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Contending for the Word Q&A, November 9, 2025
Theme: When God Revives His People
Revival According to Scripture, What Happens When God Revives His People
Revival is a term often tossed around in modern Christian circles, yet few take the time to consider what it truly means in a biblical sense. True revival is not merely an emotional moment or a temporary spiritual enthusiasm. It is a sovereign work of God that brings His people back to Himself, producing repentance, joyful obedience, and renewed devotion to His Word.
Biblical Foundations for Revival
Scripture gives us clear pictures of genuine revival. One of the clearest Old Testament examples is the reform under King Josiah in 2 Kings 22–23. When the Book of the Law was rediscovered in the temple, Josiah did not respond with a superficial or emotional reaction. His heart was pierced by the truth of God’s Word. What followed was not a series of dramatic services, but sweeping repentance, the removal of idols, and renewed obedience to the Lord. Revival was Word centered and obedience driven.
Likewise, in the New Testament, Acts 2 shows the Spirit of God moving powerfully through the proclamation of the gospel. Peter preached Christ crucified and risen, thousands were convicted of their sin, and the church grew in devotion to Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship. This was not a social movement or emotional frenzy. It was a deep spiritual awakening grounded in truth and producing transformed lives.
Discernment and the Marks of True Revival
How do we distinguish genuine revival from counterfeit movements that may carry energy or excitement yet lack biblical substance? Scripture gives us the answer. True revival exalts Christ, is rooted in Scripture, and leads to repentance and obedience. In 1 John 4:1 believers are called to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. Movements that elevate human personalities, emotional highs, or experiences over the gospel are not biblical revival. True revival centers on Christ, His Word, and the transformation that only the Spirit brings.
Historical Witnesses of Revival
Church history testifies to this same pattern. During the Great Awakening of the eighteenth century, God used faithful preaching from men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Their focus was not entertainment or emotional spectacle, but proclamation of biblical truth. The result was deep conviction of sin, conversions, and enduring spiritual fruit.
The Fruit of True Revival
Scripture makes the outcome of true revival unmistakably clear. In Galatians 5:22–23 we see that where the Spirit is at work, the fruit of righteousness will be present. Revival produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. It draws believers deeper into God’s Word, grows their love for Christ, strengthens their obedience, and unites the church in holiness and mission.
Revival Begins With Repentance
Revival does not begin with emotional intensity or public excitement. It begins in the quiet places of the heart. Joel 2:12–13 calls God’s people to return to Him with all their hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. True revival begins with humility before God, confession of sin, and earnest seeking of His mercy and grace.
Call to Reflection
As we consider revival today, the question is not first whether our churches or communities will be renewed, but whether we are personally ready for God to work in us. Are we cultivating humble hearts, repentant spirits, and a deep commitment to Scripture? Revival begins with a single believer who turns back to the Lord with sincerity and faith.
Call to Action
Let us examine our hearts. Are we seeking God’s renewing work in our lives, or have we grown complacent? Are there sins we need to repent of, habits we need to surrender, and truths from Scripture we need to obey? Revival does not begin with crowds, it begins with one heart humbly returning to the Lord. May we be those who cry out for God’s renewing grace and gladly submit ourselves to His Word.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
