Introduction

Welcome back to Contending for the Word. Over the past two days, we have seen that revival begins with God’s sovereign work and flows through repentance and renewed love for Christ. But how do we know when revival is truly happening? Scripture gives a clear answer, true revival is recognized by its fruit, transformed lives that love God, honor His Word, and walk in obedience.

In Acts 2:37–47, after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the Spirit of God brought deep conviction upon the people. Luke records, “they were cut to the heart” and cried out, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v. 37). Their question captures the essence of genuine revival, it is the Spirit bringing conviction, and sinners responding with repentance and faith in Christ.

True Revival Begins with Conviction of Sin

The first mark of true revival is not joy or emotion, it is conviction. When the Holy Spirit moves, hearts are pierced by the reality of sin against a holy God. The people at Pentecost did not need entertainment or emotional manipulation, they needed the gospel. When they heard it, they were undone.

Conviction is painful, but it is grace. It is how God awakens sleepy hearts. Without conviction, there is no repentance, and without repentance, there is no revival.

True Revival Exalts Christ

At Pentecost, Peter did not preach himself or stir up excitement, he proclaimed the risen Christ. True revival always magnifies Jesus, not personalities, churches, or experiences. It causes people to turn from idols and worship the living God.

The Spirit’s work always centers on the Son of God. Jesus said, “He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). Wherever Christ is exalted, the Spirit is truly at work.

True Revival Produces Obedience and Fellowship

Revival that begins in the heart always overflows into the life of the church. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Genuine revival does not lead people away from the church, it draws them deeper into community, Scripture, prayer, and worship.

The believers shared what they had, cared for one another, and lived in awe of God’s presence. Revival brought both holiness and love, truth and unity. These are the enduring fruits of the Spirit’s renewing work.

True Revival Bears Lasting Fruit

Emotional experiences fade, but the fruit of true revival endures. In Acts 2:47 we read that “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” God’s Word produced genuine transformation and evangelistic zeal. Revival did not end with the service, it began a new way of life.

When the Spirit revives His people, they do not return to business as usual. They live as a holy people shaped by the gospel, grounded in the Word, and filled with awe at God’s glory.

Conclusion

So what are the marks of genuine revival? Conviction of sin, exaltation of Christ, obedience to the Word, unity in fellowship, and lasting transformation. True revival cannot be manufactured or scheduled, it is a sovereign work of God that brings repentance, holiness, and joy to His people.

When we long for revival, we are really longing for God Himself, to know Him more deeply and to see His glory displayed among His people. May our hearts echo the cry of Acts 2:37, “What shall we do?” and may the answer always be, “Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.”