There is a lot of discussion on the subject of revival within the Church. Depending upon your tradition, your perspective on what revival is and what it produces will be different. I have heard revival expressed in various ways throughout my life. Some suggest that revival will produce really good worship music. Others suggest that revival will cause people to have the same doctrine. Still others seem to see revival as an outpouring of the Spirit in a way that causes shaking, laughing, barking and other physical manifestations.

I believe Iain H. Murray offers six helpful God-centered and Biblically based ideas on what true revival brings:

1. Revival restores faith in the Word of God
2. Revival restores definiteness to the meaning of ‘Christian’
3. Revival advances the gospel with amazing swiftness
4. Revival always has moral impact upon communities
5. Revival changes understanding of the Christian ministry
6. Revival will change the public worship of the churches

Murray explains each of these six themes in his book Pentecost – Today?, perhaps one of the top five books on revival. The book is subtitled, “The biblical basis for understanding revival.” That description is a tad bit short of what the book actually is. Not only does the book provide a biblical explanation for revival, it traces revival and “revivalism” throughout the history of the church.

I think everyone would agree with Murray’s 3rd, 4th, and 6th points. But the rest of the points may often be overlooked. For instance, regarding the second point, the term “Christian” is such an empty word in our day. Many people claim the term “Christian” and yet do not have any of the characteristics of one that follows Jesus.

Regarding number five, Murray has much to say about how the understanding of Christian ministry changes with revival. I would venture to guess that Murray’s concern has to do with mere intellectualism. Intellectualism is not bad and rigorous biblical scholarship has its place. But intellectualism devoid of passion for the glory of God and the gospel of Christ is a problem within some Evangelical circles. Thus, revival will transform how people view the call to Christian ministry and how that call expresses itself.

Now, you might notice that I left Murray’s first point out. He states that, “revival restores faith in the Word of God.” And this is the first point. I’m afraid that there are many who miss this crucial point. Within some circles, revival is understood primarily expressed through music and prayer. But at the very heart of true revival is the Church obeying the Word of God and proclaiming the Word of God. Thus, the Word of God is central to revival. Any “revival” that is not based upon the Scriptures cannot be considered a true “revival.” The Word of God takes a central role in revival because Jesus takes a central role in revival.

I do not hold to all of the same beliefs as Murray. I believe it would be save to say that Murray is a Cessationist. But his understanding of revival and “revivalism” should be read by everyone who has a passion for revival and an interest in what it looks like, is based on, and what revival is not.