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Chapter 27—How Successful Are Modern Revivals?
Wherever the Word of God has been faithfully preached, results
have followed that attested its divine origin. Sinners felt their con-
sciences quickened. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds
and hearts. They had a sense of the righteousness of God, and cried
out: “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
Romans
7:24
. As the cross was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits
of Christ could atone for their transgressions. Through the blood of
Jesus they had “remission of sins that are past.”
Romans 3:25
.
These souls believed and were baptized and rose to walk in
newness of life, by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His
steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is
pure. Things they once hated they now loved, and things they once
loved they hated. The proud became meek, the vain and supercilious
became serious and unobtrusive. The drunken became sober, the
profligate pure. Christians sought not the “outward adorning of
plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but ... that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
1 Peter
3:3, 4
.
Revivals were characterized by solemn appeals to the sinner.
The fruits were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial but
rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the sake of
Christ. Men beheld a transformation in those who professed the
name of Jesus. Such were the effects that in former years followed
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seasons of religious awakening.
But many revivals of modern times present a marked contrast. It
is true that many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to
the churches. Nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the
belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual
life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out.
Popular revivals too often excite the emotions, gratifying the love
for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire
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