Psalm 85:6 — Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Romans 5:2 — By whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2 Peter 3:18 — But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Personal revival is a restoration to spiritual life. It is life again restoring backslidden believers to life in the Spirit where the eternal life of Jesus received at salvation is accessed as the abundant life.
In considering this encouraging potential some are misled into thinking personal revival equates to spiritual maturity. But there is a difference between revival and maturity. Revival does not make you spiritually mature overnight. Revival restores the maturing process. Thus revival opens the way for unhindered spiritual growth.
There is no quick fix to spiritual growth. Growth by its nature takes time. But there is a quick fix to not growing. Whatever is hindering spiritual growth must be dealt with.
A child with proper nourishment will grow unless the child has a sickness that hinders normal growth. If the sickness is cured, the child resumes normal growth. A child of God who responds in faith to the nourishment of the bread of life will also grow unless that child of God is hindered by unbelief and sin. If these hindrances are dealt with, the child of God resumes normal growth as they live by faith. Growing in grace occurs through living by faith.
When spiritual growth is hindered, the hindrance must be dealt with to resume normal growth. This is personal revival. Walking in the light through the steps of confession and faith accesses cleansing and restoration. Walking in the Spirit through surrender and faith accesses growing in grace. This is spiritual growth, which is Spirit-led and Spirit-enabled living or growing in grace.
John Van Gelderen
Post Author
Thank you for showing the difference between revival and maturity. I had never thought of that before, but I believe you are correct. That helps me to understand how a Christian who is experiencing real revival can sometimes act in an immature way. Growth toward maturity is a process, and revival assures the process.
Thank you, Mike! Good example of application.
Thank you John! This was just what I needed today. I’m seeing how I’ve viewed revival and spiritual maturity as one in the same and how that has led to much discouraged living. Thank you for taking the time to write on this subject!
Amen, Bruce, truth always sets free.