To understand what revival means, it is important to look at some of the Biblical passages that speak of the spiritual awakening that comes with revival. In the Bible, the concept of revival is linked with repentance and renewal. Isaiah 58:6–12 speaks of God’s promise to bring spiritual revival when the people repent and return to Him. God states that when they do this, they will experience “the healing of their hearts, quickening of their spirits, restoring their joy and refreshing their strength.”
The term ‘revival’ is also used throughout the Bible to describe the renewing of a people’s relationship with God. In Romans 12:21, the Apostle Paul speaks of being a channel of revival to the world. In this sense, revival can refer to the imparting of new life and energy to a people to bring about transformation and spiritual transformation. The book of Acts records numerous examples of revival occurring among the early Christians, with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit producing immense spiritual renewal.
Revival also carries with it a call to action. When Charles Finney preached a revival in the 1800s, he made it clear that revival required repentance and dedication to God. He insisted that everyone in attendance respond to the invitation to “turn to God with all their heart.’ He noted, “If the people heard and promptly acted, the work of conversion was right away accomplished.”
The importance of consistency can also be seen in revivals. Revival is not a one-time event that happens at a particular moment or in a particular place. God’s call to revival can be seen in the long-term renewal of individuals and in the corporate revival of entire communities. As the people of a region commit their hearts to God and live obediently, their spiritual condition improves.
Revival is a reminder of the power of prayer. As we seek the Lord’s face and plead for His mercy, we can be confident that He will respond. The Bible promises that He will hear our prayers and act on them in ways that are pleasing to Him. Revival is a reminder of the power and love that God has for His people and of His desire to provide good things for them.
Finally, revival encourages us that God is faithful. He brings revival and transformation even in the most challenging of times. The Scriptures show that God is the same today as He was back then. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thus, no matter our circumstance or struggle, we can trust that God is with us and will bring revival to our hearts.
Interpretation of Revival in Relation to the Immediate Circumstance
The Bible is replete with passages that show God’s desire to bring revival to His people in every circumstance. When God sent His Son, Jesus, we see evidence of a revival-like event as the lives of those around Jesus were changed when they encountered Him. Jesus’ disciples experienced personal revival and continued His revival-like mission throughout the early church.
In the book of Acts, we see Peter and the apostles preaching a message of revival after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. They called for the people to turn away from their sins and to turn to God. It was a message of both hope and call to action that resonated deeply with the people and helped launch the Christian faith.
Today, as we look at the world around us, we can interpret revival as a call to action for the Church. We can view revival as a response to our current societal issues, as a reminder that God is still in control, and as an encouragement to us to seek God’s face and to return to Him with all our hearts.
How to Practically Express Revival
In practical terms, expressing the revival that God desires for His people can take many forms. In our personal relationships, we can share the hope that comes from knowing God and the joy of being a part of His church. We can increase the frequency of our prayers, fasting, and Bible study. We can display loving actions towards our neighbors and brethren. We can take part in worship and gatherings that provide Christian opportunities to grow.
On a corporate level, churches can revive by focusing on the core mission that Jesus gave us, which is to make disciples. We can also practice unity and focus on ways we can sharpen each other in love and spiritual maturity. We can focus on prayer, faithfully proclaiming the gospel, and actively reaching out our community and the world with the message of the gospel.
Changes that Occur During Revival
When revival takes place, it brings changes to individual lives, churches, and communities. As we seek the Lord and are obedient to His commands, we can expect spiritual transformation to occur that can produce positive changes in our actions and attitudes. Churches experience renewal as members become more unified and active. Communities also benefit from revival as people become more aware of their spiritual needs and begin to look for ways to address them.
During a revival, God opens the eyes of people to their need to repent and return to Him and the power of His love and mercy. As people experience transformation, they will naturally be led to share their experiences with others, often leading to more conversion and growth for the church.
Revival can also lead to more unity among believers and between denominations. When revival comes, our differences are put aside and we focus on what brings us together – the gospel of Jesus Christ and our need to follow Him.
Conclusion
As we look to the Bible, we see that revival is an important part of the Christian life. Through revival, God desires to bring spiritual transformation to His people, to revive churches and communities, and to bring us all closer to Him. God desires to bring us revival so that our hearts are restored, our souls renewed, and our minds strengthened. Revival is an invitation that God extends to each of us to bring spiritual renewal and a fresh hope for our future.
