What Does The Bible Say About Revival In The Last Days?
In the last days before Jesus Christ returns, there will be a great spiritual awakening and revival according to Bible prophecy. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible predicts there will be a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit before Christ’s second coming, leading to widespread repentance, renewal, and revival.
This article will examine in detail what the Bible foretells about spiritual renewal and awakening in the end times. We’ll look at key scripture passages, biblical signs pointing to revival, and how God is predicted to move powerfully through His people in the last days prior to Jesus’ return.
Biblical Prophecies of Revival Before Christ’s Return
Joel 2:28-32 – Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The prophet Joel foretold an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, saying “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29). This prophecy was initially fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17-21), but Joel’s words indicate an even greater outpouring of the Spirit prior to Christ’s second coming.
Acts 2:17-21 – Joel’s Prophecy Fulfilled at Pentecost
When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, Peter declared “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people'” (Acts 2:17-18).
While Pentecost was an initial and partial fulfillment, the fullness of Joel’s prophecy will occur before Jesus’ return. This will be a time of revival marked by dreams, visions, and prophecy through the widespread outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 7:9-10 – Great Multitude from Every Nation
The apostle John saw an incredible vision of a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne of God and the Lamb. An elder explained that these people “have come out of the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14).
This implies a great revival will occur during a time of tribulation prior to Christ’s return, with people from all languages and cultures accepting Jesus as Savior.
Signs and Wonders Accompanying End Times Revival
Acts 2:19 – Signs and Wonders
The book of Acts records that right after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the early believers began exhibiting signs and wonders. Peter quotes the prophet Joel who prophesied that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on all believers, resulting in prophesying, visions and dreams (Acts 2:17-18).
The manifestations of the Spirit were evidence that the Spirit had indeed been poured out and that the last days had arrived.
Today, we can expect to see a greater increase in signs and wonders as we approach the end times and the great end times revival prophesied in Scripture. Miraculous healings, deliverances, supernatural provisions, prophetic words and visions will accompany those preaching the gospel in the last days.
Mark 16:17-18 – Signs That Follow Believers
Jesus promised that miraculous signs would follow those who believe in Him. Mark 16:17-18 says “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
We see these signs verified in the book of Acts and throughout church history. As we draw closer to the Lord’s return, we can expect to see an increase in the miraculous among those preaching the gospel. Signs and wonders will point people to Jesus and bring unbelievers to salvation.
Matthew 24:14 – Gospel Preached to All Nations
Before Jesus returns, the gospel must be preached to every nation as a testimony to them (Matthew 24:14). Missiologists estimate that over 2 billion people globally still have little to no access to the gospel.
But today, through use of technologies like internet, radio and satellite TV, the gospel can reach remote regions faster than ever before. Missions organizations are accelerating work among unreached people groups.
We are closer today to completing the Great Commission than any time in history. These end times offer an unprecedented opportunity for the gospel to go forth in power with signs, wonders, and miracles pointing people to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Repentance and Renewal Through Revival
2 Chronicles 7:14 – Repent and Return to God
2 Chronicles 7:14 is a key verse about repentance and revival. It states: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This verse highlights the need for God’s people to repent of their sins in order to experience revival and renewal. True revival starts with recognizing where we have gone astray, confessing our sins, and turning back to God.
As we humble ourselves and seek God’s face, He promises to hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and bring renewal.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 – New Heart and New Spirit
The passage in Ezekiel speaks of the spiritual renewal and transformation God wants to bring through revival. Ezekiel 36:26-27 states: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Here we see that revival brings an inner renewal by God’s Spirit, as He changes our hearts of stone into hearts receptive to Him. His Spirit enables us to follow and obey Him from the inside out.
As we experience personal revival, God transforms us by His grace to live holy lives that honor Him.
Titus 3:4-7 – Washing of Regeneration and Renewal
Titus 3:4-7 highlights the regenerating and renewing work of the Holy Spirit through revival. It says: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
This passage teaches that revival brings an inward washing and renewal by the Holy Spirit, as He regenerates our hearts and makes us new creations in Christ. We are saved and transformed by His generous outpouring of grace, not our own works. Revival leads to renewal of life and hope in Christ.
Unity and Prayer Fueling Revival
John 17:20-23 – Unity of Believers
In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed for all believers to “be one” just as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). This unity among followers of Christ is vital for revival to occur, as it displays God’s love to the world and draws people to faith (John 17:23).
When Christians unite, it reflects the very nature of the triune God Himself.
Throughout history, united prayer and worship has preceded great moves of God’s Spirit. The early believers gathered in unity after Jesus’ ascension, devoting themselves to prayer, and soon experienced a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1-2).
Even secular historians identify the unity of the early church as a source of its growth and impact.
Acts 1:14 – Joined Constantly in Prayer
After Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples returned to Jerusalem and joined together in constant prayer (Acts 1:14). For followers of Christ today, united prayer should be just as foundational. There is exponential power when believers come together and lift their voices to God in unity.
Prayer movements continue to fuel revivals globally. Over 85 million Christians in 170 countries have participated in united prayer for spiritual awakening through the Global Day of Prayer(www.globaldayofprayer.com). Clearly, joining together in persistent prayer remains key for renewal.
Acts 4:31 – Filled with the Holy Spirit
In Acts 4:31, after the believers prayed in unity for boldness in witness, “the place where they were meeting was shaken” and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking God’s word with courage.
Similarly, when today’s Church unites in prayer for fresh empowerment, God shakes us through His Spirit, reviving our hearts.
The 20th century Welsh revival experienced God’s power after a group of young people banded together for prayer and Holy Spirit breakthrough. Such renewing of the Spirit happens even now when Christians cry out to the Lord together.
There have been over 650 seasons of spiritual awakening, at different locales globally, each traced to united prayer and seeking God collectively for change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Scripture clearly foretells an end-time revival within the Church empowered by the Holy Spirit. This will be accompanied by signs, wonders, repentance, renewal, and unity among believers.
As we draw closer to Christ’s return, we can expect the wind of the Spirit to blow more strongly, igniting hearts with passion for Jesus and empowering His people to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
By humbling ourselves and praying, we can seek the Lord earnestly for fresh waves of revival power in these last days.
