Revival Topics in the Bible

What is revival?

To revive means to bring back to life. In Christian usage, “revival” generally describes a renewal of spiritual life among God’s people: a fresh turning to God, repentance, prayer and a hunger for his word. Some traditions also use “awakening” for a wider movement that touches society. Christians differ on whether revival is mainly something God sends in his own timing, something believers should seek through prayer and obedience, or both. Most Bible teachers say it is God’s work, and that his people are called to prepare the way through humility and repentance.

Key verses

• 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (KJV). This was spoken to Solomon about Israel. Christians debate how directly it applies to modern nations, though many see its principles reflected in the church.
• Psalm 85:6. “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (KJV).
• Habakkuk 3:2. The prophet asks God to revive his work in the midst of the years.
• Isaiah 57:15. God dwells with the contrite and humble, to revive their spirit.
• Hosea 6:1-3. A call to return to the Lord, who tears and heals.
• Psalm 119:25, 37, 88. The psalmist asks to be revived through God’s word and steadfast love.

Biblical examples of revival

Who experienced revival in the Bible? Common examples include:

• Israel under Samuel (1 Samuel 7:3-6). Samuel calls the people to put away foreign gods and serve the Lord only. They gather, fast and confess.
• Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-31). He reopens the temple, restores worship, and calls the people to celebrate Passover (see Passover questions for discussion). Many from the north join.
• Josiah (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35). The book of the law is found in the temple, the king hears it read and is moved, and he leads the nation in covenant renewal and reform.
• Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8-9). The people gather to hear the law read, weep, confess, celebrate and recommit to the covenant.
• Nineveh (Jonah 3). The people respond to Jonah’s message with fasting and repentance, and God relents from the disaster he announced.
• Pentecost and the early church (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit comes, Peter preaches, and many are added to the church. See our Holy Spirit discussion questions for more on this passage.

Scholars debate how to label some of these. For example, some prefer to call the New Testament events the birth of the church rather than revival, since the church was beginning. The examples nevertheless show common themes.

Themes that recur

1. The word of God is rediscovered. Josiah and Ezra’s days both center on hearing Scripture read.
2. Repentance and confession. People admit where they have departed from God.
3. Prayer and fasting. Seeking God together appears in many accounts.
4. Removing idols and restoring worship. Reform is practical, not just emotional.
5. Joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says the joy of the Lord is the people’s strength.
6. Renewed obedience and justice. The change is seen in how people live.
7. Lasting change is not automatic. After Josiah, Judah’s reform faded, which is a warning that revival needs ongoing faithfulness.

Personal revival: Proverbs 4:23 and Jeremiah 17:14

Revival is not only corporate. Two verses often come up in personal study.

• Proverbs 4:23. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (KJV). The heart is the source of a person’s life and choices, so guarding what shapes it matters.
• Jeremiah 17:14. “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise” (KJV). Jeremiah prays honestly for God’s healing and rescue. In context it is a prayer of trust amid opposition. It is a spiritual prayer for restoration and is not a promise about medical outcomes.

Some practical ideas: set aside time to read a short passage and pray over it, confess what is wrong, and ask a trusted friend to pray with you.

Signs of revival

Church teachers often point to the following, with the caution that no list is perfect:

• A growing love for God and others.
• A hunger for Scripture and prayer.
• Repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships.
• Unity and generosity among believers.
• Boldness in sharing the gospel.

Some churches stress dramatic experiences, while others look for quieter, steadier change. Test claims against Scripture, and look at long-term fruit, a theme explored in our study on the fruit of the Spirit for youth.

Cautions

• Revival is not a technique that guarantees results.
• Emotion alone is not proof of God’s work (1 John 4:1 urges testing the spirits).
• Leaders should be accountable, and the church should give attention to sound teaching.

Topics for a revival study or sermon series

• Humility and prayer (2 Chronicles 7:14)
• Rediscovering Scripture (Nehemiah 8; 2 Kings 22)
• Repentance and forgiveness (Psalm 51; Jonah 3; see also our Psalm 32 Bible study)
• Renewal of worship (2 Chronicles 29)
• The Spirit’s work (Acts 2)
• Guarding the heart (Proverbs 4:23)
• Sending out in mission (see our missionary Bible verses)

Questions for reflection

• Where do you see signs of spiritual dryness in your life or church?
• What role did Scripture play in the revivals of Josiah and Ezra?
• What step of repentance or restoration might God be asking of you?
• How can you pray for renewal in your community this week?