Chapter 27:

Modern Revivals

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Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:9-11

Introduction

Revival is at the heart of reformation. What was once dead is made alive again. Only Jesus can effect a true revival; however, Satan can cause the illusion of a revival. Many in the religious world are looking for revival in their lives but few of them truly find it. What they do find is themselves, miserable again or deluded into thinking they are revived.

What are the elements of this chapter?

 
 
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Concept: GOD’S LAW

God’s law shows the need for revival. (Psalm 119:9-11)

Sinful man is not automatically friends with God and is a transgressor of His law. (Romans 8:7; 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20)

Jesus Christ upholds the law. (Matthew 5:17-18)

 

The Law Established Through Faith

(Romans 3:31)

The law is kept out of love for God and is fulfilled in walking after the Spirit of Truth. (1 John 5:3; Psalm 119:97; Romans 8:4; John 16:13)

 

Question: How is God’s law is characterized?

  • Liberty

  • Royal

  • A Delight

  • Source of Blessing for it's Keepers

  • Perfect

  • Love

  • Truth

  • Holy

 
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Concept: REVIVAL

Being made alive again through Christ and being reconciled to God.

Conviction of sin is the first step toward reconciliation through the principles of God’s law.

(GC 467.2)

Sanctification involves recognizing God as holy, loathing sin, and hating that you are sinful.

 

Question: What characterizes true revival in converts to Jesus Christ?

  • Godly sorrow for sin that brings repentance.

    Belief in the gospel message and desire for baptism.

    Christ's character reflected in daily life.

  • Bringing forth of fruit in keeping with true repentance. (Fruits of the Spirit)

  • Walking in newness of life

    Have lives not fashioned after former lusts

    They live lives humbly and in purity with deep heart-searching

 
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Concept: REVIVAL

True revival is an entire change of being. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Soul – abstention from lust, undefiled with sin (1 Peter 2:11; Revelation 21:27)

Spirit – produces good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Body – sacrificing pleasure, keeping the body pure. (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 7:1)

 
 
 
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Concept: SANCTIFICATION

The act or process of acquiring sanctity; of being made holy. (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23; John 17:17; Romans 15:16)

It is a process which produces love (John 15:10), obedience (John 8:29; Philippians 2:12-13), and victory over sin (1 Corinthians 15:56-57; 1 John 5:4)

It recognizes God as holy, causing hatred for sin in the world and in self.

 
 

Question: What are the progressive steps that lead to true sanctification?

  • Faith

    Virtue

    Knowledge

    Temperance

    Patience

    Godliness

    Brotherly kindness

 

Examples of Sanctification in God’s People in the Bible

  • Daniel 9:15

    Daniel 9:18-20

    Daniel 10:11

  • Job 42:5-6

  • Isaiah 6:3,5

  • Ephesians 3:8

  • Revelation 1:17

 
 
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Concept: FALSE REVIVAL

A counterfeit revival that appears genuine but denies the authority of the true God by rejecting His law.

(James 2:14-24; 1 John 2:4-5; 3:6, Matthew 7:15-18) (GC 472.3)

 
 

Question: What characterizes a false revival?

  • Exaltation of the self with special emphasis on emotion.

  • Claims freedom from sin, but continues in sin without sorrow for it.

  • Desires an easy religion without striving to sanctification, self-denial, or separation from the world.

  • Faith-only without true works of faith is a popular doctrine.

  • There is neglect and indifference towards Bible study.

  • Rejection of God’s law claiming: “Christ abolished the law,” “Men are free of the requirements of the law, because it is a grievous yoke.”

 
 

True Revival Needed!

God's followers need revival because they have forsaken God’s law. They have carved out their own source of living water and lack knowledge crucial for salvation. (Jeremiah 2:13; 6:16; Hosea 4:6)

 

Revival Produces Action

True revival reflects the light from Christ. (John 8:12; Proverbs 4:18)

It causes separation from the ungodly. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

 
 
“While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone so to live that God will approve and bless him. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness. ”
— GC 477.2
 
 

Back Home Again

True revival leads to reinstatement into God’s family as his children. (Luke 15:11-24; 2 Corinthians 6:18)

You are brethren with Christ. (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 2:10-12)

True revival leads to real joy and blessings (John 14:14; Philippians 4:4)

 
 
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
— Psalm 1:1-3
 

Question: Is the church of Jesus Christ in danger of judgment?

 

 What does this have to do with me today?

Do I see a need for true revival in my church? How should Daniel’s experience be an example to my leaders?

What steps are required for revival in someone’s life? How do I know if someone is really being revived?

What is the evidence of true revival in the church?

Is sanctification optional since we are justified by Christ's blood?