What is a Revival?

Q: What is revival ?

A: It can be described in various ways but essentially revival is simply God amongst His people in power and glory. Duncan Campbell, from the Hebrides revival, once said:"Revival is not churches filled with people but people filled with God".

Revival implies a rejuvenation and a return to the biblical pattern for God's people. The church, at Pentecost, enjoyed a powerful outpouring of God's Spirit and the revival spread far and wide. Throughout history God has seen fit to send times of refreshing to His people. In times of revival Christ is at the very center as the glorified Lord to whom all must bow.

Q: What are the characteristics of revival ?

A: God-given conviction of sin; mourning for sin begins amongst God's people and later extends to the unsaved; confession of sin is thorough and deep; restitution (returning of stolen goods, apologizing, etc.) are the natural outflow of repentance which means a change of mind regarding sin and God; the joy of forgiveness through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice for sin; lives obedient to Jesus Christ; the fellowship of the saints; missionary zeal to bring the Gospel to the lost.