Topical Bible: Spiritual Life: Revived by God

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The concept of spiritual life being revived by God is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the transformative power of divine intervention in the believer's life. This revival is often depicted as a renewal of the heart, mind, and spirit, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more vibrant expression of faith.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where God revives the spiritual life of His people. In the Psalms, the psalmist frequently cries out for revival, recognizing that true spiritual renewal comes from God alone. Psalm 85:6 pleads, "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" This verse underscores the belief that revival leads to joy and a renewed sense of God's presence.

The prophets also speak of revival, often in the context of repentance and return to God. In Isaiah 57:15 , the Lord declares, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" Here, revival is linked to humility and contrition, suggesting that a heart turned toward God is fertile ground for spiritual renewal.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the theme of spiritual revival is closely associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks of the necessity of being "born again" in John 3:3 , saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This new birth is a spiritual awakening, a revival of the soul that is initiated by the Spirit of God.

The Book of Acts provides vivid accounts of spiritual revival, as the early church experiences the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 describes the day of Pentecost, when the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, resulting in a powerful proclamation of the Gospel and the conversion of thousands. This event marks a significant revival, characterized by boldness, unity, and a deep sense of community among believers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is central to the concept of spiritual revival. In Romans 8:11 , Paul writes, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you." The Spirit not only initiates revival but sustains and empowers the believer's spiritual life.

Prayer and Revival

Prayer is a vital component of spiritual revival. Throughout Scripture, prayer is depicted as a means by which believers seek God's face and invite His renewing presence. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." This verse highlights the connection between prayer, repentance, and divine revival.

Revival in the Life of the Believer

For the individual believer, spiritual revival often involves a return to the foundational truths of the faith, a renewed commitment to holiness, and an increased fervor for worship and service. Ephesians 3:16-17 expresses a prayer for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." This indwelling presence of Christ is the essence of spiritual life revived by God.

Corporate Revival

Beyond individual renewal, the Bible speaks to the revival of entire communities and nations. The revival under King Josiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 22-23, illustrates how a return to God's Word and covenant can lead to widespread spiritual awakening. Similarly, the revival in Nineveh, prompted by Jonah's preaching, demonstrates God's desire for repentance and renewal on a grand scale.

Conclusion

The revival of spiritual life by God is a dynamic and ongoing process, rooted in the believer's relationship with the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of God's Word. It is both a personal and communal experience, marked by repentance, prayer, and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel. Through revival, believers are drawn closer to God, empowered to live out their faith with renewed vigor and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 85:6
Will you not revive us again: that your people may rejoice in you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 6:2
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
... He lost his spiritual life, he lost all desire for communion with God, he no ... and
answer, stood self-condemned before Him, till revived and restored by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xli death by adam.htm

Whether the Effect of Subsequent Penance is to Quicken Even Dead ...
... 4806](A[5]). Much more, therefore, are dead works revived. ... it seems that through
Penance, God rewards the ... because, to wit, they lack spiritual life, which is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the effect of subsequent.htm

God's Dealings with the Creature; Basilides' Notion of -1 the ...
... who has been conceived as the inner spiritual man, and ... all the events in our Lord's
life occurred, according ... And he revived that (element in his nature) which ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xv gods dealings with the.htm

Sanctification.
... of any other doctrine; and godliness, spiritual life, and good ... that their souls may
be revived and comforted ... quiet assurance of the blessing of God, we proceed ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/i sanctification.htm

Revivals.
... Applying it to spiritual life, strictly speaking, only a person ... languid and lifeless,
can be said to be revived. ... first bringing, and not a restoring, of life. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxiii revivals.htm

Sharing Christ's Life
... desire to see them brought to God, preach Christ ... Whenever our spiritual life is very
weak, and we want ... to die spiritually, go to the Saviour for revived life. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/sharing christs life.htm

The Measure of Sin.
... Before, there was life, spiritual life, perhaps flickering, but extant, then comes
the last sin, and the life is gone out ... the fire is out and cannot be revived. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xliv the measure of sin.htm

Revival in the Home
... needed in the church"in the country"in the world, but a revived church with ... It simply
means new life, in hearts where the spiritual life has ebbed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 6 revival in the.htm

Legislation Concerning Public Worship in the Period Subsequent to ...
... the due observance of the Directory for public worship of God approven by ... not surprising,
therefore, that in their desire for a revived spiritual life in the ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter vii legislation concerning public.htm

Jesus Rejected in Jerusalem.
... blessings, and when He urged them to seek these spiritual gifts, they ... had commissioned
Him to bestow; not physical life, not revived political life. ...
/.../xix jesus rejected in jerusalem.htm