Revival is Based on Two Things
Remember our one truth—if there is not complete repentance, there cannot be revival. Repentance is absolutely essential to revival.
As we continue our journey, I cannot escape this one thought: If there is not complete repentance, there cannot be revival. Repentance is absolutely essential to revival.
We can have prayer meetings, fasts, evangelistic gatherings, and all-day worship meetings, but until there is repenting of sin, there can be no real revival.
The Old Testament is filled with God’s warnings to Israel on this very subject. Consider His words in Isaiah chapter 1.
As we continue our journey, I cannot escape this one thought: If there is not complete repentance, there cannot be revival. Repentance is absolutely essential to revival.
We can have prayer meetings, fasts, evangelistic gatherings, and all-day worship meetings, but until there is repenting of sin, there can be no real revival.
The Old Testament is filled with God’s warnings to Israel on this very subject. Consider His words in Isaiah chapter 1.
The Situation (Isaiah 1:1-9)
Four words describe the situation of Isaiah’s day.
• Rebellious (2, 4)—What is summarized in verse 2 is detailed in verse 4 with 6 phrases. In Hebrew, the word translated “nation” usually describes pagan nations instead of the people of God.
• Blind (3)—The analogy is that even oxen and donkeys know how to get back home when it is time to eat.
• Desperate (5-8)—The description is of a desolate land with burned, demolished cities.
• Merciful (9)—Only God’s mercy kept Israel, and keeps us, from utter destruction.
The Solution (Isaiah 1:10-17 )
First, in verses 10-15, we see where our solution is not. In verses 16-17 we see where our solution resides. Our solution is not in worship and prayer – if they are not accompanied by obedience. This is not the only time we encounter this truth in the Bible.
Consider the following passages:
Remember our one truth—if there is not complete repentance, there cannot be revival. Repentance is absolutely essential to revival.
• Rebellious (2, 4)—What is summarized in verse 2 is detailed in verse 4 with 6 phrases. In Hebrew, the word translated “nation” usually describes pagan nations instead of the people of God.
• Blind (3)—The analogy is that even oxen and donkeys know how to get back home when it is time to eat.
• Desperate (5-8)—The description is of a desolate land with burned, demolished cities.
• Merciful (9)—Only God’s mercy kept Israel, and keeps us, from utter destruction.
The Solution (Isaiah 1:10-17 )
First, in verses 10-15, we see where our solution is not. In verses 16-17 we see where our solution resides. Our solution is not in worship and prayer – if they are not accompanied by obedience. This is not the only time we encounter this truth in the Bible.
Consider the following passages:
- Amos 5:21-24
- Micah 6:6-8
- Psalm 51:16-17
Remember our one truth—if there is not complete repentance, there cannot be revival. Repentance is absolutely essential to revival.
Our Salvation ( Isaiah 1:18-20)
Our restoration is based on two things:
- God’s ability to restore — there is certainly no question regarding His ability.
- Our willingness to repent — there is definitely a question regarding our willingness.
So What?
We must repent.
Luke 15 gives us one of the Bible’s most well-known and well-loved stories often called “The Prodigal Son.” The young son asks for his inheritance early. He leaves for a distant country and quickly squanders the inheritance. Now penniless, he finds work feeding pigs. To Jesus’ Jewish audience, this boy is as far away from his father’s house as he can be – in the land of the Gentiles, among the forbidden pigs. It is this point in the story where we get a classic description, even a definition, of personal and complete repentance. Don’t miss it.
When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.’” So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17-20
The son’s actions reveal to us that true repentance is...
- We must repent personally. We should not expect national repentance if there is not a willingness to repent personally.
- We must repent completely.
Luke 15 gives us one of the Bible’s most well-known and well-loved stories often called “The Prodigal Son.” The young son asks for his inheritance early. He leaves for a distant country and quickly squanders the inheritance. Now penniless, he finds work feeding pigs. To Jesus’ Jewish audience, this boy is as far away from his father’s house as he can be – in the land of the Gentiles, among the forbidden pigs. It is this point in the story where we get a classic description, even a definition, of personal and complete repentance. Don’t miss it.
When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.’” So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17-20
The son’s actions reveal to us that true repentance is...
- A Change of Mind—He came to his senses.
- A Change of Will—I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him...
- A Change of Action—So, he got up and went to his father.
Daily Change Challenge
• Pray, meditate on, and continue to memorize Psalm 139:23-24.
• Ask God to show you any offensive way within you. Write it down. Confess your offensive way and repent of it.
• Ask God to show you any offensive way within you. Write it down. Confess your offensive way and repent of it.
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