What is Christian revival?

Answer

Revival denotes a spiritual awakening from a period of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It involves the resurgence of a love for God, an understanding of God’s holiness, a zeal for His Word and His church, a convicting recognition of personal and collective sin, a spirit of humility, and a longing for repentance and growth in righteousness. Revival revitalizes and at times deepens a believer’s faith, unveiling the truth in a renewed, unique manner. It typically signifies a fresh beginning with a clear conscience, symbolizing a new start of a life lived in submission to God. Revival shatters the allure and influence of the world, which obscures people’s vision, and instills both the resolve and ability to live in the world while not being of the world.

In the USA, the initial revival, also known as the First Great Awakening, sparked a surge of devotion among Protestants in the 1730s and 1740s, leaving a lasting impact on American religion. It stemmed from powerful preaching that profoundly stirred the church members with a convicting awareness of personal wrongdoing and the awe-inspiring essence of salvation through Christ. Departing from dry rituals and mechanical ceremonies, the Great Awakening made Christianity deeply personal to the common individual, as it should be, by creating a profound emotional longing for a connection with Christ.

Revival, in many aspects, mirrors the believer’s encounter when they are saved. It is initiated by a prompting of the Holy Spirit, fostering an awareness of something lacking or amiss in the believer’s life that can only be rectified by God. Consequently, the Christian must respond sincerely, acknowledging their need. Subsequently, in a profound manner, the Holy Spirit lifts the veil that the world has cast over the truth, enabling the believers to truly see themselves in light of God’s grandeur and holiness. Naturally, such comparisons evoke significant humility,But also great awe of God and His truly amazing grace «Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. », (Isaiah 6:5). Unlike the original conversion experience that brings about a new relationship with God, however, revival represents a restoration of fellowship with God, the relationship having been maintained even though the believer had drifted away for a time.

God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to revival in various situations. Christ’s letters to the seven churches reveal some circumstances that may require revival. In the letter to Ephesus, Christ praised the church for their perseverance and discernment, but He mentioned that they had abandoned their first love (Revelation 2:4-5). Often, as the initial excitement of accepting Christ diminishes, we lose the enthusiasm we initially had. We get caught up in the routine, going through the motions, but we no longer feel the joy of serving Christ. Revival helps to rekindle that initial love and passion for Christ. Revelation 2:10-11 refers to the church in Smyrna, which was enduring severe persecution. The burdens and anxieties of life can weigh us down, leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. Revival can uplift us with new hope and faith.

Revelation 2:14-16 addresses the issue of compromising with the world and adopting worldly values into our belief systems. Revival helps us to discern correctly which values we should uphold. Revelation 2:20-23 discusses the problem of tolerating false teachings in our churches. We must scrutinize the messages we hear and compare them to the teachings of the Bible. Revival assists us in discovering the truth. Revelation 3:1-6 depicts a lifeless church, a church that mechanically goes through the motions without true spiritual fervor.Hardly, but there is nothing underneath. Here is a picture of nominal Christianity, outwardly prosperous, busy with the externals of religious activity, but devoid of spiritual life and power. Revival helps to revive spiritual life. In Revelation 3:11, we are further warned against complacency, a life that does not bear fruit. All of these scenarios call for revival.

The evidence of revival is changed lives. Great movements toward righteousness, evangelism, and social justice occur. Believers are once again spending time in prayer and reading and obeying God’s Word. Believers begin to powerfully use their spiritual gifts. There is confession of sin and repentance.

If you have questions about the 2023 revival at Asbury University, please visit our podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/hqZ5ZNT2Qo0.