Definition of Revival
Revival in the Bible is a return to the original purpose, designed by God. It is a period of spiritual awakening, where people turn from sin and back to a life of faith in God. The Bible talks about revival in many ways and teaches how God is at work in the world, renewing the hearts and minds of individuals and whole communities, ultimately bringing about renewal and transformation.
Purpose of Revival
The purpose of revival is to bring people back to a right relationship with God and to help them develop a passionate walk with Him. In the Bible, revival is closely connected to Jesus’ mission and teaching: to seek, to save, and to heal. Through revival, people come to faith and experience the renewal, growth, and joy that comes with walking in the ways of God.
Consequences of Revival
The consequences of revival are many. They include strong and vibrant spiritual lives, generous and compassionate lifestyles, a commitment to holiness, justice and mercy, and the courage to be a light in a troubled world. Revival can also lead to a transformed culture, where people focus on what is good and strive for God’s will to be done in their lives and communities.
Examples of Revival in the Bible
The Bible is full of examples of how people have experienced revival. The stories of the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church in the New Testament demonstrate how God moved in the hearts and minds of His people, bringing renewal, healing and transformation.
One of the most notable recorded revivals in the Bible was the great revival recorded in Acts 9-11. In this account, the Apostle Paul experienced a divine encounter with Jesus and began preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, with remarkable results. This began a period of spiritual transformation that saw thousands of people come to faith in Jesus and revived the Church in the process.
Signs of Revival
The signs of revival can vary according to the time and culture, but there are some common indicators that revival is taking place. These include greater unity among believers, increased numbers of people coming to faith in Jesus, an increase in heartfelt prayer, an emphasis on the Bible’s teachings, and a greater desire to serve God and spread the gospel.
Prayer and Revival
In the Bible, prayer is often linked to revival. God uses prayer to draw people to Himself, to pour out blessing on them, and to move in their hearts. Through prayer, people are given insight into God’s purposes, strength for daily living, and comfort for times of trial. In revival, prayer is a vital part of the process, connecting individuals and communities to the heart of God and helping them to recognize and respond to His will.
Dangers of Revival
The dangers of revival should not be overlooked. As with any great movement of God, there is always a temptation to take spiritual revival for granted and to replace God with man-made structures. It is easy to get carried away when remembering God’s faithfulness and forget to keep our hearts and minds focused on Him. We need to be careful to guard our hearts against such tendencies and to seek God’s will in everything we do.
Theology of Revival
The theology of revival is based on the truth that God is always at work in the world, transforming lives and renewing hearts. It is based on the fact that God is sovereign over all things, that He desires to have relationship with us, and that He will fulfill the promises He has made to us. Theology of revival also recognizes that God is always at work, drawing us nearer to Him, and that we must surrender to His will in order to access His power and blessing.
Relevance of Revival
The relevance of revival is perhaps most seen in the world today, where sin and brokenness have created great need for spiritual transformation. The spiritual darkness is real and pervasive, and the only solution is the power of God working through people who are ready to cooperate with Him in order to bring about lasting change. Revival is the hope of a brighter future, and it is the only thing that can bring about true and lasting transformation in individuals, communities, and nations.
Psychology of Revival
Revival begins with individual transformation, but it also has psychological implications. Revival involves a radical shift in worldview, and as people come to faith and experience spiritual renewal, their minds and hearts become open to God’s truth and grace. This creates a new perspective and understanding, allowing them to see things with the eyes of faith, which has profound effects on the way they see and interact with the world.
Cultural Response to Revival
Each culture responds differently to revival. In some cultures, revival is welcomed and celebrated, while in others, it is seen as a threat to traditional and established values. The cultural response to revival depends largely on the level of openness to spiritual matters and the extent to which individuals and communities are willing to be open to the move of God.
Revival and Missions
Revival and missions are inseparable. As people experience spiritual renewal, they become inspired to share the gospel with those around them, and in turn, those who hear the gospel can be revitalized in their faith. The Bible speaks of a chain reaction of revival through missions, and this is still very much the case today. Revival is the spark that ignites mission, and mission can lead to revival.
Conclusion
Revival in the Bible is a powerful theme that has inspired countless generations and still speaks to us today. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, of His desire to restore and renew, and of the potential of true revival to transform lives and communities. When we remember the Biblical examples of revival and recognize the ongoing move of God in our world, we can join in the chorus of believers to see God at work among us.
