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When we talk about revival there are, without a doubt, two vital elements that accompany each other: prayer/intercession and turning to God with repentance. Both are vital elements, catalysts for revival.

When it comes to discussing revival there are numerous and various thoughts, opinions, attitudes and theological positions. Whatever you believe about revival, prayer and repentance are two elements that almost everyone will agree with.

The word revival is not actually found in Scripture, though without doubt it is inferred in both the Old and New Testament. Nevertheless, we must all agree that a revival, a turning back to God our Saviour, is an absolute necessity if we are going to see our society stop deteriorating and collapsing.

In January of this year I wrote about being hungry for revival — Shaken and Definitely Stirred. This received a positive response. The article spoke a little more about what revival is and its impact. Here is an extract from that edition of The EXHORTER — 

Revival is about the “recovery of breath”.

A recovery of breath, to restore life, only comes through repentance, as Peter said, “Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). A reviving of our passion for Jesus, a sustained imploring of the Spirit to come and breathe on us again…. 

…. In essence revival is centred in Jesus Christ. It is our pursuit of Him; knowing Him and being transformed to be like Him, which brings about a personal revival, which then can flow through us and impact others around us. 

Repentance and Revival

This article is not about debating or even defining what revival is, it is rather a challenge and exhortation to say categorically, “We need to pray and turn to God for a fresh dynamic outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer and turning to God through repentance are dual themes throughout the Bible. When the Lord called his people who wandered away back to himself, it was always with prayer and repentance. Looking at ‘revivals’ throughout history the same is always seen. There is a popular and well known text mentioned when we talk about revival — 

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 will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV))

However, it is difficult to exactly apply this contextually today (2 Chronicles 7:13–15). The call is directed at God’s people (Israel) that if they turn away from the Lord and when they suffer the loss of his presence and experience pestilence on the land, which he sent, then this is a call to Israel to turn back to God.

Though having said that it is still a clearly seen pattern and a call:

• To humility 
• To prayer 
• To seek the Lord 
• To repentance

These are timeless elements and relevant for all people to experience forgiveness and healing. Do we all long for and desire a significant and powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit that touches and refreshes us all and one that goes far beyond to transforming lives and releasing healing in our land?

Repent and Be Saved

Repent is the fundamental challenge of the gospel. Repentance is the absolute foundation, for without it there is no forgiveness of sin. John the Baptist, preparing the way for the Lord, announced, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). The preaching of Jesus did not deviate from the same theme.

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 (NASB))

When Jesus sent out the 12 disciples, the message was clear:

So they went out and preached publicly that everyone should repent. (Mark 6:12 (TPT))

Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost:

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 (NASB))

In his farewell to the elders from Ephesus, Paul says:

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21 (NLT))

In Athens Paul conveys God’s command that everyone everywhere should repent (Acts 17:30). He summarises his ministry while speaking to King Agrippa highlighting the message of repentance (Acts 26:20). Much more could be said.

There appears to be a disturbing trend: a lack of attention to repentance, the cross, and blood of Jesus when an appeal for salvation is being made by certain preachers. The blood and the cross of Jesus coupled with repentance are crucial and integral aspects of the invitation to surrender to Jesus, which of course must be included.

The idea of making it comfortable for sinners to come to Christ is an error and an offence to God, who gave us his Son Jesus, the One who suffered and died, was buried and rose from the dead. It is about having the right foundation.

The gospel is a confrontation of light and darkness, death and life, truth and lies. Repentance is the kingdom’s edict for forgiveness and freedom. The importance and necessity of repentance are highlighted by the result. Without repentance there is no forgiveness. Sins are not wiped away without the blood.

That repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47 (NASB))

(Forgiveness — Grk. aphesis “a release, from bondage, imprisonment, etc.” (the corresponding verb) aphiemi, “to send away, let go” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary))

Jesus’ blood paid the price for our forgiveness, completely wiping away our sin, which brings freedom and release to the captive (Hebrews 9:22).

Forgiveness of sin only comes through repentance! A “comfortable, feel-good come-to-Jesus-and-be-happy” invitation is not the gospel of the kingdom of God. True freedom is only and always preceded by repentance. The damage done by a weak and watered down invitation to come to Jesus, may, in the end, hinder a genuine conversion experience. It at least slows the transformation process and misrepresents the gospel.

Calling the Church to Repent

If repentance is not an absolute element at conversion, then that neglect will often flow on through the life of the church. Sin and the need to repent are hidden in doctrinal statements and rarely spoken of. This call to repentance is no less relevant.

Repentance, as stated, is necessary for conversion and should be present throughout our life. There are the seven churches mentioned in the beginning of the Book of Revelation, five of which are commanded to repent. When the Holy Spirit reveals and convicts of sin (John 16:8), it is imperative that we respond quickly and repent, indeed as we ought to throughout our life walk with Him.

“Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.” (Psalm 19:12 (MSG))

When talking about repentance in the life of a believer it is not always about the big issues, but can be more about the “little foxes” which do the damage (Song of Songs 2:15). Observing the context, it is that of a maiden and her lover. 

The imagery seen is of a vineyard in bloom. When little foxes run through they damage the blossoms and prevent fruit from forming and growing. Is it so in our lives? The little things impair and hinder us from developing a closer more intimate relationship with Jesus and stifle our growth. The little foxes may be compromises or disobedience or settling for less than God’s best or even secret sins, etc. Is it the neglect of pursuing our lover — of having lost the depth of love that we had for him first? These are reasons to repent!

But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. (Revelation 2:4–5 (CSB))

These are serious considerations as is our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Paul writes saying not to cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way we speak to one another. This is a definite exhortation to guard against speaking harmful words. Instead we need to be forgiving and loving toward each other.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30–32 (NASB))

The aim here is to stimulate a fresh passion for Jesus and to lovingly stir up a fresh holy fire and a genuine intent to seek God wholeheartedly. We must move past token gestures and begin to cry out for a fresh outpouring of God’s transforming power through the Holy Spirit. Beginning with prayer, humility, and ears ready to listen, we must hear what the Spirit says. Let us open our hearts with a complete surrender to the Lord, hiding nothing that would hold us back from fully entering into all the Lord has purposed for us.

We do long for a visitation of God, with Jesus at the centre. One that would spread throughout the land, impact people’s lives outside the church and bring social change. Our calling is not to simply hold on until Jesus comes. We all must actively pursue the will of God, the mandate given by Jesus: “Go make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). Is our neglect of this command the next thing of which we need to repent?

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 (CSB))

The Household of God

Time is running out as we watch the last days unfold before us. The apostle Peter states that it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). These are days when we must press in and not hold back. Our future and the future of those yet to hear the gospel depend on us, the Church of Jesus Christ, living in reverence and obedience to a holy and righteous God.

Throughout the years, after times of prayer and repentance, there have been moments when the Holy Spirit has been poured out. These were times of refreshing and renewal that led to changes in attitudes and behaviour. Each time we allow the Holy Spirit’s invasion of our lives he brings transformation, deepens our love for Jesus and brings about a new and better understanding of his ways that enables us to fulfil his purpose and destiny, which he has chosen for us.

However, we want more than moments! Our hearts’ cry and prayer need to be for him to come in a sustained manner of renewal, revival and refreshing, in Jesus’ name!

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19 (AMP))

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Republished with thanks to Beyond Here International. Image via Adobe.