Revivals
Summary
Revivals in Scripture are seasons of spiritual renewal when God's people return to Him with renewed devotion, evidenced by repentance, reformed worship, and restored obedience.
☩Old Testament Revivals
Scripture records several notable revivals in Israel's history. Under Asa, Judah put away idols and renewed the covenant with God. Hezekiah cleansed the Temple, restored Passover observance, and destroyed high places. Josiah's discovery of the law sparked a reformation marked by covenant renewal and removal of idolatry.
☩Elements of Revival
Biblical revivals share common elements: conviction of sin leading to genuine repentance, return to God's Word as the authority for life, cleansing from idolatry and compromise, renewed worship and prayer, and restored obedience to God's commands. Revival is not manufactured by human effort but given by God in response to humble, seeking hearts.
☩Prayer for Revival
The psalmist's prayer, 'Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?' expresses the longing every generation of God's people has felt. True revival brings the quickening of spiritual life where deadness existed, the restoration of first love where hearts grew cold. 'O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years.'
Related Verses27 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Revivals," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Revival," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).