(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)
I have a number of brothers and sisters who have expressed the hope that some sort of revival or great awakening might be possible. That discussion usually arises amid a conversation relative to current events and Bible prophecy. While I am not questioning their salvation or their submission to the Lord Jesus, I do find that any future prophecy-related discussion often causes them some level of unease or discomfort. They are afraid of what is visibly happening in both this country and the world and fear what they believe is an uncertain future. That is the conundrum for some.
Perhaps they may be a little too much “in this world?”
I believe what is happening is indeed “fearful,” but I think this fear needs to be codified in order to be properly understood and controlled. Let me try to explain.
I believe that the sober understanding of this “fear” falls into two (general) categories and profoundly influences how we should view the end of days.
1) There is general fear of the unknown fueled by an incomplete understanding of God and His Word as it relates to end of days prophecy.
2) There is Godly fear of end of days prophecy tempered by understanding of God and trusting in His purpose for it. I believe this fear is sobering and much more controllable.
This fear (or unease?) seems to result in two types (as it relates to this discussion) of Christians. Those who study Bible prophecy and embrace it and those who do not and, at some level, fear it (or are perhaps anxious about it). These two “types” share salvation and the love of our Lord, and we will all certainly go Home individually or together when the Rapture occurs; however, in the course of any discussion of prophecy, the differences between the two quickly become discernable.
The Word of God makes two very profound statements relative to prophecy. I believe both verses should be carefully considered in terms of how much of the Word is actually future prophecy and the purpose the Lord intended by including prophetic writings in His Word. I have read numerous claims by very studied and solid writers that approximately 25 to 30 percent (using round numbers) of the Word of God is prophetic. I actually see that number as somewhat higher, but that is just my opinion (and my opinion and two bucks will get you a cup of coffee at Aroma Joe’s).
- “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy‘” (Revelation 19:10). Emphasis added by me.
- “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
Both of these statements being contained within the book of Revelation may account for the lack of understanding of those who are fearful of the future, as I believe there is a sort of presumption that Revelation cannot be understood or is allegorical. And as a result, this book is sometimes intimidating and therefore ignored or avoided.
There are several other misconceptions about this book that Satan has managed to promulgate over the years. Since it describes his final disposition in the lake of fire and the revealing of Jesus Christ in His full Glory as both Lamb and Lion, it is not surprising that he would try to obfuscate and deceive. In many cases, even among believers, he has had some success.
Revival and Awakening
Although very basic, let me attempt to define both revival and awakening as I understand them:
Revival: A term that can apply to an individual, church, country or nation, etc., that has a history of Christian beliefs that have fallen into the trap of indifference or has become nominal and weak. In terms of individual churches, I believe the letters to the churches in Revelation Chapters 2+3 (with the exception of Philadelphia and Smyrna) accurately describe these conditions.
Awakening: A term that implies that there has historically been no awareness or acknowledgment of the God of the Bible, but that condition is reversed by the sudden presence of the Holy Spirit that results in acknowledgment of Jesus Christ, confession of sins, submission to Him, and as a result: Salvation!
In most cases, I believe these brothers and sisters see the ongoing degradations in terms of our own country when they realize the levels of sin and perversion that have become inescapable in every aspect of daily life. I believe that they rightly understand that this country is flagrantly inviting God’s Righteous wrath, and at this point, it is quite clear that God has begun to execute it. But, because they have avoided the prophetic content of God’s Word, they do not have full confidence in God’s purpose of it or His intent through it.
Future prophecy is the signature of God. He is the ONLY one who can do it, as He makes clear in scripture.
“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure'” (Isaiah 46:9-10).
So, do I believe there is any chance of a revival or an awakening in the broader sense (countries or nations)? I do not. I believe sin has become too entrenched.
Do I believe there is any chance of a revival or awakening at the individual church level?
I don’t think, in view of the “progressive movement” and the level of “compromise,” and for a host of other reasons, that there is much likelihood of that either. I do not believe there is much likelihood of these broad-based (or even individual church-wide) events for a fairly simple reason, which is (interestingly enough) a prophecy.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1).
I don’t think that anyone who is following current events (or who is even marginally aware) would fail to see that this prophecy is actively being fulfilled today.
God’s prophecies in His Word also tell us that, at the appointed time, there will be a termination of human government and a completion of His plans to put an end to evil and bring about His Eternal Kingdom. The end will come as He has promised, and as the below scriptures confirm, by the Words spoken by the Living Word.
“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:3-14).
While it can be argued that these words were spoken to the disciples and not the church, the Lord Jesus was fully aware that the church would be born in the near future, that these same disciples would play a prominent role and be pillars in it, and that we would be reading these verses even today.
I don’t think the reality of these prophetic verses can be fully understood if an individual does not study the entire Word of God.
On that basis, and given the “signs of the times” that our Lord told us to watch for, I believe it must be understood that it eventually becomes unrealistic to hope for a revival or awakening in the broader sense that they seem to be hoping for. Let me be clear, however; God is in control, and His Will will prevail.
I am quite willing to be wrong in my assessment! At the same time, I desire to see an end to the ever-increasing evil and depravity that has become ops normal every single day.
Now to the crux of this article.
Is there actually a revival and an awakening going on right now? I believe there is.
But I believe it is manifesting more in individuals who have perhaps been “too comfortable for too long.” It may be that, at least in America and other “western” countries, life has been “normal” for most people for a long time, and they have been ignoring (or trying to) the call of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I am noticing that even the most indifferent (perhaps oblivious applies as well) are beginning to be affected by the rapidly degrading conditions they are inundated by every day.
I believe there are many more people looking for answers to questions that they cannot clearly define. Satan has covered truth under a blanket of sensual stimulus that is so patently disappointing to so many people that when they attain what they thought was security and “a future,” it is revealed to them to be very uncertain and very insecure.
There is a caution that must be included here that was addressed by Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonian church. It was related to the fact that continued rejection of Truth and of God can have the eventual result of a heart that becomes so hardened that individuals are not able to repent.
“…and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
This is a specific future prophecy; however, deception is alive and well in this present day, and it develops and grows in unbelief and rejection of Jesus Christ. It can, if ignored, lead the unrepentant heart to the eventual consequence of the “strong delusion” spoken of above. In the meantime, as obedient followers of Christ, we must continue to witness and NOT GIVE UP!!
We are not charged with the results, but we are charged to witness.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
If you have read this far, perhaps you can continue to read below and consider this verse:
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Emphasis added by me.
For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life:
You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. It requires that you come before God on His terms. And, what are His terms according to His Word?
- Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
- Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
- That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
- To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
- Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.
- To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.
God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.
- No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
- No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
- Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.
If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.
John 5:24: “Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life.”
There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.
The answers are in the Word of God—the Bible. If you ask God with all your heart, He will hear you.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Pro Salvator Vigilans
To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com