Revival & Reformation

It has been said that many churches start as a movement, then they became a church, then an organization, and finally, a mausoleum.

God’s church needs to continue being a movement forward and upward. In this process, revival and reformation are a constant need. However, we should keep in mind that revival without reformation leads to simple excitement and sentimentalism. Reformation without revival leads to fanaticism and legalism. Revival and reformation need to work together. If the reformation is not continual, the spiritual condition of the people becomes worse and worse. The history of Israel as God’s people gives us very profitable lessons. All the reformations were followed by deeper apostasy—and this is a warning to every one of us.

Our need of a true revival and reformation is evident. God’s people cannot be used by the Lord in the work of spreading the gospel around the world without a deep experience with the Lord. We desperately need the baptism of the Holy Spirit as individuals, as families, and as a church. But what is the true meaning of revival and reformation?

In Joel chapter 2, verses 12–18, a strong appeal is made to us: “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.”

In this inspired message, we find all the essential elements of genuine revival and reformation: 1. Turning to the Lord with all our heart (total surrender); 2. Fasting, weeping (as fruit of the work of the Holy Spirit); 3. Rending the heart (true conversion); 4. Solemn assembly (involving God’s people in this process); 5. Ministers weeping between the porch and altar, asking mercy and grace from the Lord for His people.

The result: God will be merciful and gracious to His people.“Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God, and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. . . . God calls for a revival and a reformation.”1

“A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work.”2

“The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place. When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife.”3

“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.”4

This work needs to begin with individuals, families, and churches. I shouldn’t wait for my neighbor, but rather should start with myself, my family, and my church. God is anxious to revive and reform His church. Are we willing to be revived and reformed? May the Lord inspire us with this intense desire!