SPIRITUAL REVIVAL

The word “revive” comes from the Latin roots re-, meaning “again,” and vivere, meaning to “live.” Put together, revive means to “live again.” The dictionary defines the word “revival” as “an improvement in the condition or strength of something.” Revival is needed when things have declined from how they once were. For example, when a Christian loses the zeal and enthusiasm he once enjoyed in worshipping and serving the Lord, then restoration of that vital relationship with the Lord Jesus is necessary.

“Revival means awakening, stimulating the life, bringing it to the surface again. It happens primarily in the Church of God, and amongst believing people, and it is only secondly something that affects those that are outside also.” (What is Revival? by Martin-Lloyd Jones).  

From time to time Christians become cold and even indifferent toward God and that which pleases Him. Throughout holy Scripture we see the necessity for revival in many instances. The prophet Habakkuk saw a great need for revival of God’s work in his day. As a result, Habakkuk prayerfully appeals to God to act on His people. Here is His prayer: “O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2). This reflects Habakkuk’s triumphant faith in God, who alone is absolutely able to bring about revival. 

Pastor John Piper explains: “The idea of revival originates in the reality that, on the one hand, humans, even those who are born again and part of God’s covenant family, from time to time drift into a kind of lifelessness and lethargy and backsliding and indifference and weakness. And when you put those two together — God as the giver of life and man as ever drifting towards lifelessness — what you get is the need for the hope of reviving, coming back to life — a fresh outpouring of God’s life-giving Spirit on his people. That is what revival is.” (Excerpted from an Interview with John Piper, Founder & teacher desiringGod.org). 

As stated, “the need for the hope of reviving, coming back to life.” The need for the hope of reviving is very evident today. Sadly, man will remain in a lifeless position until revival takes place. Remember what the Lord Jesus said: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). Jesus also declared in His message to the Church in Sardis, “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1). God continues to speak today. Are we listening? Do we recognize there’s a need for revival? Just like the old song says. “I must apply to the blood of Jesus to get a revival in my soul.” 

Isaiah tells us this about God, “For thus says the one who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15). The Holy Spirit initiates the process of revival in the individual “who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.” God will always restore those who have ‘strayed’ from the path of righteousness when they see their need to return to the joys of salvation and a fervent and vital relationship with God.

Because of his mercy and loving kindness. God will not abandon His children even when they go astray. This was demonstrated in His willingness to restore backsliding Israel. God told the prophet Jeremiah, “Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD, I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God.” (Jeremiah 3:12,13). 

Two things to bear in mind when it comes to revival. One is a recognition of the need for revival by those concerned. The other is the guaranteed mercy and faithfulness of God and His willingness to forgive and restore the offending individual.

Since “man’s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever” (Shorter Catechism), then it must be God’s will and purpose that man remains steadfast and sincere in his worship and service to the Almighty. The problem is the world wants believers to fit into its mold. And when believers give in, they relapse into their former state. Believers in such a condition need to repent and be restored to righteous living again. Through revival, a sinning believer comes back to full communion and service with God. 

King David is a good example of a man who desperately needed revival because of his sinful adulterous affair with Bathsheba. David cried out to God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12). Genuine personal revival starts in the very heart and soul of a person. Would to God that believers who have strayed from the “straight and narrow” will recognize their need for revival before it is forever too late,