The great Revivalist Charles Finney once said…
The great Revivalist Charles Finney once said, “Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one’s will to God in deep humility.”
Finney said he experienced revival and saw more people receive salvation than he could count based upon this belief of repentance and surrender. The topic of repentance seems to be almost non-existent in today’s denominational circles. Most contemporary ministers are reluctant or just plain unwilling to bring this fundamental and valuable message to their congregations. The Old Testament is riddled with accounts of men rejecting their unlawful ways and returning to harmony with God. John the Baptist’s message was clear, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:2). Let me ask you a question. If the fullness of Christ’s kingdom wasn’t established at that time, then how could God’s people stray from the teaching of repentance? It is because Jesus isn’t looking for halfhearted penitence; He’s looking for those who have left all the cares of this world. (Luke 14:25-33). He is searching for those who will love Him with all of their heart, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:5).
Jesus isn’t looking for halfhearted penitence;
He’s looking for those who have left all the cares of this world.
In the Book of Isaiah, the Lord said that if His people were to get eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to understand, and “REPENT,” He would heal them (Isa. 6:10). Sincere repentance isn’t just an extreme regret or remorse for your sins, but it is an understanding and a total reformation of the mind and actions. As in the words of Jesus, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). The word in Hebrew for repent is ‘shûb שׁוּב.’ Not only does this word mean ‘to be converted’ or ‘to turn away from evil,’ but it also speaks of restoration. In fact, it means ‘complete restoration and healing’! The Greek term literally means ‘to change the mind or to think differently’ in the Strong’s Bible Dictionary (H7725, G3340).
Repent
To be converted
Complete restoration & healing
To think differently
In Matthew 13, Jesus came preaching the exact same message that was written in Isaiah chapter 6. Jesus gave us the reason why He spoke to the people in parables: the mysteries of the kingdom were hidden in them (Mat. 13:11). He went on to say that because they didn’t have eyes to see, ears to hear, or a heart to perceive, He could not heal them. The establishment of the kingdom of God will begin with a revival of understanding the parables of the Word of God and true repentance in the hearts and minds of His people.
Peter stated in the book of Acts, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Even after the crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples preached the message of repentance! Many in the church today have lost this concept, and that is why the idea of revival or restoration is so uncommon. In scripture, the word for refreshing can also be used for revival. The Hebrew term is ‘chayah חיה,’ which can be defined as ‘having a full stomach through eating’ according to the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon Bible (AHLB #1171, Strong’s # H2421).
AHLB #1171, Strong’s # H2421
chayah חיה
having a full stomach through eating
When you eat the bread of life – the Word of God – your soul is fed and revived! His life is restorative! God didn’t intend for His people to live a life of falling down and getting up; according to Romans 12:2, His purpose was for us to be transformed! There will be no more, “I’m sorry Lord; please forgive me!” The true repentance that Jesus aspired to establish is returning and will be fulfilled in His church in preparation for the coming kingdom. My prayer for you is that you will ‘bear fruit worthy of repentance’ (Mat. 3:8). May you truly repent in your heart so that you can experience revival in your life!
Kalia Espinoza
