What Is Revival

Biblically, revival refers to a spiritual awakening — a renewed work of God in the hearts of His people. It is when believers who have grown spiritually cold are stirred again toward repentance, holiness, prayer, and passionate obedience. Revival is not manufactured by human effort. It is a sovereign movement of God that responds to humble, broken hearts.

Understanding revival is important — not only for historical knowledge, but for personal preparation.

What Revival Really Means

Revival literally means “to bring back to life.” Spiritually, it means restoring spiritual vitality where there has been decline.

Revival includes:

• Deep conviction of sin
• Genuine repentance
• Renewed hunger for Scripture
• Intense prayer
• Reconciliation between believers
• A fresh awareness of God’s holiness
• Bold witness to the world

Revival does not begin in culture. It begins in the church. It begins in us.

Revival Begins With Repentance

Throughout Scripture, renewal follows repentance. Before blessing, there is humility. Before power, there is brokenness.

True revival is marked not by noise, or over a lot of people speaking in tongues, or by strange behaviors, but by:

• Tears over personal sin
• Restored marriages
• Reconciled relationships
• Secret prayer
• Integrity when no one is watching

God’s presence does not dwell comfortably in pride. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God draws near to the humble and brokenhearted.

If we desire revival in our communities, we must first allow God to search our own hearts.

For a deeper understanding of preparing for eternity and living in light of Christ’s return, you may also read our article on What Is Eschatology?

Revival and readiness are closely connected.

“The Violent Take It by Force” — Waging War Against Sin

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). This statement is not a call to physical aggression. It is a call to spiritual intensity.

Spiritual violence means:

• Aggressively resisting temptation
• Cutting off patterns of sin
• Refusing compromise
• Guarding purity of heart
• Pursuing holiness intentionally

Revival does not coexist with casual sin. If we desire the power of God in our lives, we must wage intentional war against the habits that grieve Him.

This warfare is internal:

• Pride must be confronted.
• Bitterness must be released.
• Hidden sin must be confessed.
• Self-reliance must be surrendered.

Revival demands seriousness.

God Dwells With the Humble

Throughout biblical history, God responds to brokenness more than brilliance.

Revival begins when:

• We stop defending ourselves
• We admit spiritual dryness
• We hunger for righteousness
• We depend fully on God

A pure heart does not mean perfection — it means sincerity and surrender.

If you desire deeper intimacy with Christ, consider reading What Is Being Born Again?

Spiritual rebirth is the foundation of revival.

Historical Examples of Revival

Revival is not theory. History records powerful awakenings that reshaped communities.

The Welsh Revival (1904–1905)

The Welsh Revival began with prayer meetings and repentance. Young preacher Evan Roberts emphasized confession of sin, obedience to the Spirit, and public testimony.

Within months:

• Thousands were converted within a few short months.
• Taverns closed. Bars and pubs ran out of business.
• Crime rates dropped. The police force had nothing much to do. There were no cases in courts.
• Restitution was made publicly
• Entire communities were transformed

There were no celebrity preachers — only deep conviction and humility. The revival spread because hearts were ready.

William Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival (1906)

William J. Seymour, a humble preacher, led meetings in Los Angeles that became known as the Azusa Street Revival.

What marked this movement?

• Extended prayer gatherings
• Deep repentance
• Racial reconciliation
• Simplicity and humility
• Intense hunger for God’s presence

Seymour often prayed with his head inside a wooden box, seeking humility before God. Revival was not built on personality — but on broken dependence.

The impact spread globally and influenced modern Pentecostal movements.

The First Great Awakening (18th Century)

Leaders like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield preached repentance and the necessity of new birth.

This revival produced:

• Renewed seriousness about sin
• Increased Bible reading
• Social reform
• Moral awakening

The emphasis was clear: transformation begins with repentance and faith.

If you would like to understand the foundation of that faith, read What Is Faith?

Revival Is Not Entertainment

Modern culture often confuses revival with excitement. But true revival is rarely comfortable. In fact, it will make you very uncomfortable.

It exposes sin.
It confronts compromise.
It humbles leaders.
It restores reverence.

Revival is not emotional hype. It is holy awakening.

Preparing for Revival Today

How do we prepare our hearts?

1. Examine your life honestly.
2. Confess known sin immediately.
3. Restore broken relationships.
4. Develop a consistent prayer life.
5. Immerse yourself in Scripture.
6. Cultivate intimacy with Christ daily.

Revival cannot be scheduled — but hearts can be prepared.

Revival and the Coming of the Lord

Every true revival in history carried an urgency about Christ’s return. Believers lived with awareness that history is moving toward a culmination.

If we believe Jesus will return, our lives must reflect readiness.

Revival prepares the church for that day.

For a deeper exploration of Christ’s return and spiritual readiness, read What Is Eschatology?

A Gentle but Serious Invitation

This is not written to frighten, but to awaken.

If we long to see:

• Power in prayer
• Transformation in families
• Boldness in witness
• Holiness in leadership
• Healing in communities

Then revival must begin in us.

The question is not, “When will revival come?”
The question is, “Are we willing to be broken enough for God to send it?”

Revival is not built on talent, strategy, or programs. It is born in humility, purity, repentance, and dependence.

Final Thoughts

Revival is God breathing life into spiritually weary hearts. It is not manufactured, but invited through surrender.

When believers wage intentional war against sin, pursue purity, and cry out for God’s presence, history shows that God responds.

May we hunger not for spectacle — but for holiness.
Not for emotion — but for transformation.
Not for noise — but for God Himself.