop the cycle of sinning and confessing.
Wilkerson helped me understand the New Covenant concept better than any other pastor or teacher ever has because he struggled with this himself and diligently sought the truth. Thank goodness he was able to share this knowledge with us through the generosity of his estate. It is a book you will devour as you read. I am grateful this book was written and that I was able to receive this book I so desperately needed at this time in my life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 4, 2013
Do you struggle with the idea that you are a new creation in Christ? Do you want to experience true freedom in Christ, but struggle with the flesh? You are not alone. If you are tired of the ups and downs, the guilt, and the feelings of helpless that come with struggling with your sin, read this book.
In It is Finished, David Wilkerson presents the concept of the New Covenant and he makes it accessible to all believers. He shows how through the New Covenant we can become free from life-controlling sins through the power of the Holy Spirit. He clearly lays out what the New Covenant is and how we can draw on it and the power of the Holy Spirit, how all we have to do is ask and believe. Through the power of the New Covenant we are able to experience true transformation and we will become new creations.
If you don’t want to be convicted, don’t read this book. I was in tears at points as the Lord used this book to open my eyes to areas that I struggle with and my feelings of hopelessness and guilt. At times, I felt like David Wilkerson had stepped into my life and was writing about me. The way he described the place of nothingness that most if not all Christians come to at some point in their life felt so personal to me. It was if he was seeing straight into my life right now and writing about it. This book is a powerful tool of the Lord’s, and I was blessed through the reading of this book.
Thank you to Chosen for my copy of this book. I was glad to have the chance to read it and review it.
In It is Finished, David Wilkerson presents the concept of the New Covenant and he makes it accessible to all believers. He shows how through the New Covenant we can become free from life-controlling sins through the power of the Holy Spirit. He clearly lays out what the New Covenant is and how we can draw on it and the power of the Holy Spirit, how all we have to do is ask and believe. Through the power of the New Covenant we are able to experience true transformation and we will become new creations.
If you don’t want to be convicted, don’t read this book. I was in tears at points as the Lord used this book to open my eyes to areas that I struggle with and my feelings of hopelessness and guilt. At times, I felt like David Wilkerson had stepped into my life and was writing about me. The way he described the place of nothingness that most if not all Christians come to at some point in their life felt so personal to me. It was if he was seeing straight into my life right now and writing about it. This book is a powerful tool of the Lord’s, and I was blessed through the reading of this book.
Thank you to Chosen for my copy of this book. I was glad to have the chance to read it and review it.
May 13, 2013
This informative book instructs a reader on taking up your personal cross tained in this useful volume.
to follow Jesus. Sections such as Abolishing your fears, What are strongholds, Lessons from the depths, From conviction to comfort are but a few of the many that will equip the believer with the knowledge to be able to resist Satan's lies, traps and strongholds. Many bible passages along with meaning and explanation, along with discussion questions and life stories pertaining to the chapters are contained in this useful volume.
When I picked up It is Finished I eagerly dove into the content. I learned much from this well written, researched and explained in detail book. This will be a go to read from time to time when questions I or someone I know has because I know that the dependable answers lie within. 4 Stars! I received a complimentary copy from Chosen Books for my review.
to follow Jesus. Sections such as Abolishing your fears, What are strongholds, Lessons from the depths, From conviction to comfort are but a few of the many that will equip the believer with the knowledge to be able to resist Satan's lies, traps and strongholds. Many bible passages along with meaning and explanation, along with discussion questions and life stories pertaining to the chapters are contained in this useful volume.
When I picked up It is Finished I eagerly dove into the content. I learned much from this well written, researched and explained in detail book. This will be a go to read from time to time when questions I or someone I know has because I know that the dependable answers lie within. 4 Stars! I received a complimentary copy from Chosen Books for my review.
July 1, 2013
It is Finished; Finding Lasting Victory Over Sin. What does that mean to find victory over sin? Is it a magical, mysterious act that you have to perform to finally find relief? What this book made abundantly clear is that it definitely is NOT about ME! Jesus died on the cross for my sins and said "It is finished." It really is. God has truly given each of us the resources we need to defeat life-controlling sin.
I enjoyed this book very much and really hope I can take the time to go back through it with a highlighter this time.
This book was given to me by Baker Publishing Group, for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much and really hope I can take the time to go back through it with a highlighter this time.
This book was given to me by Baker Publishing Group, for my honest review.
April 26, 2013
I have always enjoyed listening to David Wilkerson's messages. His heart for the lost was evident and this book gives touching examples of just how loved and respected this pastor was. This book includes testimonies written by those, whose lives were changed by the message presented in this book.
Focusing on the finished work of the cross, Pastor Wilkerson reinforces that salvation and victorious living as Christians has nothing to do with us or "works". This book is a great reminder of what an incredible gift grace truly is. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it.
Focusing on the finished work of the cross, Pastor Wilkerson reinforces that salvation and victorious living as Christians has nothing to do with us or "works". This book is a great reminder of what an incredible gift grace truly is. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it.
March 9, 2015
***Wilkerson's last work before his tragic headon collision***
It Is Finished: Finding Lasting Victory Over Sin, by David Wilkerson, Chosen Books, 2013, 192 Pages, 978-0800795498, $13.99
It is Finished by David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of World Challenge, Inc. "is composed of messages Wilkerson preached" at New York City's Times Square Church.
After a lifetime of ministry…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/refocus-...
It Is Finished: Finding Lasting Victory Over Sin, by David Wilkerson, Chosen Books, 2013, 192 Pages, 978-0800795498, $13.99
It is Finished by David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of World Challenge, Inc. "is composed of messages Wilkerson preached" at New York City's Times Square Church.
After a lifetime of ministry…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/refocus-...
May 2, 2015
As many reviewers have already stated, David Wilkerson is best known for his book The Cross and the Switchblade, and that is the only book of his that I had read until I came across a moving sermon that reignited my interest in his life and work. I am so glad I found his book, It Is Finished, at this point in my life. This book presents what some may consider a simple concept regarding the New Covenant, but the application of it in our lives makes all the difference. If you want to learn how to break the bondage of sin, this book is an excellent resource.
October 13, 2013
a easy read book on the new covenant promises of God from a dispensational biased providing encouragement and practical application of God's promises for believers. Personally found this book an encouragement and the truths in the book an outworking joy.
February 19, 2016
I really, really liked this one. I've heard most of the things mentioned in the book before, but Wilkerson went a whole lot deeper into the subject and as a reader I gained a whole new light on things.
January 29, 2017
Excellent read! David Wilkerson brings the covenant to life in this great book!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews