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³ “And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” ⁴ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? ⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” ⁷ And he rose and went home. ⁸ When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” (Matthew 9:3–8 (ESV)

³  If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? ⁴ But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” (Psalm 130:3–4 (ESV)

“Our Savior’s first response is to pronounce the lame man forgiven (v. 2), and some commentators believe this indicates that sin is the cause of the man’s paralysis. Sin can indeed cause many illnesses, but note that Scripture never teaches that disease is always proof of transgression in a person’s life (John 9:1–3). In any case, Christ’s declaration of pardon does not sit well with the scribes. Forgiveness, it is well known, is the prerogative of God alone (Ps. 130:3–4). An ordinary man who claims this right puts himself in the Creator’s place and commits blasphemy (Matt. 9:3),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The scribes, and presumably the Pharisees, accused Jesus of blasphemy (Luke 5:17). Blaspheming (βλασφημέω; blasphemeo) means to insult, slander, or curse, (Matt. 9:3; Mark 3:28; 15:29; John 10:36; Acts 13:45; 19:37; Rom. 3:8; 14:16; Titus 3:2; James 2:7; 1 Peter 4:4; Jude 8; Rev. 16:9). The religious leaders were accusing Jesus of insulting and slandering God. What they did not realize was that Jesus was/is God.

They did not confront Jesus to His face, but rather condemned Him to themselves. In other words, they did not accuse Jesus out loud but rather they condemned Him in their thoughts. They did not acknowledge that Jesus was Immanuel, God in the flesh.  

Jesus confirmed this when the text says, “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” Jesus displayed divine omniscience in knowing what the religious leaders were thinking. In spite of this, there is no record that they acknowledged Jesus’ divinity.  

Jesus continued by saying, “⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Jesus claimed to be God; for to forgive sins is to claim divine authority (Isaiah 43:25). The scribes acknowledged this is what Jesus meant by what He said.

“Jesus’ response is extraordinary for two reasons. First, the man has come for healing of a physical disability, but Jesus speaks about the more profound defect of sin and about the radical healing of forgiveness of which this particular healing is a sign. Second, Jesus claims for Himself the power to forgive sins, which in all the Bible can be attributed only to God (Ex. 34:7; Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:4). The teachers of the law immediately accuse Jesus of blaspheming; a proper conclusion only if He is a mere man,” continues Dr. Sproul.

Jesus then said to the paralytic, “—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” In Jesus’ day people slept on mats that were laid upon the floor. These pallets served as a stretcher that were easy to carry. The paralyzed man was lying on such a mattress.  “And he rose and went home” (Matthew 9:7).

Matthew recorded the reaction of the religious leaders. What about the response by the crowd? “When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men” (Matthew 9:8).

The crowds saw the miracle, were afraid of Jesus after the miracle, and then glorified God because of the miracle. However, they did not acknowledge Jesus as God even though He performed the miracle. They only recognized that God had given Jesus divine authority, and not that He inherently and rightly possessed divine authority (John 3:1-2).

Praying for physical healing is not wrong. Seeking medical attention is not wrong either. However, the greater need is for God to forgive us of our sins; whether or not sin has caused our physical infirmity.    

Soli deo Gloria!

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. ² And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:1–2 (ESV)

“The actions of the paralytic and his friends show they had real faith. They knew their goal and would not let an obstruction stop them. One of them concocted a plan, a high-risk plan. He thought, ‘If we can’t get through the crowd, let’s go over it. Let’s climb up on the roof, tear a hole in it, tie cords to the corners of our stretcher, and lower our friend to Jesus. At least, he will have Jesus’ attention’,” explains commentator Daniel M. Doriani.

“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. ³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1–5 (ESV)

¹⁷ “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. ¹⁸ And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, ¹⁹ but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. ²⁰ And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”  (Luke 5:17–20 (ESV)

It was when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ““Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven (Matthew 9:2).” Jesus commanded the man to be assured. This assurance would be in his mind, emotions and his will. Jesus then forgave the man’s sins.

It is worth noting that the men, including the paralytic, came for healing and not necessarily for forgiveness. Perhaps the man’s paralysis was a result of sin. If so, Jesus was teaching that true healing, of soul and body, can only occur through repentance of sin’s and faith in Jesus to forgive. Jesus was also revealing that He was God because as we will soon see, only God can forgive sins.

“Though we would like to know how such a statement struck the paralytic or his helpers, the reaction of the paralyzed man or his helpers to this statement is of as little interest to Matthew’s narrative, as was the experience of the demoniacs. No doubt the possible connection between sin and illness stands in the background, but well in the background. Once again, the focus is on the authority of Jesus, now exercised in yet another realm. On Jesus’ authority to forgive, see further at 9:3, 5, 6, 8,” explains commentator John Nolland.

What is the reaction to Jesus’ words by the crowd? This is what we will examine next time. Have a blessed day in the Lord.  

Soli deo Gloria!

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. ² And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:1–2 (ESV)

Returning to our study in the Gospel of Matthew, today we continue examining Jesus’ healing of a paralytic. Following the incidents Matthew recorded in the previous chapter, Jesus continued His healing ministry; indicating that He was the promised Messiah fulfilling Isaiah 61:1-2. Both the Gospels of Mark and Luke refer to this miracle (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).

Jesus returned to Capernaum from Gadara (Mathew 8:28-34). It was at that time that some people brought to Jesus a paralytic. Matthew does not reveal the extent of the paralysis other than the man was lying on a bed. Mark and Luke’s Gospel provide more information about this event.

 “And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. ³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1–5 (ESV)

¹⁷ “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. ¹⁸ And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, ¹⁹ but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. ²⁰ And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”  (Luke 5:17–20 (ESV)

All three synoptic Gospels record the phrase, “And when Jesus saw their faith.” Jesus personally and perceptively understood these men. He comprehended that they were men of faith. They were displaying a trust, commitment, dependence and a worship of Jesus Christ. This was seen by their actions of getting their friend to Jesus, in spite of the crowd.

The Gospels of Mark and Luke are especially helpful on this point. Both evangelists describe the four men removing the roof tiles and lowering the paralytic through the opening in the roof. They sat him down into the midst of the crowd and before Jesus. Their persistent action evidenced their persistent faith.  

Perhaps the faith Jesus referred to was of the four men (Mark 2:3). Or it may have included the paralytic. The word there is a plural, genitive pronoun. It means that the faith this group possessed was their own faith and not someone else’s.

“None of the Evangelists indicates that either the bearers or the patient asked for healing. Not a word from them is recorded; the plight of the man and what they looked for from Jesus were obvious enough without words. Jesus saw their faith,” explains commentator Leon Morris.

May Jesus see our faith in Him today. May those who we come into contact with do as well.

Soli deo Gloria!

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. ² And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:1–2 (ESV)

Returning to our study in the Gospel of Matthew, today we begin examining Jesus’ healing of a paralytic. Following the incidents Matthew recorded in the previous chapter, Jesus continued His healing ministry; indicating that He was the promised Messiah fulfilling Isaiah 61:1-2. Both the Gospels of Mark and Luke refer to this miracle (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).

Jesus returned to Capernaum from Gadara (Mathew 8:28-34). It was at that time that some people brought to Jesus a paralytic. Matthew does not reveal the extent of the paralysis other than the man was lying on a bed. Mark and Luke’s Gospel provide more information about this event.

 “And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. ³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1–5 (ESV)

¹⁷ “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. ¹⁸ And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, ¹⁹ but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. ²⁰ And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”  (Luke 5:17–20 (ESV)

Mark and Luke record that at the time of this incident Jesus was teaching at home. There were many in attendance. It was standing room only. Those attending included Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from villages throughout Galilee and Judea. Mark records that Jesus was preaching the Word of God. Luke states that the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal. This sets the scene for what would follow.

“When the Gadarenes desired Christ to depart (Matthew 8:28-34), they of Capernaum received him. If Christ be affronted by some, there are others in whom he will be glorious; if one will not, another will,” explains commentator Matthew Henry.

May we be those who glorify the Lord Jesus Christ today. Have a blessed one.

Soli deo Gloria!

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What means does God use to bring about a spiritual awakening in an individual, a church, a community, or even a nation? Does the end or goal, in this case a revival, justify the use of any or all means and methods? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, by responding, “By no means!” (Romans 3:6; 6:1, 15; 7:7, 13).

Back to our original question. What biblical means does God use to bring about awakening and revival? Acts 2:42-47 provides the answer.

⁴² “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)

The biblical means God uses to bring awakening and revival begins with God’s Word, the Bible. The church devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching. This is another way of saying biblical truth. A true spiritual awakening and revival must be centered in the Scriptures; the Old and New Testament.

Second, awkening and revival is sourced in godly fellowship with believers in Christ. Christianity is not a “solo” religion or faith. Christians needs one another (I Cor. 12-14; Hebrews 10:24-25). While many churches continue to livestream their services, originally because of the Covid-19 shutdown in 2020, passively watching a worship service from home is not the ideal. If able, we are to make every effort to participate with one another in biblical fellowship.

Thirdly, awakening and revival occurs by regularly observing and participating in the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Remembering what the Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross in providing a substitutionary atonement on behalf of sinners should spark a renewed sense of commitment and consecration.

Fourthly, ministering to fellow believers. A sure way of reviving one’s desire to live for Christ is serving one another. The blessing we give to others often pales in comparison to the blessing we receive.

Fifthly, God centered worship and praise. This singular focus is not only for the parishioner but also for the pastor. The attention should never be on anyone other than the Lord when we gather to worship and praise Him for He is and what He has done.

“How awakening it is when we come before the Lord through His means with the humble faith and sincere repentance that the gospel calls for. The early church was living proof of the power of the ways of God,” explains Pastor Ray Ortlund.

“The striking thing about the early church here is how simple their pattern of life was, and yet how compelling it was. How do we account for that? To use the language of Jonathan Edwards, these early Christians were laying themselves “in the way of allurement,” that is, they were joyfully placing themselves in the path of Christ’s promised power. No wonder the early church flourished.”

Charles J. Brown (1806-1884), a minister in the Church of Scotland during a season of revival, quoted an eyewitness account of the power of God’s grace in the churches at that time:

“It was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began”—here, you will observe, it was the simple reading of the Word without preaching. Yet such was the power upon the minds of the people that “it was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began, for great melting to come upon the hearers. The deepest attention was paid to every word as the sacred verses were slowly and solemnly enunciated. Then the silent tear might be seen stealing down the rugged but expressive countenances turned upon the reader. The Word of the Lord was precious in those days.”

What more do we need for awakening and revival. May God awaken and revive your soul today.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What means does God use to bring about a spiritual awakening in an individual, a church, a community, or even a nation? Does the end or goal, in this case a revival, justify the use of any or all means and methods? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, by responding, “By no means!” (Romans 3:6; 6:1, 15; 7:7, 13).

There are many individuals, including leaders within the church, who believe that the ends justify the means. They would argue that the salvation of anyone means that the church should use any and all methods to bring about that conversion. They erroneously use I Corinthians 9:22 to justify any philosophy of ministry. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some.”

The phrase, by all means is used to support any and all activities within the church, and para-church, ministries and worship services. The use of secular music, drama, dance, extreme emotional mosh pits, profanity from the pulpit, and even the pastor entering a worship service by zip lining into the sanctuary immediately prior to his speaking are defended as legitimate means to accomplish revival. What a tragedy.

The phrase by all means (πάντως; pantos) refers to certainty and a strong emphasis. It means undoubtedly. It is not the phrase by all means necessary. Instead, it is an expression of biblical conviction rather than a justification for any type of methodology for revival. Paul, within the bounds of God’s word, would not offend the Jew, Gentile, or those weak in understanding. Rather than changing Scripture or compromising the truth, he would condescend in ways that could lead to salvation. He would do so with great certainty, emphasis and a lack of doubt because he was committed to Scripture.

In an article entitled Restoration of Truth and Revival, Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote the following words in 1887. “The extent to which sheer frivolity and utterly inane amusement have been carried in connection with some places of worship would almost exceed belief. There can be no doubt that all sorts of entertainments, as nearly as possible approximating to stage-plays, have been carried on in connection with places of worship, and are, at this present time in high favour. Can these things promote holiness, or help in communion with God? Can men come away from such things and plead with God for the salvation of sinners, and the sanctification of believers? We loathe to touch the unhallowed subject; it seems so far removed from the walk of faith and the way of heavenly fellowship. In some cases the follies complained of are even beneath the dignity of manhood, and fitter for the region of the imbecile than for thoughtful men.”

As we conclude today’s post, and prior to our examination of the God ordained means of revival when next we meet, consider the words by Pastor John MacArthur.

“The contextualization of the gospel today has infected the church with the spirit of the age. It has opened the church’s doors wide for worldliness, shallowness, and in some cases a crass, party atmosphere. The world now sets the agenda for the church.”

Is there any hope today for a true, biblical and spiritual revival? What are the God ordained means for such an awakening? That is what we will consider tomorrow. I encourage you to read Acts 2:42-47 in preparation. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What are the characteristics of a true, or false, spiritual awakening? Are their ways in discerning if a true awakening from God has occurred? Having examined the characteristics of a false, or the inconclusive signs, that an awakening from God has occurred, what are the characteristics of a true, spiritual awakening from the Lord.

First, the individual has an overwhelming sense of gratitude to the Lord for their salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This is a gratitude not only for what God has done in the individual’s life in their conversion and sanctification, but also for who God is in His character (Psalm 8; Philippians 1:3-6).

Second, the individual has a renewed sense of the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1-7; I Peter 1:13-16). “Believers begin to develop a taste and relish for the sweetness of God’s holiness and an equal distaste for and hatred of sin,” explains Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, associate professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss.

Third, a genuine humility develops in the believer’s soul. They begin to esteem God, and others, better than themselves (Phil. 2:1-4). They do not think of themselves more highly than they ought to think (Rom. 12:3-4). There is a realization that God is to preeminent in their lives; and not themselves.

“Such humility can only come from the influence of God’s Spirit as He works new ways of being and living into the heart. Genuine conversion will always be accompanied by humility because, at its heart, it is a rebuke to pride and a ceasing of self-willing: we rest in God through Christ who saves us,” writes Prof. Lucas.

Finally, there is an initial, or renewed, sense of obedience. All of life is viewed in its relationship to obedience to God and His Word (Psalm 1; 19; 119; John 17:17; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 1:1; 2:11-12).

“A church filled with men and women who are delighting in God and His holiness, who are humble before God and others, and who are living out that holy delight in obedience to God’s Word—that is a church that is experiencing genuine revival. Such a church would not only be attractive to those who long for spiritual reality, but it would be a great witness to the incoming kingdom of God. May God grant us such churches and people in this day,” concludes Dr. Lucas.

May a true awakening be seen is us today. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What are the characteristics of a true, or false, spiritual awakening? Are their ways in discerning if a true awakening from God has occurred? Let us begin with false, or inconclusive signs, that an awakening is from God.

First, there is the issue of intense emotions. “Simply because someone has powerful impressions of God’s love or overwhelming feelings of sadness over sin doesn’t mean a conversion, or a consecrated re-commitment to Christ, has occurred,” explains Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss.

Individual’s emotions can be heightened by the Super Bowl, or when a supported candidate for a political office wins an election. A young man once said to me that he received the same spiritual high watching a professional football game as he did when he went to church. Amplified emotions do not mean anything spiritual is happening.

Second, an individual’s readiness to speak about their spiritual condition offers little proof of a true awakening. In fact, publicly speaking about one’s faith in God may not mean they have experienced in their soul what they say with their mouth. They may be filled with spiritual pride and ambition. How many celebrities, after professing faith in Christ, are immediately signed to a book deal and placed into the public arena as a spokesperson for biblical Christianity. These who have very little opportunity to grow in their faith instantly become mini-messiah’s that people flock to see; and just as quickly are abandoned for another new Christian celebrity. However, they filled a lot of auditoriums and sold a lot of books.

Thirdly, the ability to quote Scripture. Much too often, spiritual counterfeits quote Scripture at length but ignore the historical, grammatical and cultural context of the Scripture passage they are quoting. By proof texting, they fail to follow the instruction from 2 Timothy 2:15, which says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Fourth, having dreams or visions and attributing these experiences as an awakening from the Lord. An individual sees in a Christlike image in a dream, or at the foot of their bed or in a tortilla, and they sense that God has spoken to them.

“Someone might even experience a sense of deliverance from sin or Satan and yet not truly be converted. There might be a situation where someone has experienced deep spiritual concern about his liability to eternal judgment and is feeling deep despair; perhaps he is experiencing significant spiritual—even demonic—oppression,” states Professor Lucas.

“Then, immediately and seemingly miraculously, he feels delivered all at once, as though the devil has been cast out, the oppression ceases, the addiction comes to an end. This might happen through a dream or vision, perhaps of a person of great beauty with wounds in his hands or side that the individual takes to be a vision of Christ. And yet, even with such an experience, it does not mean that the individual is truly saved. The Bible nowhere teaches that such things provide a solid ground for assurance of conversion or for genuine revival”

Finally, fervent worship does not mean an awkening has occurred.While going to worship services, disciple’s classes, or even events like Winter Jam may elicit excitement and enthusiasm for God, it does not mean a true revival has happened.  

“Simply because there are large crowds in worship services or that people are highly participatory doesn’t mean that revival has come,” concludes Dr. Lucas.

Then what are the characteristics of a true awkening or revival? That is what we’ll examine next time. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.  

“The terms ‘revival’ and ‘awakening’ properly refer to works of the Holy Spirit that cannot be coerced or brought about through emotional manipulation,” explains Dr. Keith A. Mathison. “If you are a Christian, He (God) has awakened you by bringing you out of darkness and into the light.”

A spiritual awakening is at the very heart of the Christian faith, and it is the reason we are believers in Christ. An awakening is the powerful work of our sovereign and gracious God. When God awakens us, He doesn’t simply awaken us from sleep, but from spiritual death (Eph. 2:1-5). He gives sinners new life by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Rom. 3:21-26; Eph. 1:3-14; 2:8-9). Awakening is the Holy Spirit’s glorious work of regeneration, revival, and reformation.

There have been several false awakenings in church history. One of the most notable would be the revivalism by Charles Finney in early 19^th century America. Finney did not believe in the biblical doctrine of original sin, the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, or justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Additionally, Finney invented several manipulative methods and revivalist techniques that are used in churches today. Finney sought to humanly accomplish what only God can do in bringing an awakening of the soul. It marks the difference between a revivalism by man and a true revival by the Lord.

“At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the West is once again in a period of darkness as various forms of secularism have come to the fore, and yet the church continues to advance. We are witnessing massive numbers turning to Christ in Africa, Asia, and South America. According to some estimates, China is on course to have the highest population of Christians anywhere in the next two decades. In 2010, Protestants in China numbered approximately 60 million. By 2030, some estimate there will be 250 million,” states Mathison.

“God sovereignly moves when and where He wills, and just as He brought the light of the gospel into the darkness of pagan Rome, medieval Europe, and communist China, He can bring light into places currently shrouded in darkness. He can bring an awakening to the Islamic world. He can bring an awakening to the secular West. And as He did many times in the Old Testament, He can bring an awakening to unbelieving Jews. If you are a Christian, He has awakened you by bringing you out of darkness and into the light. Pray that by His Spirit He would move mightily to awaken many more.”

How do believers in Christ distinguish between a true or false awakening? That is what will be considered next time. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!