Introduction
Revival is not just a spiritual concept, but it is a biblical principle that has been repeated throughout history. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in revival among Christians, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Christians grapple with the challenges of the modern world, many are seeking to experience a spiritual renewal that will bring them closer to God.
The Bible provides many examples of revival and gives us insight into the characteristics and purpose of revival. Revival is not just for the benefit of the church but for the benefit of society as a whole. In the Old Testament, we see revivals that restored the spiritual vitality of God’s people and brought about social forgiveness. In the New Testament, we see revivals that brought about spiritual awakening among non-believers and led to the growth of the early church.
In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of revival in the Bible and its relevance to Christian life today. We will examine the characteristics of revival, such as humility, repentance, prayer, obedience to God’s Word, the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and changed lives. We will also explore the purpose of revival, which is to renew the relationship between God and His people, restore the spiritual vitality of God’s people, and bring about a spiritual awakening among non-believers. Finally, we will provide practical tips on how to experience revival in our personal lives and in our communities.
The Revival under King Hezekiah
In 2 Chronicles 29-31, we see a great example of revival during the reign of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was a king who sought after God and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He reopened the temple, restored the worship of God, and reestablished the priesthood. The people of Judah responded by coming to the temple to worship and offer sacrifices. The result was a great revival, where the people turned back to God and experienced His blessings.
The Revival under King Josiah
In 2 Kings 22-23, we see another example of revival during the reign of King Josiah. Josiah was a king who discovered the book of the law while the temple was being repaired. When he heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes and repented of the sins of the nation. He then led the people to renew their covenant with God and to turn away from their sins. As a result, there was a great revival, and the people experienced a renewed relationship with God.
The Revival under Ezra and Nehemiah
In Nehemiah 8-10, we see another example of revival during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. The people had returned to Jerusalem after being in exile for many years. Ezra and Nehemiah gathered the people together and read the law to them. The people responded by weeping, repenting of their sin, and renewing their covenant with God. As a result, there was a great revival, and the people experienced a renewed relationship with God.
The Revival on the Day of Pentecost
In Acts 2, we see an example of revival in the early church. After the ascension of Jesus, the disciples were gathered together in the upper room. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in other tongues. This attracted a large crowd, and Peter preached the gospel to them. Three thousand people were saved that day, and the church began to grow rapidly.
Characteristics of Revival in the Bible
There are several characteristics of revival in the Bible that are worth noting. These include:
Humility
Revival is often preceded by a spirit of humility. The people recognize their sinfulness and their need for God’s mercy and grace.
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV)
Repentance
Revival is characterized by a spirit of repentance. The people turn away from their sins and turn back to God.
“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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
Prayer
Revival is often characterized by an increased emphasis on prayer. The people recognize their need for God’s help and seek His guidance and direction through prayer.
“if you will seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
Obedience to God’s Word
Revival is characterized by a renewed commitment to obeying God’s Word. The people recognize the importance of following God’s commands and seek to align their lives with His will.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” – Revelation 22:14 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit’s Power
Revival is often characterized by the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The people experience a new sense of God’s power and presence in their lives.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Changed Lives
Revival is characterized by changed lives. The people experience a transformation in their hearts and minds, and their lives are changed for the better.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Purpose of Revival in the Bible
The purpose of revival in the Bible is to renew the relationship between God and His people, to restore the spiritual vitality of God’s people, to bring about spiritual awakening among non-believers, and to bring about social forgiveness. Revival is not just for the benefit of the church, but for the benefit of society as a whole.
How to Experience Revival Today
If you want to experience revival in your life, there are several things that you can do. Here are a few suggestions:
Personal Revival
- Seek God through prayer and fasting
- Repent and confess your sin
- Study and obey God’s Word
- Surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading
- Share the Gospel with others
Corporate Revival
- Seek God together in prayer and fasting
- Confess corporate sin
- Seek unity and reconciliation among believers
- Worship and preach centered on God’s Word
- Engage in evangelism efforts
Conclusion
In conclusion, revival is a biblical concept that refers to a time of spiritual renewal and awakening among God’s people. The Bible provides us with many examples of revival and gives us insight into the characteristics and purpose of revival. It is a time of repentance, prayer, obedience to God’s Word, and the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Revival is not just for the benefit of the church, but for the benefit of society as a whole.
If we want to experience revival in our personal lives and in our communities, we must humble ourselves, repent of our sins, seek God through prayer and fasting, study and obey His Word, and surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must also seek unity and reconciliation among believers, share the Gospel with others, and engage in evangelism efforts. It is through these actions that we can experience revival and bring about a spiritual awakening among non-believers.
Let us pray that God will send a revival in our hearts and in our communities so that we can be agents of change in the world. Let us be the light of the world and the salt of the earth so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. May God bless us as we seek to experience revival in our personal lives and in our communities, and may He use us to bring about a spiritual awakening among non-believers.
