Modern Revivals: An Exploration

Modern Revivals #1: The True Revival

There are many ideas and projects in process today that, in spite of the sincere intentions of those who are leading out, may or may not be actual manifestations of the true Spirit of God. We ourselves desire that among us there be a true revival. So before drawing conclusions about where we or anyone else is at, let us study together the insights granted us outlining the true revival and the false.

By now you've heard me present several sermons. You know that sometimes I use all Scripture and no Ellen White, others mostly Scripture and a little Ellen White, others some Scripture and some Ellen White, and even in a few messages, quite a great deal of Ellen White. As the basis for this voyage, we will use the chapter "Modern Revivals" in the book Great Controversy, pp. 461-478 (although today we will focus our attention only on pp. 461-463). So we are going to study very seriously and minutely what we as a church believe that the Holy Spirit inspired her to write, but we won't neglect the Scriptures either. Remember, we don't gather to hear God's will watered down, we come together to discover what He wants to say, no matter how different it may seem to us.

From Ellen White's The Great Controversy, pp. 461-463

[461.1] Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed [cf. Mark 16:15-20] that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power [1 Corinthians 2:4]. Sinners felt their consciences quickened [cf. John 6:63]. The "light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" [John 1:9] illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest [1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:4]. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come [John 16:8]. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts [Jeremiah 17:10; Zechariah 1:12]. In anguish they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" [Romans 7:24] As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God [Colossians 1:20]. With faith and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world [John 1:29]. Through the blood of Jesus [Hebrews 10:19] they had "remission of sins that are past." [Romans 3:25]

[461.2] These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance [Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20]. They believed and were baptized [Acts 8:36-37], and rose to walk in newness of life [Romans 6:4]--new creatures in Christ Jesus [2 Corinthians 5:17]; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts [1 Peter 1:14], but by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps [1 Peter 2:21], to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure [1 John 3:3]. The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated [John 12:25]. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart [Matthew 11:28-30]. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside [1 Corinthians 7:31]. Christians sought not the "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

[462.1] Revivals brought deep heart-searching and humility [Psalm 139:23-24]. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice [Luke 9:23], but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ [Acts 5:41]. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their influence. They gathered with Christ, and sowed to the Spirit, to reap life everlasting.

[462.2] It could be said of them: "Ye sorrowed to repentance." "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

[462.3] This is the result of the work of the Spirit of God. There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God [Ezekiel 33:15; Romans 5:1; 16:20]. Such were the effects that in former years followed seasons of religious awakening. Judged by their fruits, they were known to be blessed of God in the salvation of men and the uplifting of humanity [Matthew 7:15-20].

Surely we need to begin by working towards clarity in our terminology. We are going to be hearing much of what Ellen White has to say on revival and reformation. So let's first look at her own definitions of these terms:

A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend. Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902. (ChS 42)

Now we can summarize under two heads: Revival is Renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation is a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices, a reorganization.

When we speak of revival, we are talking about an infilling of spiritual life and power, of the faculties of our heart and mind coming "on-line" in a supernatural fullness that has been uncommon for us. Revival is presented as "a resurrection."

And when we speak of reformation, we are discussing a change in our ideas that involves also a change in our habits and practices. We are looking at something here that will affect our lives in a noticable, long-term way.

There is a third definition, derived from the main passage that we are studying, and that is the revival event in general, a "season of religious awakening" (Great Controversy, p. 463). We can summarize these ideas with the following diagram.

You need these four elements to have a successful revival: the Holy Spirit + the true message of God + messengers ready to work with God, and + people ready to be receptive.

Our study of this chapter today breaks down into six insight areas. They are:

• The Word of God
• The process of change described in a sequence of four elements:
  • (a) Conviction
  • (b) Understanding
  • (c) Action
  • (d) Transformation
• Ellen White's "Big Seven" marks of a true revival, expressed as four "characteristics"...
  • Deep heart-searching and humility
  • Solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner
  • Yearning compassion for those for whom Christ died
  • Praying and wrestling with God for the salvation of souls
• And three "fruits"...
  • No shrinking at self-denial and sacrifice
  • Transformation beheld in the lives of individuals
  • The community where the local church exists benefitted by the influence of those converted
• Repentence
• The fruit test

We're going to follow right along, and take them up in their order. Let's start with those two short sentences that begin the chapter and discuss the place of the Word of God in a true revival.

Let's notice the idea in the first word of this chapter: "wherever." Wherever what? "Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached." The first condition for any true revival is the faithful preaching of the word of God. In recent years I've run into so many people who somehow have arrived at the notion that God is going to finish the work with or without us. Oh yes, mind you, God will finish the work; yes, He may finish it without us, but no, God will not finish the work without somebody human doing it! There can be a revival anywhere on the planet where there is someone who will faithfully meet heaven's conditions.

Consider the next sentence too: "The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power." Notice that the message given must be "the word of God;" in order to be effective in the work of revival the Holy Spirit must "accompany" the message. These things go together. You have to have receptive messenger(s), and you must also have the Holy Spirit. Only this combination will present the word of God in a manner that leads to authentic revival. If the messenger--the preacher or presenter--is delivering a message that God has not sent through him, how can we expect the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit? Without the Holy Spirit, it is nothingness!

A good question to ask at this point is, "what is the word of God?" "But pastor, everybody knows the answer to that!" Don't be so sure. Some people say that the Bible is the word of God (and it is). But what about when God spoke through Elijah; was that the word of God? Elijah wrote no Bible book, but he surely spoke the word of God. What about Phillip's four daughters who all prophesied? (cite>Acts 21:9) What they said isn't recorded in the Bible for us. But when they prophesied they obviously spoke the word of God. What about the writings of a contemporary prophet, as we consider Ellen G. White to be? Are they the word of God?

I did an in-depth study on this topic ("What is the word of God") recently, and shared as much of it as I could up at the Price church (the material was three to four times the normal amount for a sermon). The study is all Bible, no Ellen White, and runs through from Genesis to Revelation. You may want to look at it sometime. It's online at the website, which is now back at www.greatcontroversy.org/documents/sermons/sermonsLK/kir-addg.html. You may be surprised a bit at the results. But I'll leave that to you.

How about this question then: when the preacher speaks on Sabbath morning, is that the word of God? Be careful here! How convenient it would be if we could confidently take every word and every thought expressed from the pulpit and assume that it was sent to us on a silver platter from heaven! And what we hear from the pulpit should be God's word to us. The person standing in that pulpit is commissioned to discover the message for the congregation from heaven and then proclaim it without cutting any corners. And heaven wants to give that message. Heaven is on your side. They want to see the gospel of Jesus Christ succeed in changing our lives.

But if your bubble still needs bursting, I guess that I'll do that for you. I am certain that I have said at least some things in my preaching that sometimes were more on my mind than in God's mind! Paul asks the burning questions: "How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?" Romans 10:14-15. One who preaches faces a burning issue. Am I preaching the word of God? Or am I peddling the word of God? Those are really the only two possibilities that I can see. Even if one is sincere, yet they don't have God's latest message for the congregation to present, I suppose even such a one is peddling God's word.

We Christians are a unique people. We believe that our God cares for us, and will supernaturally intervene to instruct us and restore us and change us. And so we believe that when God's covenant community gathers here in this place to worship, He will have a message for them that is more than the sum of a purely human production. I firmly believe that heaven, even God, speaks through his preachers to His people on Sabbath morning; that is a given. Of this I have no question. But a preacher is a human being, and a fallen human being at that. He is likely not a prophet either. God speaks through His preacher whoever that preacher is, if that person will let Him do so. But the words that come out through my lips don't, I think, come with a guarantee of golden purity. Only to the extent that I have rightly heard and then rightly articulate heaven's message am I presenting to you God's word. So do test me and every other preacher just as the Bereans tested even Paul. Weigh everything according to the inspired words you already have in the Bible and in the Spirit of Prophecy writings. Don't forget the caution Mrs. White gives us in Great Controversy, p. 597:

But are ministers infallible? How can we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from God's word that they are light bearers?

That warning comes in the context of her urging that we follow the teachings of the Bible instead of the false traditions not found in it but promulgated by false teachers. Also, in that quote she is using "God's word" as equivalent to "the Bible." So she is saying "measure what is presented to you by the Bible. Make sure that it is sound." Of course, if it is sound, then it is to be followed. But each one is responsible. Neither I nor any other speaker has the definite last word and you are just supposed to follow us blindly. No way. Know your Bible. Know your Spirit of Prophecy writings. You are responsible for your response. There is a good chance that what I am presenting to you is God's word--is His message to you today from heaven. But there is no guarantee. Nobody walked into this sanctuary today and was handed any guarantees. The only guarantee I have for you is that I have prayerfully sought for God's will, I have prayerfully studied His Word, and I have tried the best I could to bring you His message today.

Someone will say, "I know when I have God's message. You have just admitted that you don't know. But I know that I do." But your message must be tested by the Bible just like mine must. Your assertions amount to nothing more than assertions. I am just being honest. But down through all the ages that men have preached, the fact that no one ever gave out any guarantees never stopped people from coming to hear and placing themselves where they could listen with their own ears and weigh in their own mind the words of the preacher. And I don't think that will change. We want to hear from God. And we think that we will through His appointed spokesmen.

But I have one more question to ask you on this topic. When you speak to another about the things of God, is that God's word? Now I'm not asking if it is inspired in the same way that the Bible is, or if the wording is infallible. But I am asking whether you could, through your speaking on behalf of God, give His word to someone? Could you yourself be a channel through whom our Father might bring true revival to another? What do you think?

Preaching comes not just from the pulpit. In fact, Ellen White says that the devil's two or three lines to Eve as he perched in the tree in the garden "was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul" (Great Controversy, p. 533). Now if a sentence or two from the devil can be considered a sermon, then a sentence or two from you, if you are in the Spirit, may be a message from God to someone else too; it may, in a real sense, be considered "the word of God." No, not to be added to the Bible. But we may, each one, be a human channel through whom God brings spiritual life into the experience of another. It's worth thinking about.

The next part of our chapter is very interesting. The rest of the first and all of the second paragraph in this chapter contains a fascinating transition. Look on the paper I've given you there. The beginning of the third sentence has what word? "Sinners," that's right. Now if you move all the way down about two thirds of the way through the next paragraph, what word do you see? "Christians." And in-between you will see many words describing people: "they," "their," "themselves," "these." What is interesting is that the "they's" and "their's" are like a chain of descriptive statements in the process of personal revival and reformation that tells the story of passage from death to life, from sinner to Christian! It's very striking.

What's more, it can be broken down into four phases: (a) conviction, (b) comprehension (or understanding), (c) action, and (d) transformation. If you are a converted person, then you have been through all of these steps. But you probably are aware that this conversion needs to keep happening inside of us continually. We will never cease to come under the light of conviction, even as we enter the great time of trouble in the end, and as probation has closed. Even at that point we will sense our unworthiness and sinfulness and plead with God for inward purity.

But while they [the people of God in the time of trouble] have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment and have been blotted out, and they cannot bring them to remembrance. (Great Controversy, p.620).

In fact, you may want to reread that short chapter in the Great Controversy, titled "The Time of Trouble," pp. 613-634. Update yourself, come up to speed.

But let's stay on task. Let's consider the role of conviction in a true revival...

Sinners felt their consciences quickened. The "light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Several Scriptures may come to your mind as you hear the wording of those lines. Among them might be John 6:63; 1:9; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:4; John 16:8; Jeremiah 17:10; Zechariah 1:12; Romans 7:24. Let's explore those lines a bit.

It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

It is the Spirit that brings life into you and into me. This text assures us that there is nothing that we can do on our own, unaided or unprovoked by God through His Holy Spirit, that can have any meaningful impact upon us spiritually. Jesus speaks these words in the context of His plea that the Hebrews accept Him as the true manna from heaven, something that they can only do if they will respond to the Spirit. Notice then the astonishing thing that Jesus says: "the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life!"

Now, do you think that words in themselves have power? Can I say "abara-cadabera" and make anything happen at all? No, because there is no innate power in my words. But the words that Jesus speaks--the word of God--the message of God accompanied by the Holy Spirit--those are words that are words of spirit and are words of life. And what will such words do if we are willing to be responsive to them? They will "illumine the secret chambers" of our souls. They will shine the light from heaven into a dark place. The hidden things of darkness, hidden deep down inside of us, maybe even buried by our psyche because they are too painful to leave out in the open, those things will be revealed to us. Not revealed to destroy, but to save; to bring into our awareness a sense of our moral bankruptcy and desperation and emptiness.

When this light is allowed to come in, deep conviction takes hold of the mind and heart. The word translated "reprove" in John 16:8, where it says that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will reprove the world "of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment," is a word meaning "to expose," and "to cross-examine for the purpose of convincing." God exposes these things in us to convince us of our need, and hence to turn our previously deadened eyes to the One who can save.

I don't know about you, but I can be awfully light-weight when it comes to the area of conviction. How often I respond by agreeing that something is wrong and leaving it at that! God have mercy upon me! But notice what happens when we truly listen to the rolling thunder of our conscience and when we let God turn on the lights:

They [people responding in true revivals of times past] had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Have you or I a sense of the righteousness of God? If we do, then won't we also feel the--yes--terror--of appearing before our all-knowing Judge in our guilt and in our uncleanness?! Do you in anguish cry out to God and plead for salvation? and plead for deliverence? If you don't and if I don't then maybe we aren't hearing the thunder. O God, help me to hear, no matter how frightful the warning. I want to be saved!

How different the tenor of the true revival when it comes to conscience in so many present supposedly religious events. For some, God is a warm-fuzzy-don't-worry-be-happy Buddy with just barely a capitol "B" on "Buddy." He is portrayed by misguided Babylonian religionists as a Being indifferent to sin. The new wave is all about God's "relational" orientation toward us. Sin has been dropped out of the picture. Come as you are! But there is a great difference between coming as you are if you are in ignorance and coming as you are if you know that our God is a holy God (Isaiah 6:3), and a consuming fire ()Hebrews 12:29). Will we approach Him indifferent to His holiness?

When Moses approached God, he didn't walk up to the burning bush in his sneakers. He was told to take his shoes off, that he was on holy ground--in God's direct presence. He didn't waste any time getting on his face before his Maker either. But some today will dare to come before Him basted in the black depths of sin and rolling in with the latest CD from Egypt or Babylon pulsating in his ears, biochemically sending the hypnotically-pleasant sensations biochemically through their brain's thalamus. Can they hear the Holy Spirit above that din?

People are walking into hell today with sedated brains, right into the hot devouring stink of the dragon's mouth as he licks his chops. They have no sense of the terror of appearing before God and so they have no sense of the danger of their adversary. May God have mercy.

Jesus said that the words He speaks to us are spirit and they are life. This is because His words and only His words can bring life back to a broken conscience. Only the message accompanied by the Holy Spirit and truly sourced in God can reignite what has gone out. How many of us are walking through life without even a pilot light burning inside? No wonder revivals today tend to the artificial and the manipulative. The fire of the Holy Spirit is so often lacking.

Understanding is our next area of insight. Consider these next sentences:

As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Through the blood of Jesus they had "remission of sins that are past."

Some of the texts that might come to mind are Colossians 1:20; John 1:29; Hebrews 10:19; and Romans 3:25, or maybe Romans 2:4. Notice the shift here from conviction to comprehension. Romans 2:4 says that "the goodness of God" leads us to repentance. That is true in that His intervention is active, that His goodness intervenes to lead us. But if we stop there it begs the question of how we are led.

"As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God." It was as they "saw," as they understood, as they comprehended something with their mind about what Jesus had done that made a difference. It was what Jesus had done understood that led them. Remember what we saw a moment ago: "Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts." Not their hearts alone, but their "minds and hearts." Not only feeling, but also comprehension is involved. If it isn't, then you will have to join me in admitting that these past 6000 years of suffering must be actually nothing more than a meaningless show.

Don't forget the content part of the opening sentences in this chapter: "The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power." Don't neglect this thought. God doesn't send tiny little Bic-lighter messages that are throw-aways. They matter. It matters when God sends a message accompanied by the Holy Spirit. It matters when He sends a message capable of quickening--bringing life to--not only our capacity to feel but also our capacity of understanding and knowing. How important is this? Try these statements on for size:

There is a class of people who are always ready to go off on some tangent, who want to catch up something strange and wonderful and new; but God would have all move calmly, considerately, choosing our words in harmony with the solid truth for this time, which requires to be presented to the mind as free from that which is emotional as possible, while still bearing the intensity and solemnity that it is proper it should bear. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 227, emphasis supplied.

Our work is to instruct them in God's word, to urge upon them the necessity of experimental religion, and to define as clearly as possible the correct position in regard to the truth. God would have us raise our voices in the great congregation upon points of present truth which are of vital importance. These should be presented with clearness and with decision, and should also be written out, that the silent messengers may bring them before the people everywhere. Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 10

It sounds to me as if our methods make a good deal of difference because they impact the hearers perception of the message that we want the Holy Spirit to accompany. We'll look much more closely at the interrelationship between the methods we use and the Holy Spirit's effectual operation in Modern Revivals #2: The False Revival.

These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life--new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure.

Some Scriptures that may come to mind are Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; Acts 8:36-37; Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:14; 2:21; 1 John 3:3. "These souls brought forth fruit." They brought it forth only by the power of God, not under their own power or goodness--they had none just as we have none, but "these souls brought forth fruit." Shame on those who are "obedience-phobic!" There are those who are afraid that somehow by obeying God they will topple backwards off their spiritual heights and become spiritually prideful. For some it is like a phobia. But today that is certainly not the problem among us today! It is altogether the other way around.

We are falling over off the other side of the tower, into libertine anything-goes-ism, and filling up buckets and buckets full of rebellion and disobedience. Surely our Father in heaven is surely embarrassed by so many spiritual experiences built upon the sand because His people have been sold a passive, wishy-washy gospel. In a true revival, the result of the life imparted by the Holy Spirit is activity, but a comprehending activity. Look at the list above: belief, baptism, walking in newness, following the steps of Jesus, reflecting a character like His, purifying themselves even as He is pure. That's action. But it's responsive activity, not just activity. It is not a mindless machine stamping out meaningless parts on some kind of disembodied spiritual assembly line. It is heart and mind convicted and comprehending, and now active for Jesus.

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matthew 3:8.

John the Baptist rejoiced as he saw people experiencing true repentance. But soon it became the in thing to do. Odd how this happened. But as more and more came to him to be baptized, he detected that some misunderstood and viewed the whole matter as nothing more than a surface experience. His cutting words stopped in their tracks those who saw the true religion as nothing more than a photocopy of the false: "O, generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Matthew 3:7. Well, that's easy to answer: John himself had! But John wished them to understand that if they were indeed fleeing "the wrath to come," then more than a surface experience was necessary.

"Bring forth" those fruits of repentance. Repentance is a turning of mind. It is an inward turning, not merely outward. There are "fruits meet for repentance." The word here in the original (Greek, "axios") literally means "worthy." There is a behavior fitting for those who repent and turn toward God. This being the case, there is clearly a behavior not fitting for those who have really repented.

Is it possible that if John the Baptist were present among us today in the flesh announcing the return of Jesus, that he would use the same language? Perhaps not. Listen:

In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the second time, God's faithful preachers will have to bear a still more pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible, important work is before them; and those who speak smooth things, God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon them. Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 321.

No. His language would today be "a still more pointed testimony" than it previously was. Doubtlessly many now among us would scorn him as a wild fanatic. But that would be because of our own blindness and not because of his faithfulness. May God help us each one to have the love and the courage to share our faith in a pointed and yet wise manner. The end of all things is at hand.

The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside. Christians sought not the "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

Scriptures that might come to mind here include John 12:25; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 7:31; and 1 Peter 3:3-4. I won't take much time here but to point out that the end result of this process of change is a difference when Jesus is now on the inside. The result of true revival is inwardly-changed people. What does it say? "The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated." But how does this make sense if a "before and after picture" can be painted like this:

The result of the gospel is inward change.

It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above. Great Controversy, p. 506

Now there is a struggle where there had been peace. Now we hate the things we once loved and love the things we once hated. There has been a change in us. This doesn't at all suggest that it's smooth sailing now at all, but that there is a battle now--not to live by rules one just barely submits to, but to cooperate with God as He works with supernatural strength to eradicate the crooked and now out-dated pathways within us. Now, because we love righteousness, we fight the battle with sin. That's the result of true revival.

What does the Scripture here say? That "Christians sought . . . the hidden man of the heart" 1 Peter 3:3-4. Notice, these are transformed people. They were sinners. Now they are Christians. Before, their lives expressed the fact that they didn't have Jesus in them. Now, as Christians--as followers of Jesus--their lives do express that fact. When Jesus is on the inside, we seek the hidden man of the heart. We look for the change. We hunger and thirst for righteousness and are filled. Matthew 5:6.

We may falter as we grow, but we do grow. We may sin, but we don't sin habitually, and without reserve we confess that we are adamant about eradicating it from our lives now, and we don't stop there. We make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14. Eliminating sin is not an afterthought for some time and place far off into the amorphous future. Victory over sin is the keynote. We thirst for it, because we hate sin and we know that God will be glorified as we let Him use our lives to paint the picture of His kingdom that our soul is now riveted to, a world without sin and selfishness. Our mission is to--through the indwelling Christ--cease from sin. NOW. Purity and Jesus-likeness are our goals and we will not break away from the pilgrimage. We know God will give us victory now, and we are not about to put it off. Now is the appointed time and we know it and so we live it.

Revivals brought deep heart-searching and humility. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their influence. They gathered with Christ, and sowed to the Spirit, to reap life everlasting.

Verses that come to mind here include Psalm 139:23-24; Luke 9:23; and Acts 5:41. The paragraph readily breaks down into a list of seven items: four marks of the true revival and three fruits of the true revival. Consider:

More than this, we can see that the deep heart-searching and humility applies to the workers and to those coming to God through that revival event, while the next three signs of true revival are primarily those of the workers and their methods. Finally, the last three items identify the fruitage exhibited in the lives of the converts. How different this is from the popular ministry today and its "keep them laughing" approach. Beware the "jolly minister." Solemn, earnest appeals before the judgment bar of God are the work of heaven in a true revival.

This kind of revival meant "praying and wrestling with God for the salvation of souls." We need more of that among ourselves. I need more of that. I'm the pastor. Why haven't I done more of that! Praying and wrestling with God for the salvation of souls. Do we even know what it is? Here it is on the personal basis:

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. Great Controversy, p. 621

Psalm 139:23-24 is one we've spent some time working with before ( See "Search me, O God"). How desperate our situation is, how great our need to see what God would so like to show us. How can we grow if we hold our innermost heart and mind off-limits from Him who died on the cross? How can we deny Jesus and cling to our inmost and twisted-most desires, when He was willing to hang naked upon the cross and risk eternal separation from His Father? Is any single wicked thing deep down inside of us worth more to us than the suffering of Jesus for our salvation, and the vindication of our Father's name and government?

The Psalmist cried out "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." What a prayer!: "Evaluate me, refine me, lead and change me--I know it will hurt." Yes, things will sometimes hurt more than we can express, but the Bible admonishes us to "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace" Proverbs 37:37. The end result of our Father's tender watchcare is peace. Let's go there.

It could be said of them: "Ye sorrowed to repentance." "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

This is the result of the work of the Spirit of God. There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God. Such were the effects that in former years followed seasons of religious awakening. Judged by their fruits, they were known to be blessed of God in the salvation of men and the uplifting of humanity.

Those lines might call to mind Ezekiel 33:15; Romans 5:1; Romans 16:20. The last two paragraphs we look at today are fascinating for the fact that Mrs. White adds almost nothing to them. She simply makes the statement that "genuine repentance works reformation." Real repentance inside is evidenced outwardly in the behavior. And that's that. If one "restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men," then "the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God." And I don't know what to add to that. Except to ask you: have you found such peace with God?

Paul makes a vivid statement at the close of the book of Romans, and one that is not often repeated. Here in this book so well known as the Scriptural center piece of righteousness by faith, we read the following:

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Romans 16:20

He is the God of peace--the only God--and yet with a peaceful nature. But He will bruise Satan just as Paul pleads. Satan is the antithesis of God. He is the promulgator of all sorrow and suffering and pain and chaos and vanity. He would destroy our whole race if our Father hadn't intervened. Such a high price has been paid to undo the damage and repair our race. Yet God was willing to pay it. He gave His only begotten Son (cite>John 3:16).

But shall we dare to hear the remainder of the thought packed into this verse? "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." A true revival will indeed be the means through which he does so. Under our feet the serpent will be crushed. That's because our lives will be truly revived. If we will experience individually and personally revival--new life--and reformation--a change in how we think and what we do--God will finish the whole conflict between good and evil. The result will be final. But only the true revival can do it. No pale, would-be, half-way, misnamed "revival" will do that. Let's do some stomping.

O how wretched must be an untrue revival when compared to the depth of blessing we discover in the true. And we want the true revival. I hope that we will accept no substitutes. May we gather together our energies and combine them with God's energies and be true messengers, each one of us. May we plead with God to adjust the froth and worldliness on our insides and eradicate it, so that its place may be taken by the lovely Holy Spirit. May we open our hearts to His inspection and give Him permission to lead us. Let's study the true revival. Maybe He will produce one once we know what is standing in the way and we make the necessary adjustments through His grace. May He pour out from heaven that which we cannot possibly generate on our own. May we become so in spirit like Jesus that the world shudders and reels and the giant kingdom of demonic fakery erected by Satan comes tumbling down, as the anthem sounds in the sky and our ears open to angel calls and the trumpets peel, and arriving here to take us ever to be with Himself, we finally see the face of Jesus!

Last Modified 27 March 2000