Chapter 16—Calls for a Revival
The Church’s Great Need
[
Article appearing in appendix to first edition of Christ Our
Righteousness, but omitted for mechanical reasons from the second
reset edition.
]
Compilers.
A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent
of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be
earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not
willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared
to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy
Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good
gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation,
repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which
God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected
only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God’s
Holy spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but
when the Spirit’s power touches their hearts, then the discourses given
will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of God’s Word,
with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion,
those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and
returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence.
[122]
The old standard bearers knew what it was to wrestle with God
in prayer, and to enjoy the outpouring of His Spirit. But these are
passing off from the stage of action; and who are coming up to fill
their places? How is it with the rising generation? Are they converted
to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly
sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon
the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping to see the whole
church revived? That time will never come.
109