Topical Encyclopedia Revivals, in the context of religious awakenings, are periods marked by a profound reawakening of faith, characterized by widespread repentance, renewed fervor, and a return to foundational spiritual truths. The Bible contains several prophecies and passages that have been interpreted as foretelling or describing such revivals, often emphasizing a return to God and a restoration of spiritual vitality among His people.Old Testament Prophecies 1. Joel 2:28-29: One of the most cited prophecies concerning revival is found in the book of Joel. The prophet Joel speaks of a future outpouring of the Spirit: "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days." . This passage is often associated with the events of Pentecost in the New Testament but is also seen as a broader promise of spiritual renewal. 2. Isaiah 44:3-4: Isaiah prophesies about a time of spiritual refreshing: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants. They will spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams." . This imagery of water on dry ground symbolizes a revival, bringing life and growth where there was once barrenness. 3. Ezekiel 37:1-14: The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is a powerful metaphor for revival. God promises to breathe life into the dry bones, symbolizing the restoration of Israel: "I will put My Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD." . This passage is often interpreted as a promise of both physical and spiritual revival. New Testament Prophecies 1. Acts 2:17-21: On the day of Pentecost, Peter quotes the prophecy from Joel, affirming its fulfillment and ongoing relevance: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." . This event is seen as the beginning of a new era of spiritual awakening, with implications for future revivals. 2. Romans 11:25-26: Paul speaks of a future revival among the Jewish people: "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove godlessness from Jacob.'" . This prophecy suggests a significant spiritual awakening and turning to Christ among the Jewish people. 3. Revelation 7:9-10: The vision of a great multitude from every nation worshiping before the throne is seen as a culmination of global revival: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" . This passage is often interpreted as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring revival to all peoples. Themes and Interpretations The prophecies concerning revivals often emphasize themes of repentance, restoration, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They highlight God's desire to renew His covenant with His people and to bring about a transformation that leads to a deeper relationship with Him. These prophecies serve as both a promise and a call to action, encouraging believers to seek God earnestly and to prepare for the times of refreshing that He has promised. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 32:15Until the spirit be poured on us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Nave's Topical Index Joel 2:28 Micah 4:1-8 Habakkuk 3:2 Library The Kingdom of Judah. Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. The Time of the Evening. Examine Yourself Whether Ye be in the Faith; Prove Your Own Selves ... On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel, Near the City-Road ... Introduction General Index. The Seven Trumpets. On the Interpretation of Scripture From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Resources What is the Methodist Church, and what do Methodists believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pentecostal Church and what do Pentecostals believe? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonathan Edwards? | GotQuestions.org Revival: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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