Bible Verses About Revival
It’s human nature to get stuck in a comfort zone. You know…a routine…a cycle…and a series of habits that constitute our normal life. As Christians however, that’s not necessarily a good thing. And these bible scriptures about revival highlight just that!
If your walk with Christ has simmered down to a lukewarm, ordinary set of customs, you need to wake up and get the blood flowing again! Physically and spiritually!
Let’s examine some powerful bible verses about revival, understand what God expects from us and discuss exactly what spiritual awakening entails.
What is Revival?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, revival is the process of becoming more active. Therefore, when we take this in the context of our spiritual life:
Spiritual revival, or religious revival, is the renewal of our faith, strengthening of our relationship with God and the rejuvenation of our obedience towards God’s teachings and expectations.
Why is Spiritual Revival Important?
Romans 6:23 warns us: “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The bottom line is that a sinful life has repercussions. And drifting away from God, and being distracted by things of the world is sinful!
Slipping into a sinful life may not be as blatant as we expect. After all, we aren’t guilty of any crime according the laws in our home town. But the expectations that God has for us isn’t exactly aligned with that of our local Sheriff. God expects a lot more!
As long as we are fixated on obtaining worldly possessions or preoccupied by tangible objects, at the expense of our relationship with God, we are sinning! And this is not acceptable according to the word of God!
Big sin or small sin…sin is sin! And there are dire consequences to sin!
As believers, we know better! We have heard the news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins! We know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). We know that we must repent, in order to be forgiven and to be close to God.
Additionally, we have a tendency to forget the fact that God is a just God. He becomes angry when we turn from Him and there are often punishments.
Therefore, if we have backslidden and lost our spiritual focus, we are playing with our salvation. It’s time to stop fooling around and reconnect with God. It’s time for revival!
Let’s see what God has to say with these revival scripture verses.
35 Powerful Revival Scriptures in the Bible
1. 2 Timothy 3:1-17
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive (…), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (…)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus…”
If you were ever looking for bible verses about revival in the last days specifically, this is it! It is a known fact that we are currently living in what is considered as the end times, according to the bible’s timeline. In the scripture, the Apostle Paul is speaking to us, right now.
He is warning us against people who appear to be godly but are actually so engrossed in their own lives and well being that they are actually considered unholy in the sight of God. He then calls on us to stay firm in our beliefs and faith in Jesus Christ.
Just think about it…Paul is warning Christians to be mindful of “those people.” But what if we are “those people” and we don’t even realize! We’re at risk of losing our focus so much so that we are considered hazardous to other believers. That’s absolutely unacceptable!
As believers, we are educated and knowledgeable. We know what God expects from us. If we are guilty of backsliding, a spiritual revival is absolutely essential. Our salvation is at risk!
It is critical that we stay grounded as Christians, pursuing God at all times and staying connected to Him. We cannot relax and slip away into just having a godly appearance, whilst being separated from God spiritually.
2. 2 Kings 22 & 23
King Josiah: “For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us”
The Lord God of Israel: “…because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord (…) your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.”
King Josiah was one of the most obedient servants of God to ever live. He began his reign as king as a young boy and began a religious reform throughout the Kingdom of Judah, when he discovered the documented Word of God.
When he noticed that the practices across the kingdom were not aligned with God’s laws, he went on a mission to correct this. Despite falling short previously, the corrective actions that took place subsequently, was well received by God.
3. Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon Him while He is near;
let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
God wants to be close to us and He is always available. However, we drift further and further away from God, with sin. The longer we wait to return to God, the more sin builds up, and the tougher spiritual revival becomes.
4. Isaiah 57:15-19
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and breath of life that I made.
Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will heal him.'”
God clearly states that backsliding and sin angers Him. However, once we humble ourselves, turn back to Him and repent, we will be forgiven and restored into a favorable position in His eyes.
5. Lamentations 5:21
“Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!”
Just as Jeremiah did (on behalf of his people), we must plead for forgiveness and turn from our ways. It is imperative that we refocus our energy on our God in order to be revived spiritually.
6. Joel 2:12-13
“‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”
We must recommit ourselves to God, if we have fallen short. He expects this from us and we will be restored.
7. Ephesians 2:1
“And you were dead in the trespass and sins”
By the grace of God, we are forgiven and now have the gift of eternal life.
8. Ephesians 5:14
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
The Apostle Paul warns us, through his address to the Ephesians, about slipping away from godliness and into a condition where sinfulness may thrive.
9. Jeremiah 3:22
“‘Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.’ ‘ Behold, we come to you, for you are the Lord our God.'”
The NIV translation actually uses “backsliding” instead of “faithlessness” in this verse about revival. The world glorifies many things that are actually sinful. We must see sin for what it really is and turn away from it.
10. Jeremiah 33:6-7
“Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first.”
When we turn to God, He is ready to return to us what was lost due to our sinful ways.
11. Habakkuk 3:2
“O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
God disciplines His people when they are sinful. It is meant for our good and to make us return to Him. We are punished with tough experiences in order to be corrected and spiritually awakened.
12. Colossians 2:13
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses”
The love of God and His redemption plan, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, has made spiritual revival possible. Even if we have slipped momentarily and tarnished our relationship with God, we have the opportunity to repent and be forgiven.
13. Hosea 6:1
“Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and he will bind us up.”
Sin separates us from God and we may be disciplined by God, as a result. We need to return to Him and get back on track.
14. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
God will forgive us and take care of us, as long as we repent and turn away from sin.
15. James 3:18
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
There are consequences for our actions. If we want to reap the rewards in the future, we need to correct our actions now.
16. James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This scripture on revival is as clear as can be! James is pleading with us to repent and to get closer to God. God’s position does not change…He is always there for us. We create distance through sin. Once sin is eliminated, we return to God and consequently, He returns to us.
17. Ezra 9:9
“For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us His steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.”
Israel was split into two kingdoms after King Solomon died: Israel to the north and Judah to the South. This was a result of the sins committed by the people. They were constantly at war and eventually captured by Babylon.
However, the Jewish people received another chance at freedom when Persia conquered Babylon. In this revival scripture verse, Ezra highlights the consequences of sins and the importance of reconnecting with God.
Everyone is guilty of sin and sinfulness leaves us vulnerable to the enemy. We need to repent and undergo spiritual revival if we are to obtain God’s protection and favor.
18. Acts 3:19-20
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out”
When we undergo revival, our sins are forgiven and we receive a fresh start.
19. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
God knows our wants and needs. Prioritize God over everything else, and all other aspects of life would naturally flow into place.
20. 2 Corinthians 9:10
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
When we use our resources to build God’s kingdom, we reap the rewards.
21. Psalm 30:11
“You have turned my mourning into dancing”
King David, the author of the Book of Psalms, was one of the greatest men of God that ever lived. We often remember just the positives about King David’s life, but his life was filled with ups and downs. Victories and tragedy. Triumphs in the name of God…and pain, torture, heartache and destruction caused by sin.
David was a known backslider! He was human after all. And despite being hand picked by God to become king and lead God’s chosen people, he often fell victim to his humanly shortcomings.
His son’s life was taken by God, as a baby, since he was conceived due to a series of sinful acts. David sinned and was punished by God. That’s just how it works! Sin is dangerous!
David then had to undergo a major spiritual revival to reobtain favor from God. And God returned to him, just as God promised. Similarly, once we repent and undergo revival, God will return to us.
David also spent many years in hiding when his own son was hunting him, to destroy him. He wrote many Psalms during his periods of hiding when he cried out to God to re-establish favor and to strengthen their relationship.
That’s why King David is such a perfect example to us. Despite his personal issues, flaws and failures, he demonstrated the importance of revival, how to carry out spiritual revival, and the benefits that come with it.
Examining King David’s life, we can see that the Book of Psalms alone is filled with hundreds of verses about revival. Let’s touch on a few more important ones…
22. Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
23. Psalm 80:3-4
“Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?”
24. Psalm 80:14
“Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see”
25. Psalm 80:18
“Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name!”
26. Psalm 85:6
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
27. Psalm 104:30
“When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.”
28. Psalm 119:25
“My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!”
29. Psalm 119:88
“In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.”
30. Psalm 119:107
“I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!”
31. Psalm 119:154
“Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!”
32. Psalm 121:4
“Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
33. Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.”
34. Psalm 143:11
“For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!”
35. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is one of the most important revival scriptures in the bible because it explains God’s revival plan for us. Jesus Christ is our avenue for reawakening as believers, and the key for us to obtain salvation. Through Christ, we can communicate with, and remain connected to God the Father.
Scriptures for Revival and Spiritual Awakening: Key Points
If we study all the revival scriptures in the bible, we can see that there are a few reoccurring points to note:
1. Sin is very serious.
2. God dislikes sin.
3. Sin disconnects us from God.
4. There are ramifications to sinfulness. Either though direct punishment from God. Or through vulnerability to enemy forces, while lacking God’s protection.
5. Everyone is guilty of sinning.
6. God is merciful and will return to us if we repent!
7. God wants us to stay connected to Him.
Bible Scriptures About Revival: How To Seek Spiritual Revival?
Now that we’ve examined the bible verses about revival and understood the importance of maintaining our relationship with God…how do we go about a spiritual revival and reawakening?
We must:
1. Submit ourselves to God.
2. Cry out God, expressing regret for our sinfulness.
3. Ask for forgiveness, repenting of our sins.
4. Live a Godly life.
5. Resist evil as we move forward.
King David shows many instances where he demonstrated these five steps. We can study his example as he often cried out to God, putting his relationship with God first and foremost in his life. All his earthly blessings came as a result of God’s favor.
We can also see that whenever David fell victim to sin, he suffered the consequences. In order to regain God’s anointing, he had to undergo those steps again.
In the Book of James, we can also see where we, the modern day Christian body, receive these instructions for spiritual revival. Our advantage is that we now have the name of Jesus Christ as our direct link to God.
We can stay connected to God at all times via Jesus’ name!
Bible Revival Scripture – Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What is the biblical scripture for revival?
The entire Book of James in the new testament is an excellent resource for reawakening ourselves as followers of Christ. It basically captures many of the negative habits that Christians fall into, then delves into the need for revival, and discusses how we are to go about spiritual revival.
James Chapter 4, in particular, is a powerful biblical scripture for revival. It warns us of being preoccupied by the pleasures of the world and falling away from what God expects from us. We are then called upon to realign ourselves with God while, resisting sin.
FAQ: What is the scriptural prayer for revival?
If we are seeking a prayer for revival, it must be a humble, sincere plea to God! It is imperative that we pray from our heart, asking for forgiveness and then requesting that our heart and minds be reunited with God and His will. Of course, we must pray through the name of Jesus Christ!
FAQ: What is the spiritual meaning of revival?
Revival, in the spiritual sense, is the reawakening and reconfiguration of our relationship with God. We may have fallen victim to the distractions of the world, struggles of day to day life and our human ambitions. This would have caused us to lose focus on our responsibilities as Christians.
We need to ask God for forgiveness, and get back on track with our walk with Him. As Matthew 6:33 explains, we need to prioritize God and our spiritual growth above all else…and in turn, God would take care of the rest to multiply our earthly blessings.
FAQ: What are the biblical principles of revival?
The biblical principles of revival are firstly based on the fact that we are all sinners and sin separates us from God. Once we acknowledge that we are guilty of sin, we can undergo revival and reconnect with God by: submitting ourselves to God, expressing regret for sinning, pleading for forgiveness and following God’s word. We must then resist temptation as we move forward.
FAQ: What is God’s purpose for revival?
God’s purpose for revival is the preservation of our souls! By undergoing spiritual revival, God graciously forgives us for our wrongdoings. It allows us to obtain salvation and regain the favor of God in our lives.
FAQ: How does God bring revival?
God brings revival when we: submit ourselves to Him, regret sinning, ask for forgiveness, follow His word and resist temptation as we continue our lives.
FAQ: What is the true revival in the Bible?
True revival in the bible is the renewed sense of purpose as Christians. It is reestablishment of our connection with God, as well as the rediscovery of our mission and role as followers of Christ.
FAQ: How to intercede for revival?
Interceding for revival is seeking God on behalf of another, for them to regain their connection with God. To intercede, we can pour out our hearts to God, sincerely explaining what we want. Praying can also be accompanied by fasting.
True revival can only come when someone directly expresses their desire for spiritual renewal and seeks God for revival, personally. Therefore, our praying and fasting must be paired with us being a good example and offering counselling to the person in need of revival. That way, they feel convicted in their hearts to undergo the revival process themselves.
FAQ: How do you ask God for revival?
Asking God for revival is seeking God through heartfelt praying, pleading and fasting for our forgiveness and requesting renewed favor from God. We must: submit to God, express regret for sin, beg for forgiveness, follow the teachings of God and resist evil.
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Final Thoughts on Bible Scriptures about Revival
Now you are aware of the silent and deadly killer, that is sin! And you understand what God expects from us as believers in Christ! Our salvation pivots on the revival and reawakening of our walk with God.
Cry out to God and reconnect today. Do not leave yourselves vulnerable to the works of the enemy. And as you move forward, stay close to Him and resist evil (James 4:7-8).
Do you have any other revival verses that are worth mentioning? Do you have any personal experiences with regards to rediscovering God’s anointing, that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
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35 Bible Scriptures About Revival: Compelling & Powerful
