Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8100 The life of faith  »  8148 revival  »  8149 revival, nature of

Scripture indicates that a number of characteristics precede revival, including repentance, humility and obedience.

Characteristics which precede revival

God's people long for renewal of their lives

Psalm 80:18 See also Psalm 74:22; Psalm 80:1-17,19; Psalm 85:6

God's people must repent

2 Chronicles 7:14 See also 1 Kings 8:46-50 pp 2 Chronicles 6:26-27; Isaiah 64:1-7; Hosea 5:15; Acts 3:19

God's people experience a new awareness of sin

2 Kings 22:11 See also Psalm 32:3-5

God's people need to be humble

Isaiah 57:15 See also Psalm 149:4; Isaiah 66:2; Micah 6:6-8

God's people are revived through God's initiative

Isaiah 59:16 See also Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 33:6-9; Titus 3:5

Characteristic results of revival

People experience inward change

Hebrews 8:10-12 See also Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 11:19; Acts 2:42-47

People live obedient lives

Ezekiel 11:20 See also Ephesians 4:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

People are zealous for God's work

Ezra 5:1-2 See also Haggai 1:12-15

People are generous in giving

Exodus 36:5 See also 1 Chronicles 29:6-9; 2 Chronicles 31:3-8; Acts 11:28-30

People delight in worshipping God

Ezra 3:11 See also Isaiah 12:1-6

People are joyful

Acts 13:49-52 See also Isaiah 35:1-10; Acts 8:5-8

See also

1030  God, compassion
1130  God, sovereignty
1325  God, the Creator
6020  sin
6732  repentance
8276  humility
8283  joy
8434  giving
8453  obedience
8622  worship