In its most basic form, revival means to make alive again something that was once alive and now is or appears to be dead. Someone who comes out of a faint or coma is revived. When it appears on stage again, a Broadway musical is revived from its earlier premier. Fashion designs that mirror past decades are revived with a new twist. Golden Oldies concerts feature revivals of the popular music of decades past.
Meaning of revivals in church contexts can get a little murky. We have individuals experiencing personal revival. Individual churches sometimes experience a spiritual outpouring. Denominational, non-denominational, and inter-denominational spiritual outpourings have occurred and are sometimes called revivals, sometimes awakenings, and other times renewals, which adds to the confusion. Resurgence of interest in things of the Spirit extending to non-churched and non-believing people in a society is also called revival, which is probably a misnomer because they had not been initially spiritually alive (hold on—I’m not jumping into that theological puddle just yet).
From the numerous monographs, articles, newspaper reports, and biographies on revival and revivalists I’ve read, I have come to think of revivals in terms of their effects, whether individual or corporate, more so than trying to define it by longevity or regional influence. I’ve devised a list of ingredients of revival in Part One of this series. My belief is that revivals are sovereign moves of God at His time for His purposes, but we have a part to play in earnestly seeking revival. Is it possible to hinder or stop revivals by what people do or don’t do. Things that hinder or stop revivals are in Part Two. Furthermore, if revival is something we long for, what are the things that position people to receive an outpouring of the Spirit, that is, when something dramatic and different happens to change people and paradigms? Things that position people to receive what God loves to give is in Part Three of the series.
Ingredients of Revival
RENEWAL
The language of revival can be a bit tricky. Sometimes a movement is called a renewal, especially in mainline denominations. It gives one the sense that what is occurring has happened before, has not really been forgotten, but just has not been given the attention it should. That’s pretty much the story of the Charismatic Movement within the context of denominations that embraced it. Be that as it may, the idea of renewing a relationship with the triune God that may have been neglected is a good thing and central to all revivals.
REPENTANCE
Feeling sorry, guilty, or regret for doing wrong is not repentance. It’s only the first step. A sense of shame, guilt, or regret can and should lead one to make a change. If it is only to stuff these feelings into the bag of low self-esteem, it only serves to hurt a person even more. Holding on to guilt, shame, and regret with no recourse is hopeless and fruitless. As Bob Newhart says in his classic and hilarious tv clip, “Stop it!” Repentance is a better way. The word for repentance is metaneo, means a change. It could be a change of direction, a change of thinking, or a change of behavior. Knowing the right direction and actually following it leads to transformation. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 3:2).” In revivals, we find that repentance, change of direction toward God and His Kingdom, is frequently a theme and desire of multitudes. A deep awareness of the holiness of God in His Presence saturates the atmosphere.
REDEMPTION
In revivals, the person and work of Jesus comes to the forefront. Jesus, the Redeemer, the One who died, was buried, arose from the dead, and ascended to accomplish the redemption of humanity. Because of His sacrifice, we have direct access to the throne of heaven. It was Jesus “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). During revivals, the realization of the One who died on one’s behalf leads multitudes to receive His love, forgiveness, redemption, and welcome into God’s family.
RECLAMATION
To reclaim something is to take back what has been stolen. In revival, we have renewed awareness of what God intended for us and how far short we have fallen due to what the enemy of our souls has robbed. We come to a greater awareness of the extravagant love of God. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Revivals are our opportunities to reclaim the goodness of God that may have slipped away, and even take our relationship with God to a new and deeper place.
REFORMATION
With every revival, God brings a message to the Church, corrects a theological position, or gives a course correction that may have gone awry through tradition or misinterpretation of Scripture. Past revivals have emphasized salvation, holiness, the charismata (gifts of the Spirit), and worship. God has a wonderful way of using revivals to reform how the Church thinks and lives—what to add and what to drop. Major reformation of the Church took place in the sixteenth century, in the eighteenth century, and again in the twentieth century that changed theological perspectives, worship styles and just about every kind of Church life activity. Revivals have a way of reforming what we do, why we do it, and how to do it.
RESTORATION
Revivals also restore fundamental beliefs and doctrines, the basis of reformation. In this last century we have seen the restoration of the gifts, signs and wonder, miracles, healings, and revelation of the authority believers have in Christ. These things have always been available and in operation, but revival brings them to our awareness so that we can engage in what God has for us. It’s all good.
REVELATION
The realities of the Kingdom of Heaven are for us to know and live. The prophetic realm is about hearing from God and speaking forth according to His direction and guidance. It could be telling His Will according to what He has said in His Word (Scripture), confirming His Will, and it may even tell of His Will for the future for an individual, group, or the wider community both churched and non-churched. We can expect revelation because we can have intimate relationship with God where we commune heart to heart. During revivals, the importance of revelation is heightened and sought so that the move or outpouring of God can be properly stewarded to bless.
REVOLUTION
Lastly, past revivals have shown that they influence secular aspects of society. Business dealings are cleaned up, concerns for justice is increased, and greater attention is given to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. A great example is the Norwegian revival led by Hans Nielson Hauge, where whole industries began that transformed the economic landscape of Norway. Of more recent times we hear of marketplace ministries where the supernatural power of God is taken outside of the church to bless communities. Revivals should change the church, but even more so, change society. As we see evil expanding, we desire God’s revolution to bring sanity and peace in a world gone crazy. Lights shine very brightly in deep darkness.
The next part of this series will deal with the components that either hinder or stop revival. As we understand what not to do, we may have a better shot at doing a better job of stewarding the gifts of God.