Revival is a time of renewed passion for God and spiritual awakening. The Bible gives examples and principles for seeking revival in our lives and communities. Today, we’ll discover what God’s Word teaches about this powerful move of His Spirit.
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What Does The Bible Say About Church Revival
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s face in order to experience revival. Revival begins with the people of God acknowledging their need for His forgiveness and turning away from sin. When we humble ourselves and earnestly seek God’s presence, He promises to hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and bring healing and restoration.
Psalm 85:6
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
This verse expresses a heartfelt plea for revival. The psalmist recognizes the need for God’s divine intervention to restore the joy and rejoicing among His people. Revival brings a renewed sense of God’s presence, a restoration of spiritual fervor, and a deepening of our relationship with Him, leading to great rejoicing in the Lord.
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says — he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”
This powerful verse reassures us that God dwells not only in high and holy places but also with those who have a contrite and humble spirit. He promises to revive and restore the spirits and hearts of those who recognize their need for Him. Revival begins with a broken and repentant heart that seeks God’s presence and restoration.
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.”
This verse highlights the desire for God to demonstrate His mighty deeds and power in the present day. It is a prayer for revival, acknowledging God’s past works and asking for a fresh outpouring of His mercy and revival in our time. It recognizes that revival is not only a personal experience but a corporate longing for God’s transformative work.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between repentance, turning to God, and experiencing times of refreshing from the Lord. Repentance involves a change of heart and a turning away from sin, resulting in the wiping out of our sins and the restoration of our relationship with God. Revival brings about a refreshing and rejuvenating work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
This prophetic verse speaks of a future outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all people. Revival involves a fresh infilling and empowering of the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual gifts, divine revelations, and a renewed sense of God’s presence among His people.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse reflects a heartfelt prayer for God to create a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Revival starts with a deep desire for spiritual purity and a steadfast commitment to follow God wholeheartedly. It is a cry for God to transform us from the inside out and renew our passion for Him.
Ezekiel 37:5
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.”
In this vision, God speaks to a valley of dry bones and promises to bring them back to life by breathing His Spirit into them. Revival is a supernatural work of God that breathes life into spiritually dead situations. It is a reminder that God has the power to restore and revive even the most hopeless and lifeless circumstances.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse calls us to break free from the world’s patterns and be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Revival involves a change in perspective, aligning our thoughts with God’s truth and surrendering to His will. As our minds are renewed, we gain clarity in discerning God’s perfect will for our lives.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This verse invites us to draw near to God with a sincere and repentant heart. Revival requires us to humbly approach God, acknowledging and confessing our sins, and seeking His cleansing and purification. As we earnestly seek Him, God promises to draw near to us and revive our spirits.
Ezra 10:4
“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
In this context, it is a call to repentance and restoration. Revival often requires courageous action and leadership. It is a reminder that when we take a stand for righteousness and follow God’s leading, He will provide support and strength for the task at hand.
Psalm 80:18
“Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.”
This verse expresses a commitment to remain faithful to God and a reliance on His reviving work. It acknowledges that our ability to call on the name of the Lord and live in devotion to Him is dependent on His reviving presence. Revival renews our desire to seek God and empowers us to walk in obedience and fellowship with Him.
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
This verse highlights the importance of confession and repentance as a pathway to experiencing God’s mercy. Revival begins with openly acknowledging our sins, confessing them to God, and turning away from them. As we humble ourselves and seek His forgiveness, we find mercy and the opportunity for spiritual restoration and revival.
Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand, you save me.”
This verse recognizes that even in the midst of trouble and opposition, God has the power to preserve and save us. Revival brings about a renewed sense of God’s protection, deliverance, and provision in our lives. It is a reminder that His mighty hand is able to overcome any obstacle or enemy we may face.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
This verse highlights the promise that when we wholeheartedly seek God, we will find Him. Revival involves a sincere and dedicated pursuit of God’s presence, His will, and His kingdom. As we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, He reveals Himself to us in deeper and more intimate ways.
Psalm 119:25
“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse expresses a sense of humility and dependence upon God’s Word for preservation and revival. Revival starts with recognizing our need for God’s Word as a source of truth, guidance, and transformation. It is a plea for God to revive and uplift us according to the promises and principles found in His Word.
Zechariah 1:3
“Return to me,” declares the LORD Almighty, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.”
In this verse, God calls His people to return to Him in repentance and obedience. Revival begins with a turning back to God and a recommitment to His ways. God assures us that when we make the choice to draw near to Him, He will faithfully return to us, ready to bring revival and restoration.
Lamentations 3:40
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”
This verse urges us to examine and evaluate our ways, aligning them with God’s truth and righteousness. Revival calls for deep reflection, self-examination, and a willingness to change. It is a call to return to the Lord, surrendering our lives and choices to His leading and reign.
Psalm 23:3
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
This verse demonstrates that the Lord refreshes and revives our souls. Revival involves a surrender to His guidance, following the right paths that lead to His glory. As we allow God to lead us, He refreshes our spirits and rejuvenates our walk with Him.
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
This verse captures the essence of repentance, forgiveness, and receiving the Holy Spirit. Revival begins with personal repentance and the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Through baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit, we are cleansed, empowered, and brought into a renewed relationship with God, experiencing the fullness of revival.
Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
This verse highlights the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in believers. Revival involves tapping into the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit within us. It is a reminder that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead can ignite new life and vitality in our mortal bodies, bringing about a personal and corporate revival.
John 7:38
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers. Revival is characterized by the flowing of living water from within us, representing the life-giving and transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is a call to believe in Jesus and experience the powerful flow of His Spirit, leading to personal and collective revival.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse acknowledges the distractions and temptations that hinder spiritual growth and revival. Revival requires a deliberate turning away from worthless things and a fixation on God’s Word. As we align our gaze with His truth and promises, God preserves and revives our lives according to His faithful Word.
2 Timothy 2:21
“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
This verse exhorts believers to cleanse themselves from sinful practices and attitudes in order to become vessels of honor and revival. Revival involves consecration and surrender, allowing God to purify us and make us vessels fit for His special purposes. As we yield to His sanctifying work, we become instruments of revival and are equipped to do the good works He has prepared for us.