Understanding Revival in the Bible
What does “revival” really mean in a biblical sense? At its core, it’s about a renewed spiritual awakening. It signifies a restoration of spiritual vitality, both for individuals and entire communities or even nations. Think of it as a fresh encounter with God’s presence and power, often marked by a deep sense of repentance and a return to the core principles found in the Bible.
Studying instances of revival in the Bible is incredibly valuable. It gives us a window into the circumstances that lead to spiritual renewal, the processes involved, and the ultimate results. By understanding these principles, we can find inspiration and guidance for our own efforts to seek revival in our lives and communities today.
This article will explore key biblical passages and themes to understand the nature of revival. We will consider what conditions help to foster it, and what kind of transformative effects it can have. We’ll also emphasize the vital roles of repentance, prayer, and, most importantly, God’s sovereign grace in bringing about true and lasting spiritual change. And we will consider various instances of the concept of revival in the bible scripture.
The Foundational Call: Repentance and Humility
When we talk about revival in the Bible, the recurring themes are repentance and humility. Throughout scripture, we see that drawing closer to God starts with acknowledging our shortcomings and turning away from behaviors that don’t align with His will.
2 Chronicles 7:14: God’s Promise of Healing
This verse is often cited when discussing revival, and it lays out clear conditions:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
It’s a reciprocal agreement: our actions initiate God’s response. The verse emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and actively turning away from “wicked ways.” This isn’t just about feeling sorry; it’s about actively changing our behavior and aligning our lives with God’s teachings.
The Significance of Repentance
Turning from “wicked ways” means a real change of heart and a change in how we act. It means admitting our sins and seeking forgiveness. Repentance isn’t just regret; it’s a conscious decision to live according to God’s will.
Isaiah 57:15: God’s Dwelling Place and Reviving the Spirit
This verse highlights God’s presence with those who are humble and contrite:
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
God dwells with those who are humble and brokenhearted. Revival begins with a humble spirit.
Revival as a Divine Initiative
It’s important to remember that revival isn’t just something we achieve on our own; it’s a divine act of grace. God initiates revival by reviving the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite. It’s an offer of renewal and restoration, freely given to those who approach Him with humility and a desire for change.
The Power of Prayer and Seeking God
Throughout the Bible, the concept of revival is closely linked to prayer and a genuine seeking of God’s presence. When God’s people turn to Him in humility and earnest prayer, the possibility for spiritual renewal becomes a reality.
Psalm 85:6: A Plea for Renewal
Psalm 85:6 says, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” This verse isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a heartfelt cry from the Psalmist, expressing a deep yearning for God to intervene and restore His people.
It’s an acknowledgement that something is lacking, that there’s a need for spiritual refreshment, and a deep desire to experience the joy that comes from a close relationship with God. It’s a prayer that says, “God, we need you. Come and renew us.”
Prayer as a Catalyst for Revival
Prayer is the most important way we can seek God and invite Him into our lives and situations. Persistent, heartfelt prayer can pave the way for revival, both in individual hearts and in entire communities.
Habakkuk 3:2: Stirring Up God’s Work
Habakkuk 3:2 offers another powerful example: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk’s prayer recognizes God’s past acts of power and pleads for a present-day manifestation of His glory. He’s saying, “God, we know what you’ve done before. Do it again!”
Balancing Justice and Mercy
This prayer is important because it acknowledges the need for both divine judgment and divine compassion. Revival often involves a confrontation with sin, a recognition of our shortcomings, and a simultaneous offering of grace and forgiveness.
Restoration and Renewal: Promises of Hope
The Bible is full of passages that speak of God’s ability to revive and restore people and nations. Here are just a few examples to offer hope and encouragement.
Joel 2:25-26: Restoring What Was Lost
This passage describes God’s promise of restoration:
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten… Then you will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.”
This is a message about God’s ability to give back what has been lost or damaged, offering hope for healing and abundance after times of hardship or spiritual decline. The purpose of this restoration is to inspire praise and gratitude, recognizing God’s faithfulness and power. Revival often brings a renewed sense of worship and thanksgiving.
Lamentations 5:21: A Call for Return
Here, the writer pleads for renewal:
“Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old.”
This verse expresses a desire for a restored relationship with God and a return to former spiritual vitality. It acknowledges that restoration isn’t possible without God’s help, reflecting a humble recognition of human dependence on divine grace.
Acts 3:19: Times of Refreshing
Peter calls the people to repentance:
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
This verse shows how repentance directly leads to “times of refreshing” from the Lord. Repentance is a prerequisite for experiencing spiritual renewal and revitalization.
God’s Power to Resurrect and Revitalize
The Bible shows us, time and again, that God has the power to breathe new life into situations that seem utterly hopeless. Two passages, in particular, powerfully illustrate this truth.
Ezekiel 37:1-14: The Valley of Dry Bones
The vision of the valley of dry bones is a powerful metaphor for God’s capacity to bring life from death. The bones, scattered and lifeless, represent spiritual deadness and the desperate need for God’s intervention. It’s a picture of utter desolation, but it’s also a testament to God’s boundless power.
The Breath of God: The Holy Spirit’s Role
The breath that God breathes into the bones symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the very essence of life and power. Revival, in the biblical sense, is often linked to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It’s the Spirit that awakens, empowers, and transforms.
Isaiah 40:31: Waiting on the Lord
This verse offers incredible hope: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Renewed Strength
Waiting on the Lord isn’t passive; it’s an active trust that revitalizes us from the inside out. It’s about placing our faith in God’s promises and allowing Him to work in our lives. This verse speaks to the transformative power of that trust.
Spiritual Stamina: Overcoming Weariness
Those who wait on the Lord, who trust in His timing and His power, receive a renewed strength that allows them to overcome challenges and persevere in their faith. Revival often brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and a seemingly endless supply of energy to fulfill that purpose.
Revival in the New Testament: A New Covenant Perspective
The New Testament builds on the Old Testament idea of revival, but with a new focus: the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:17: The Outpouring of the Spirit
In Acts 2, Peter quotes the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
This verse emphasizes that the Holy Spirit will be available to everyone. It’s a new era where God empowers people and gives them the gift of prophecy.
The Manifestations of the Spirit: Prophecy, Visions, and Dreams
When the Holy Spirit is poured out, it comes with spiritual gifts. Revival often means feeling God’s presence and power in a new way, and seeing those spiritual gifts in action.
Ephesians 5:14: Awakening from Sleep
Ephesians 5:14 says, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” It’s a call to wake up spiritually and turn to Jesus.
Christ as the Source of Light and Life
Jesus is the source of light and life. He shines into the darkness and brings resurrection power. Revival happens when we meet Jesus again, or perhaps for the first time, and our lives are changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is revival ever mentioned in the Bible?
While the word “revival” isn’t frequently used in the Bible, the concept of spiritual renewal and a return to God is a central theme. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see examples of God’s people turning back to Him after periods of spiritual decline, which is essentially what revival is all about.
Which scripture talks about revival in the Bible?
There isn’t one single verse that explicitly screams “revival,” but many scriptures point to the need for and the promise of spiritual renewal. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a classic: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Passages in the prophets like Joel 2 also speak of a great outpouring of God’s Spirit.
What is spiritual revival in the Bible?
Spiritual revival, biblically speaking, is a time when God’s people experience a renewed sense of His presence and power. It’s a time of repentance, confession, and a fresh commitment to living according to God’s will. It often leads to a greater passion for sharing the Gospel and seeing lives transformed.
What is the true revival in the Bible?
The “true” revival, in a biblical sense, isn’t just about emotional experiences or large gatherings (though those can be part of it). It’s about a genuine change of heart, a turning away from sin, and a wholehearted devotion to God. It’s about aligning our lives with His Word and seeking His kingdom above all else. True revival leads to lasting transformation, both individually and corporately.
Putting It All Together
The Bible’s stories of revival aren’t just historical accounts; they’re full of timeless lessons about how we can experience spiritual renewal. Whether you’re an individual, a part of a community, or even a nation, these principles still apply if you’re seeking God’s blessing.
Revival isn’t just a passive event; it requires us to take action. We need to individually turn away from our sins (repent) and collectively seek God’s presence. Every single person has a part to play in getting ready for revival.
So, how do we embrace this call to revival? It starts with humility – recognizing our need for God. We need to pray, earnestly seeking His face, and turn away from anything that separates us from Him. We need to trust in God’s promise to revive and restore us, believing that His presence and power can truly transform our lives and the world around us.
As Psalm 119:25 says, “My soul is laid low in the dust; revive me according to your word.”