Why does this teaching matter?
In this landmark 1995 sermon, Wilkerson provides a simple, devastating test for every claimed move of the Holy Spirit: does it produce brokenheartedness for the lost? The genuine Holy Spirit always moves believers toward evangelism and intercession for souls. If 'manifestations' only produce excitement, entertainment, and self-focused experiences — it is flesh, regardless of how supernatural it appears. The Toronto Blessing produced 600,000 visitors seeking experiences but showed little evidence of a burden for lost souls.
What did David Wilkerson teach?
"Dancing, laughing, roaring, barking or any other manifestation attributed to the Holy Ghost is all flesh unless it produces a brokenheartedness for the lost and unsaved."
Speaker: David Wilkerson
Source: David Wilkerson, 'The Latter Rain!' sermon, Times Square Church (January 9, 1995) — tscpulpitseries.org
What does Scripture confirm?
Matthew 9:36-38
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"
— NKJV
Jesus' reaction to the crowds was COMPASSION — not laughter, not manifestations, but deep grief over their condition. The Holy Spirit gives the same heart: a burning burden for the lost. The Toronto movement produced laughter; Jesus wept.
Luke 19:41-42
"Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace!'"
— NKJV
Jesus WEPT over Jerusalem. He did not weep from joy or 'holy laughter' — He wept from grief over a people who did not know the time of their visitation. True spiritual maturity produces tears for the lost, not entertainment for the already saved.
Romans 9:1-3
"I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh."
— NKJV
Paul had a CONSTANT ANGUISH for the lost — so strong he wished himself cursed for their sake. THAT is the Holy Spirit's work in a believer: not uncontrollable laughter, but unbearable burden for those who are perishing. Wilkerson's test exposes the Toronto movement: where is the anguish? Where are the tears?