Robin J Johnson

When we talk about revival there are, without a doubt, two vital elements that accompany each other; prayer and intercession and turning to God with repentance. Both are a vital element, the catalyst for revival.

When it comes to discussing revival there are numerous and various thoughts, opinions, attitudes and theological positions. What you believe about this or what your opinion and position is in regard to revival, prayer and repentance are two elements that almost everyone, if not all, will agree with.

The word revival is not actually found in scripture, though without doubt it is inferred in both the Old and New Testament. Nevertheless, we must all agree that a revival, a turning back to God our Saviour, is an absolutely necessity if we are going to see our society stop deteriorating and collapsing.

In January of this year I wrote about being hungry for revival — Shaken and Definitely Stirred. This received a positive response. The article spoke a little more about what revival is and its impact. Here is an extract from that edition of The EXHORTER — 

Revival is about the “recovery of breath”.

A recovery of breath, to restore life, only comes through repentance, as Peter said, “Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). A reviving of our passion for Jesus, a sustained imploring of the Spirit to come and breathe on us again…. 

….In essence revival is centred in Jesus Christ. It is our pursuit of Him; knowing Him and being transformed to be like Him, which brings about a personal revival, which then can flow through us and impact others around us. 

This edition is not about debating or even defining what revival is, it is rather a challenge and exhortation to say categorically, “We need to pray and turn to God for a fresh dynamic outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” 

Prayer and turning to God through repentance are dual themes throughout the Bible. When the Lord calls His people who have wandered away, back to Himself, it was always with prayer and repentance. Looking at ‘revivals’ throughout history the same is always seen. There is a popular and well known text mentioned when we talk about revival — 

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

However, it is difficult to exactly apply this contextually today (2 Chronicles 7:13-15). The call is directed at God’s people (Israel) that if they turn away from the Lord and when they suffer the loss of His presence and experience pestilence on the land, which He sent, then this is a call to Israel to turn back to God.

Though having said that it is still a clearly seen pattern and a call;

  • To humility 
  • To prayer 
  • To seek the Lord 
  • To repentance

These are timeless elements and relevant for all people to experience forgiveness and healing. Do we all long for and desire a significant and powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit that touches and refreshes us all and one that goes far beyond to transforming lives and releasing healing in our land?

Repent and Be Saved

Repent is the fundamental challenge of the Gospel; repentance is the absolute foundation, for without it there is no forgiveness of sin. John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord announced, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). The preaching of Jesus did not deviate from the same theme.

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 (NASB)

When Jesus sent out the 12 disciples, the message was clear;

So they went out and preached publicly that everyone should repent. Mark 6:12 (TPT)

Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost;

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NASB)

In his farewell to the elders from Ephesus, Paul says;

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21 (NLT)

In Athens Paul conveys God’s command that everyone everywhere should repent (Acts 17:30). He summarises his ministry while speaking to King Agrippa highlighting the message of repentance (Acts 26:20). Much more could be said.

There appears to be, a trend in some instances, a disturbing lack of attention to repentance, the cross and blood of Jesus when an appeal for salvation is being made by certain preachers. The blood and the cross of Jesus coupled with repentance are crucial and integral aspects of the invitation to surrender to Jesus, which of course must be included.

The idea of making it comfortable for sinners to come to Christ is an error and an offence to God, who gave us His Son Jesus; the One who suffered and died, was buried and rose from the dead. It is about having the right foundation.

The Gospel is a confrontation of light and darkness, death and life, truth and lies. Repentance is the Kingdom’s edict for forgiveness and freedom. The importance and necessity of repentance is highlighted by the result. Without repentance there is no forgiveness; sins are not wiped away without the blood.

That repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:47 (NASB)

Forgiveness — Grk. aphesis “a release, from bondage, imprisonment, etc.” (the corresponding verb) aphiemi, “to send away, let go” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary)

Jesus’ blood paid the price for our forgiveness; completely wiping away our sin, which brings freedom and release to the captive — it is the blood (Hebrews 9:22).

Forgiveness of sin only comes through repentance! A “comfortable feel good come to Jesus” invitation and be happy is not the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. True freedom is only and always proceeded by repentance. The damage done by a weak and watered down invitation to come to Jesus, may in the end may hinder a genuine conversation experience. If at least slows the transformation process and is misrepresenting the Gospel.

Calling the Church to Repent

If repentance is not an absolute element at conversion, then it will often flow on the same through the life of the church. Sin and the need to repent is hidden in doctrinal statements and rarely spoken of. This call to repentance is no less relevant.

Repentance, as stated, is necessary for conversion and should be present throughout our life. There are the seven churches mentioned in the beginning of the Book of Revelation, five of which are commanded to repent. When the Holy Spirit reveals and convicts of sin (John 16:8), it is imperative that we respond quickly and repent, indeed as we ought to throughout our life walk with Him.

“Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work” Psalm 19:12 (MSG). 

When talking about repentance in the life of a believer it is not always about the big issues, but can be more about the “little foxes” which do the damage (Song of Songs 2:15). Observing the context, it is that of a maiden and her lover. 

The imagery seen is of a vineyard in bloom. When little foxes run through they damage the blossoms and prevents fruit from forming and growing. Is it so in our lives? The little things impair us, hinder us from developing a closer more intimate relationship with Jesus and stifles our growth. The little foxes may be compromises or disobedience or settling for less than God’s best or even secret sins, etc. Is it the neglect of pursing our lover; having lost the depth of love that we had for Him first? These are reasons to repent!

But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning. 5 Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place of influence if you do not repent. Revelation 2:4-5 (TPT) 

These are serious considerations as is our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Paul writes saying not to cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way we speak to one another. This is a definite exhortation to guard against speaking harmful words. Instead we need to be forgiving and loving toward each other.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32 (NASB) 

The aim here is to stimulate a fresh passion for Jesus and lovingly provoke to stir up a fresh Holy fire and a genuine intent to seek God wholeheartedly, We must move past token gestures and begin to cry out for a fresh outpouring of God’s transforming power through the Holy Spirit. Beginning with prayer, humility and with ears ready to listen and hear what the Spirit says. Let us open our hearts with a complete surrender to the Lord; hiding nothing that would hold us back from fully entering into all the Lord has purposed for us.

We do long for a visitation of God, with Jesus at the centre. One that would spread throughout the land, impact people’s lives outside the church and bring social change. Our calling is not to simply hold on until Jesus comes. We all must actively pursue the will of God; the mandate given by Jesus, “Go make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). Our neglect of this command might be the next thing of which we need to repent?

Create a new, clean heart within me. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you. Psalms 51:10 (TPT) 

The Household of God

Time is running out as we watch the last days unfold before us. The apostle Peter states that it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God (Peter 4:17). These are days when we must press in and not hold back. Our future and the future of those yet to hear the Gospel depends on us, the Church of Jesus Christ, living in reverence and obedience to a holy and righteous God.

Throughout the years, after times of prayer and repentance, there have been moments when the Holy Spirit has been poured out. These were times of refreshing and renewal that lead to changes in attitudes and behaviour. Each time we allow the Holy Spirit’s invasion of our lives He brings transformation, deepens our love for Jesus and brings about a new and better understanding of His ways that enables us to fulfil His purpose and destiny, which He has chosen for us.

However, we want more than moments! Our hearts’ cry and prayer needs to be for Him to come in a sustained manner of renewal, revival and refreshing, in Jesus name!

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; Acts 3:19 (AMP)

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