Revival in the Bible: What Does It Mean?
In Christianity, revival is when the Holy Spirit is poured out in a powerful way, leading to spiritual renewal and transformation. It’s a time of restoration where God works sovereignly, and we, as humans, respond with responsibility.
The Bible emphasizes humility, prayer, repentance, and seeking God as essential for revival. Examining these scriptures about revival helps us grasp God’s intention for our spiritual growth.
In this article, we’ll explore some key biblical concepts related to revival. We’ll look at conditions, promises, and examples from scripture to better understand this important aspect of faith.
The Biblical basis for revival: Key concepts and conditions
The Bible speaks of revival frequently, though not always using that specific word. Here are some of the key concepts and conditions that the Bible connects with spiritual renewal.
Humility and seeking God’s face
One of the most-cited verses about revival comes from 2 Chronicles 7:14. It says:
“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.”
This verse emphasizes that humility, prayer, actively seeking God, and turning away from wickedness are all conditions that usher in revival. When people meet these conditions, God promises to hear them, forgive them, and heal their land.
Isaiah 57:15 also speaks to this point:
“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “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.”
This verse reminds us that God dwells with those who are humble and contrite and promises to revive their spirit and heart.
Prayer and repentance
The Bible presents prayer as essential for sparking revival and seeking God’s intervention. Prayer demonstrates that we depend on God and opens a pathway for His power to work in our lives and in the world.
Repentance is also a necessary precursor to revival and leads to times of refreshment. Repentance involves turning away from sin and returning to God with a sincere heart.
Acts 3:19 makes the connection explicit:
“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 underscores the link between repentance and receiving times of refreshing from the Lord.
God’s promises of restoration and renewal
Throughout the Bible, God makes promises of restoration and renewal. These promises are often cited as evidence of God’s power to bring revival to individuals and communities.
Promises of forgiveness and healing
Several passages speak of God’s willingness to forgive sins and heal the wounds of the past.
One of the most well-known examples is Joel 2:25, where God says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the swarming locust— my great army that I sent among you.” This verse is often interpreted as a promise that God will restore what has been lost, both spiritually and materially.
Another verse that expresses the desire for revival is Psalm 85:6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” This verse captures the longing for God’s presence and the joy that comes with it.
The power of the Holy Spirit
Many believe that revival is often accompanied by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which leads to spiritual gifts and manifestations.
Acts 2:17 states, “‘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.”
Ezekiel 37:5 emphasizes the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” The Holy Spirit is seen as the breath of life, capable of bringing dead things back to life.
Examples of revival in the Bible
The Bible is full of accounts of people turning back to God, both individually and as nations. Here are a few examples that show us what revival can look like.
King Josiah’s Reforms (2 Kings 22-23)
In the Old Testament, King Josiah led the people of Judah in a time of national repentance and renewal. It all started when the Book of the Law was rediscovered in the Temple. Reading the Law brought about a deep conviction of sin and a desire to return to God’s commands.
Josiah took decisive action. He led the people in destroying idols and pagan altars. He reinstituted the celebration of Passover, which had been neglected for many years. Josiah’s leadership shows us the importance of returning to God’s Word and committing to obey Him in every area of our lives.
The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
In the New Testament, the Day of Pentecost is a pivotal moment. The Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers in Jerusalem, empowering them in a new way. This event marked the birth of the church and the beginning of the rapid spread of the gospel.
The Apostle Peter preached a powerful sermon, calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As a result, thousands were converted and added to the church. The Day of Pentecost demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives and launch a movement that would change the world.
Personal Revival: Psalm 51 as a Model
While national and corporate revivals are important, personal revival is just as vital. Psalm 51, written by King David after his sin with Bathsheba, is a powerful prayer for personal renewal. David expresses deep remorse for his sin and pleads with God for a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
Verse 10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This verse encapsulates the essence of personal revival: a desire for inner transformation and a renewed commitment to God. David’s prayer reminds us that revival begins with acknowledging our sin and seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing.
Living in Revival: Practical Applications
We can talk about revival as a historical event, something that happened in the past. But the idea of revival is that it’s always possible, always available. So, how do we live in revival?
Individual Transformation
The Bible says that personal transformation is a key aspect of revival.
- Renewing the Mind: Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means we need to intentionally line up our thoughts and attitudes with God’s Word and God’s will.
- Drawing Near to God: James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Coming closer to God requires us to turn away from sin and commit to living a pure life.
Communal Renewal
Revival isn’t just a personal experience. It affects the whole community of believers.
- Corporate Prayer: When we pray together, we create an atmosphere where God’s power can work.
- Preaching the Word: 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Hearing and understanding the Word of God is essential for revival.
Sustaining Revival
Revival is a powerful experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a one-time event. We need to cultivate habits that allow revival to continue in our lives.
- Maintaining Humility: Pride can quickly derail a revival. Isaiah 66:2 says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
- Continual Repentance: We need to continually turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness. A lifestyle of repentance is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does scripture define revival?
Scripture doesn’t offer a single, concise definition. However, revival is generally understood as a time of spiritual awakening and renewal within the church, marked by a renewed sense of God’s presence, repentance, and a turning back to Him.
What scripture talks about revival?
While the word “revival” itself isn’t used extensively, many passages describe times of spiritual renewal. Examples include 2 Chronicles 7:14, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:1-4, and various Psalms that call for repentance and a return to God.
What are the four elements of revival?
While interpretations vary, common elements often associated with revival are: 1) A deep conviction of sin and a genuine repentance, 2) A renewed hunger for God and His Word, 3) A restoration of broken relationships and unity within the church, and 4) An outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a powerful witness to the world.
What is the scriptural prayer for revival?
There isn’t one specific prayer labelled as “the” prayer for revival. However, 2 Chronicles 7:14 provides a powerful model: “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.”
In Closing
Revival isn’t a one-time thing. It’s God’s ongoing work, and it won’t be fully complete until Christ returns. Think of it as a continuous process of spiritual renewal, not just a single, isolated event.
The Bible calls on believers to humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn away from the things that aren’t right in their lives. When we answer that call, both as individuals and as communities, we open ourselves up to experiencing the life-changing power of revival.
The good news is that God wants revival, and He promises to restore those who turn to Him and seek Him with all their heart. There’s always hope for a fresh start and a deeper connection with God.