Much must be considered as we plan and prepare for a work of revival. Of those considerations, perhaps the greatest is Biblical discernment on the philosophy of revival. What is revival? What should be expected at the occurance of a revival? Are we in need of a revival? Who determines when revival comes? Whose fault is it that there is no revival? Many other questions could be asked as we consider a Biblical definition of revival. Consider the following aspects that comprise a Biblical, Spirit-sent revival:
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REVIVAL
We must return to depending on God for the enablement of the Holy Spirit to live out Bible truth. God has clearly laid out this human responsibility to precede any true work of revival.
1. RETURN: There must first be a humble admission that we have turned away from God, and as a result, lack His blessing and power. (II Chronicles 7:14)
2. DEPENDING: The decision of repentance is a decision to cease dependance upon self and cast complete dependance on God alone to live the Christian life. (I Tim. 1:12)
3. SPIRIT'S ENABLEMENT: God's Spirit is the divine Agent of strength in the life of a believer. "Walk in the (power of the) Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Gal. 5:16) We must realize and accept that the work of revival and sanctification are only possible through the Holy Spirit of God.
4. BIBLE TRUTH: God intended every believer to live out the promises found in His Word.
True revival is God's Word becoming our walk; then there is joy unspeakable, peace like a river, and bold empowered service for Christ. Humbly admitting our fruitless Christian lives, we must return to a fresh dependence on God's Holy Spirit.
THE REALITY OF REVIVAL
The powerful, spiritual manifestation of the presence of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 64 paints a tremendous picture of what takes place when God sends revival as His people meet their responsibility. Isaiah is pleading for national revival and asks God to "come down." The word "presence" is used three times in the first three verses, highlighting the very dynamic of revival. What actually happens at revival that produces such supernatural results? God comes down, and the very presence of Christ is REVIVAL!
THE RESULTS OF REVIVAL
THE MELTING OF MOUNTAINS: Is 64:1 indicates that God's presence causes mountains to melt. Often in the Old Testament, mountains are a picture of man's confidence (Jeremiah 3:23). How definite is our futility in ministry when we see our feeble ability contrasted by His great power. True revival produces an honesty, a humility, and a desperate thirst for God to do the impossible. The mountains of organization, programming, intellect, and ability melt into pools of humble submission, and as we begin to depend on the life of Christ in us, we experience the Spirit-filled life of holiness and fruitfulness.
THE MOVING OF MASSES: Verse 2 indicates the nations being moved as a result of revival. This is nothing less than effective empowered evangelism. When the mountains of our self-confidence melt before the presence of the glorified Christ, we depend entirely upon Him, which procures the Spirit's power. This is the necessary platform for effective evangelism. Without any question, true revival always results in the salvation of the lost. (Psalm 51:13)
"Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence."Is. 64:1-2
Why We Need Revival
I'm convinced, as are many good men, that we must have revival. With the
lack of revival we are powerless to draw lost people to Christ. In
generations past, God visited and showed Himself in such powerful
ways that the lost were reached. We are fearfully close to seeing an
entire generation of lost people slip into Hell without ever being
exposed to the Spirit of God in revival. (Psalm 75:1) Because of
our unbelief and consequent careless attitude about sin, the mighty
works of God have not been displayed. There has not been set by
Christians an atmosphere conducive to spiritual births. Lost people
come in and out of our churches, hear the Gospel, and walk away
seemingly untouched. Why? The lack of revival. May we never be
forced to say, "Had the mighty works that were done in past
revivals been done in our generation, they would have repented."
Why Is There No Revival
Unfortunately, there are
some who would pin the blame of no revival on the Lord. Is revival
simply a matter of God's arbitrary, sovereign choosing? Are we only
pawns waiting eagerly upon the unwilling notion of God? Many who
take this perspective have developed a fatalistic view of revival.
What is the proper perspective? The Bible gives a sweet harmony
of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Truly, God
is sovereign, and has chosen in that soveriegnty to bring revival
when man meets His requirements. In essence, He has predisposed
Himself, predetermined within Himself, to bring revival whenever His
people truly seek it. Revival is not the random, superimposed
choosing of God. Rather, God desires revival at every moment and the
only thing withholding His work is a stubborn, unrepented,
self-sufficient, self-confident church. As we pray and prepare for
the latter rain of upcoming revival, may we get honest about our
current condition, seek God in prayer, and expect a revival.
"If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."II Chronicles 7:14