Repentance and Christian Revival

Repentance is the outward action taken based on the inward decision to change. Simply put, repentance requires action based on a decision to change. Today, we will look at genuine repentance as the third requirement for Christian revival.

Let's look at 2Chronicles 7:14 again:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (KJV)."

Genuine Godly sorrow leads humanity to repentance. This sorrow usually comes as the result of severe personal trial. We tend to look to a higher source, either for help, or to place blame. When we bring this into the spiritual realm, we begin speaking of revival.

I am baffled when people talk of how great being in the presence of God is. I've heard descriptions ranging from being surrounded by warm goo to sheer terror. It would stand to reason when one stands in the presence of a holy God, lasting change will be the result. Allow me to explain...

One of the most vivid descriptions of being in God's presence is found in Isaiah chapter 6. Isaiah is a prophet, a mighty man of God. Surely he was an upright man living in holiness. But listen to his reaction when he was in the presence of the One called Holy:

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts (Isa. 6:5 KJV)."

On  our best day, a day where we are sinless (if that's even possible apart from the mercy of God), our righteousness is at best nothing more than filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Genuine repentance is required for revival because we must be willing to turn from our wicked ways (2Chr. 7:14). Turning from our wicked ways requires change.

We're saved. We're covered by the blood of Christ. We're not wicked. Why do we need to repent? If we're that good, then why do we want, or need, revival? We desire the blessing. We desire the holy anointing revival brings. After a few weeks, however, the emotion fizzles and we're still what we were before. This is why genuine Christian revival requires genuine repentance.

Humility, intercessory prayer, and repentance are the three requirements needed to bring genuine Christian revival. Next, we'll put them together into the context of 2Chronicles 7:14. Comments are welcome. God bless...