I) A
Theology of Revival
a) When
is a revival needed?
i) When
brotherly loved is missing. If Christian love is the love of the image of
Christ in His people, then it can only be exercised where that image actually
exists.
ii) When
there are dissensions and jealousies. The church cannot prosper when this is
true and it demonstrates the church has drifted away from God.
iii) When
worldliness dominates the church.
iv) When
church members are found in gross and scandalous sin. This should be a wake up
call for a move of God in the church.
v) When
controversy dominates the church’s energy.
vi) When
wickedness rules supreme over the church.
b) The
importance of revivals in these circumstances
i) A
revival is the only way to wipe away reproach which covers the church and
restores the Christ and the Cross back in view for the public eye to see.
ii) A
revival is the only thing that will restore Christian love and confidence among
church members.
iii) A
revival will avert the judgment of God on the church.
iv) A
revival is the only thing that will stop annihilation. How many more churches
need to go out of business due to a lack of relevance?
v) A
revival will aid in keeping the sinner from becoming harder and harder in their
spirit. The gospel will become a pronouncement of death if it is not made a
pronouncement of life.
vi) A
revival is needed for the sanctification of the church.
i) Just
because it is new and different does not mean that it is wrong (p.89)
ii) We
cannot judge true revival by its effect on men’s bodies (p.91)
iii) We
can’t assume that the work was not from God just because means were utilized
(p.98)
iv) We
cannot assume the work was not from God
if some people go to extremes (p.101)
We cannot assume the
work was not from God if some people “backslide”
[1]
Jonathon Edwards. “Distinguishing Marks
of a Work of the Spirit of God.” Banner of Truth © 1965. ASIN# B0007KD10u.
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