Perfect Righteousness
God accepts only perfect righteousness, which is available through faith in Jesus Christ, and this perfect righteousness is an inheritance left for all true believers.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God only accepts perfect righteousness, which is essential for salvation and justification. This righteousness, inherited by true believers through faith, is exemplified by Noah, who became an heir not through his actions but through his belief in God's revelation. Wilkerson highlights that Jesus has left us this perfect righteousness as a legacy, making us richer than any earthly treasure. Understanding this inheritance empowers believers to stand firm against any accusations from the enemy, as they are covered by the righteousness of Christ.
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God accepts only one kind of righteousness -- perfect righteousness. Nothing else will stand in His presence on Judgment Day. Unless our righteousness is absolutely perfect, He cannot save us, justify us, recognize or accept us. This perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord can be had only by faith.
The writer of Hebrews introduces us to the truth that this righteousness is the inheritance of all true believers. It is something Jesus has left for us, something that belongs to us, a legacy: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith" (Hebrews 11:7).
Noah became an heir not by building an ark, but by what he believed and preached. He grasped this knowledge of righteousness which God had revealed to him -- a righteousness that is by faith -- and he became an heir of a perfect righteousness!
Beloved, you and I were given a great inheritance when Christ departed the earth. He left us a title and deed to His very own perfect righteousness. Of course, Jesus lived in absolute poverty while on this earth; He owned no land, had no money. But He left us riches greater than the diamond mines of South Africa; greater than the oil fields in the Middle East; greater than the gold and silver buried under America's mountains. Jesus gave us an inheritance that can make us far richer than any person on the face of the earth. It is an inheritance to a perfect righteousness that allows us to stand before God without condemnation.
Once you understand this inheritance, you can stand against every devil in hell. Satan will not be able to accuse you before the Father, before your brethren, before your own conscience, because you are an heir to the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ!
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Perfect Righteousness
- The Source of Perfect Righteousness
- The Application of Perfect Righteousness
- An heir of perfect righteousness stands against every devil in hell
- Satan cannot accuse them before God or others
- A legacy of perfect righteousness by faith
Key Quotes
“Noah became an heir not by building an ark, but by what he believed and preached.” — David Wilkerson
“He left us riches greater than the diamond mines of South Africa; greater than the oil fields in the Middle East; greater than the gold and silver buried under America's mountains.” — David Wilkerson
“Once you understand this inheritance, you can stand against every devil in hell.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- You can stand against every devil in hell by understanding your inheritance of perfect righteousness.
- Satan cannot accuse you before God or others if you are an heir to the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to obtaining perfect righteousness and standing before God without condemnation.