Revival in a Christian context refers to a period of renewed spiritual interest, enthusiasm, and commitment within a church or community. It is characterized by a deepening of faith, widespread repentance, a return to biblical teaching, and often a significant increase in conversions and church attendance. Revivals can occur on a local level, affecting a single congregation, or on a larger scale, influencing entire regions or even nations. Historically, revivals have played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the church, leading to social transformation and the spread of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundations of Revival

Old Testament Revivals

The concept of revival is deeply rooted in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, where we see repeated calls for the people of Israel to return to God. These calls often come in response to periods of spiritual decline, idolatry, or moral decay.

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “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.” (NIV) This verse is often cited in the context of revival, emphasizing the need for humility, prayer, and repentance as prerequisites for God’s healing and restoration.
• 1 Samuel 7:3-4 – “So Samuel said to all the Israelites, ‘If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’ So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only.” (NIV) This passage describes a revival under the leadership of Samuel, where the people of Israel turned away from idolatry and recommitted themselves to the Lord.
• 2 Kings 22-23 – The account of King Josiah’s reforms is another example of revival in the Old Testament. Upon discovering the Book of the Law in the temple, Josiah leads the nation in repentance, tearing down idols, renewing the covenant with God, and restoring true worship.

New Testament Revivals

In the New Testament, revival is closely associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel. The Day of Pentecost is often seen as the first great Christian revival, where the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach with boldness, leading to the conversion of thousands.

• Acts 2:1-4 – “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (NIV) The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the beginning of the church’s mission and the first revival in Christian history.
• Acts 4:31 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (NIV) This passage describes another instance of revival in the early church, where the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to bold preaching and the continued spread of the Gospel.
• Acts 8:5-8 – “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.” (NIV) This revival in Samaria under Philip’s ministry resulted in widespread conversions, healings, and joy among the people.

Theological Significance

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Revivals are often understood as a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, who brings about conviction of sin, spiritual renewal, and the empowerment of believers for ministry. The Holy Spirit’s role in revival is central, as He is the one who brings new life, convicts hearts, and draws people to Christ.

1. Conviction and Conversion: In times of revival, the Holy Spirit often works powerfully to convict people of their sin and need for a Savior, leading to genuine repentance and conversion. This conviction is not just intellectual but deeply emotional and spiritual, resulting in a transformative encounter with God.
2. Empowerment for Ministry: Revivals frequently lead to a renewed sense of mission and evangelism among believers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christians are often inspired to share their faith boldly, leading to an increase in evangelistic efforts and the spread of the Gospel.

The Necessity of Repentance

Repentance is a key theme in revival. Throughout Scripture, revival is always preceded by a call to repentance, where individuals and communities turn away from sin and back to God. This turning back is often accompanied by a renewed commitment to holiness, prayer, and the study of Scripture.

1. Personal Repentance: Individuals experiencing revival often undergo a deep personal renewal, where they confess and turn away from sin, and commit to living in accordance with God’s will.
2. Corporate Repentance: Revivals also often involve corporate repentance, where entire communities or congregations acknowledge their collective sins and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. This can lead to a powerful sense of unity and renewed purpose within the church.

The Restoration of True Worship

Revivals frequently lead to a restoration of true worship, where the focus shifts from mere ritual or tradition to a heartfelt, Spirit-led expression of praise and adoration for God. Worship in times of revival is often marked by a sense of awe, reverence, and joy, as believers experience a renewed awareness of God’s presence.

1. Reformation of Worship: Historically, revivals have often led to changes in worship practices, where dead formalism is replaced by vibrant, Spirit-filled worship. This can involve a return to biblical patterns of worship, as well as the introduction of new forms of expression that reflect the renewed spiritual life of the community.
2. Sacramental Renewal: In many revivals, there is also a renewed emphasis on the sacraments, particularly the Lord’s Supper, as believers seek to encounter Christ more deeply in these means of grace.

The Impact on Society

Revivals often have a significant impact on the broader society, leading to social reform, increased care for the poor and marginalized, and a transformation of cultural values. The changed lives of individuals in revival can lead to a ripple effect, influencing families, communities, and even nations.

1. Social Justice: Many revivals have been associated with movements for social justice, where Christians, motivated by their renewed faith, take action to address issues such as poverty, slavery, and inequality. The 18th and 19th-century revivals in Britain and America, for example, were closely linked to the abolitionist movement.
2. Cultural Transformation: Revivals can also lead to a broader cultural transformation, as Christian values and ethics become more influential in society. This can result in changes in laws, education, and public morality, as the Gospel impacts all areas of life.

Historical Examples of Revival

The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s)

The First Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies and Britain in the 1730s and 1740s. Key figures in this movement included Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley.

• Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is often associated with the revival in New England. His famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” is emblematic of the revival’s emphasis on the reality of sin, the need for repentance, and the urgency of conversion.
• George Whitefield (1714-1770) was a key figure in spreading the revival throughout the American colonies. His open-air preaching attracted large crowds, and his message of new birth through faith in Christ resonated with many, leading to widespread conversions.
• John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, played a significant role in the revival in Britain, particularly through the Methodist movement. Wesley’s emphasis on personal holiness, the need for a deep, personal relationship with Christ, and the importance of evangelism helped to spread the revival across Britain and beyond.

The Second Great Awakening (1790s-1830s)

The Second Great Awakening was another major revival movement in the United States, beginning in the late 18th century and continuing into the early 19th century. This revival had a profound impact on American religious life, leading to the growth of new denominations, the expansion of missionary work, and the rise of social reform movements.

• Charles Finney (1792-1875) was one of the most influential preachers of the Second Great Awakening. Known for his “new measures,” Finney introduced techniques such as the “anxious bench,” where those under conviction of sin could come forward for prayer and counsel. Finney’s emphasis on human responsibility in conversion and his belief in the possibility of immediate, widespread revival were key aspects of his ministry.
• Camp Meetings: The Second Great Awakening was also characterized by large camp meetings, particularly in the frontier regions of the United States. These gatherings brought together thousands of people for days of preaching, prayer, and worship, often resulting in mass conversions and renewed religious fervor.
• Social Reform: This revival was closely linked to various social reform movements, including the abolition of slavery, temperance, and women’s rights. The revival’s emphasis on personal and social transformation led many Christians to become active in these causes, seeing them as expressions of their faith.

The Welsh Revival (1904-1905)

The Welsh Revival was a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Wales, beginning in 1904 under the leadership of Evan Roberts. This revival had a profound impact on Welsh society, leading to widespread conversions, a deepening of spiritual life, and significant social change.

• Evan Roberts (1878-1951) was a young coal miner who became the most prominent leader of the Welsh Revival. His emphasis on prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the need for personal holiness resonated with many, leading to a wave of spiritual renewal across Wales.
• Impact on Society: The revival had a noticeable impact on Welsh society, leading to a decline in alcohol consumption, a reduction in crime, and a renewed sense of community. The revival also had a global influence, inspiring similar movements in other parts of the world.

The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915)

The Azusa Street Revival, led by William J. Seymour in Los Angeles, is considered the birthplace of the modern Pentecostal movement. This revival was marked by an emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.

• William J. Seymour (1870-1922) was an African American preacher whose ministry at the Azusa Street Mission attracted people from diverse backgrounds and denominations. The revival was characterized by a strong sense of unity among believers, regardless of race or class, and by powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
• Global Impact: The Azusa Street Revival had a significant global impact, leading to the spread of Pentecostalism around the world. The emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the continuation of the charismatic gifts became central to the Pentecostal movement, which has grown to become one of the largest branches of Christianity today.

Theological and Practical Implications

The Sovereignty of God in Revival

Revivals are often seen as sovereign acts of God, where the Holy Spirit moves powerfully in response to prayer and repentance. While human effort and preparation are important, the timing and extent of revival are ultimately in God’s hands.

1. Preparation for Revival: While revival cannot be manufactured, believers are called to prepare their hearts through prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s will. This preparation creates an environment where the Holy Spirit can work freely.
2. Dependence on God: Revival reminds believers of their dependence on God for spiritual renewal. It is a humbling recognition that apart from God’s intervention, true transformation is impossible.

The Role of Preaching and Prayer

Preaching and prayer are central components of revival. Revivals are often sparked by powerful, Spirit-filled preaching that convicts people of sin and points them to Christ. Prayer is also a key element, as believers seek God’s presence, intercede for others, and ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

1. Preaching the Gospel: In times of revival, the preaching of the Gospel is often marked by a renewed clarity, urgency, and power. Preachers are used by God to communicate His message in a way that deeply impacts the hearts of listeners.
2. Intercessory Prayer: Revival is often preceded and sustained by fervent intercessory prayer. Believers come together to pray for a move of God, for the salvation of souls, and for the renewal of the church.

The Need for Discernment

While revivals can bring great blessing, they also require discernment. Not all movements labeled as revival are genuine, and there can be excesses or abuses that need to be addressed. Discernment is necessary to ensure that what is happening aligns with Scripture and the character of God.

1. Testing the Spirits: The Bible instructs believers to “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). This is especially important in times of revival, where emotionalism or false teachings can sometimes accompany genuine moves of the Spirit.
2. Accountability: Leaders of revival movements need to be accountable to the broader body of Christ, ensuring that their teachings and practices are in line with biblical truth. This helps to safeguard the integrity of the revival and prevent spiritual abuse.

Broader Biblical Themes

Renewal and Restoration

Revival is closely connected to the biblical themes of renewal and restoration. Throughout Scripture, God is seen as a God of renewal, who brings life to the dead, restores what is broken, and renews His people in times of spiritual decline.

• Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV) Revival brings a renewal of spiritual strength and vitality, empowering believers to live out their faith with renewed energy and purpose.

The Sovereignty of God

Revivals are often seen as demonstrations of God’s sovereignty, where He moves in unexpected and powerful ways to accomplish His purposes. This theme is reflected throughout Scripture, where God intervenes in history to bring about His plans, often through unexpected means.

• Habakkuk 3:2 – “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” (NIV) This verse reflects a longing for God to act again in powerful ways, as He has done in the past, bringing revival and renewal to His people.

The Mission of the Church

Revival is also closely connected to the mission of the church, as it often leads to an increased focus on evangelism, discipleship, and social action. Revivals remind the church of its primary mission to make disciples of all nations and to be a light to the world.

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) Revival often renews the church’s commitment to the Great Commission, leading to a fresh outpouring of evangelistic zeal and missionary activity.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine and Church History

Influence on Christian Worship

Revivals have had a profound influence on Christian worship, often leading to new forms of expression and a renewed emphasis on heartfelt, Spirit-led worship. Many hymns and worship songs that are still sung today were birthed out of revival movements.

• The Wesleys: John and Charles Wesley, leaders in the Methodist revival, were also prolific hymn writers. Their hymns, such as “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” have become staples of Christian worship, reflecting the revival’s emphasis on personal and corporate praise.

Influence on Evangelism and Mission

Revivals have often led to a surge in evangelistic and missionary activity. The passion and urgency that characterize revival frequently result in the spread of the Gospel to new regions and peoples.

• The Great Awakening: The First and Second Great Awakenings had a lasting impact on the missionary movement, inspiring many to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Figures like William Carey, often called the “father of modern missions,” were deeply influenced by the revivalist spirit of their time.

Influence on Social Reform

Revivals have also played a significant role in social reform, particularly in the areas of abolitionism, temperance, and humanitarian efforts. The conviction that Christian faith should lead to social action has been a recurring theme in revival movements.

• The Clapham Sect: This group of evangelical Anglicans, which included William Wilberforce, was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. Their efforts were fueled by the spiritual renewal of the evangelical revival and their conviction that the Gospel had implications for social justice.

Conclusion

Revival is a powerful and transformative experience in the life of the church, bringing renewed spiritual vitality, deeper commitment to Christ, and often significant social impact. Rooted in the biblical themes of renewal, repentance, and the work of the Holy Spirit, revival has been a recurring feature of Christian history, from the early church to the present day.

From a Christian worldview, revival is seen as a sovereign work of God, where He moves in response to the prayers and repentance of His people to bring about spiritual renewal and growth. It is a reminder of the ongoing need for the church to be vigilant in its faith, to seek God’s presence continually, and to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Revivals challenge believers to live out their faith with renewed passion and purpose, to seek reconciliation and justice in the world, and to be faithful witnesses to the transforming power of the Gospel. As Christians look forward to future revivals, they are called to prepare their hearts, pray for God’s intervention, and be ready to participate in the work that God is doing in their midst.