A TRACT ON REVIVAL

Revival is an often misunderstood Christian phenomena characterized by the use of new methods, intensified evangelism, emotional rapture and an emphasis on morality. The term revival can be heard behind the doors of most churches in the United States along with the urgent plea that it is sorely needed.

However, true revival is best characterized as an extraordinary outpouring of the ordinary means of God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Any "revival" that falls short of God's work of humbling proud sinners and calling wayward mankind to repentance and dependence on Christ alone for righteousness which cannot be earned, inherited or acquired is simply idolatry in religious clothing. What men and women of this generation need is not modern revival, it is to be humbled with the fear of God by realizing that they will be held accountable for everything they have ever done, thought or failed to do.

Paul's warning at Mar's Hill rings true today, just as it did two two thousand years ago: the sovereign God of our creation has appointed a time when He will judge every person according to His objective, righteous standard which was achieved by Christ alone. Anyone who comes up short of the standard is subject to God's holy wrath. Therefore, our pet and petty sins of dishonesty, self fulfillment and self pleasure will be revealed against us as a testimony of our rebellion against God who created us to glorify Him, find contentment in Him, and participate in the holy task of furthering his kingdom.

Here then is the ancient call of revival: God calls all persons everywhere to repent immediately and believe on Jesus Christ. This Christ, who alone in all mankind was able to achieve God's perfect standard, not only died that rebellious people might be covered in his righteousness, but He also willingly and eagerly gave himself as a sacrifice for the sins of his people. After His death, the Father God revealed his acceptance of His Son's sacrifice by raising Him from the dead three days later, thus authenticating the only hope for wayward mankind who are separated from God by sin. This then is how we know God's love for us: Jesus Christ laid down his life for those who readily and willingly rebel against Him. 

In your quest for revival, seek not heaven or rapturous feelings here on earth; instead, seek righteousness for without it no person can know God. True revival is the gospel and is comprised of knowing ourselves and knowing God. Let no one think more of himself than he ought but in quiet reckoning see himself from God's perspective, repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ alone. Only then will we know true, God ordained revival. (See Acts 17:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Titus 3:5) ~ the Forgotten Puritan