There is much talk about Revival in the land today. So many are proclaiming that it is sweeping throughout America and the world. Mega churches are growing by leaps and bounds. Many people are answering altar calls in the various meetings and giving financially so that the Gospel may be preached throughout the world. Supposedly, the young people are getting all stirred up at the various "Christian" Concerts.  

 

 

In the above quote, Erlo Stegan mentioned that repentance and confession of sin must be present if there will ever be a True Revival in our nations. His definition lines up with the Word of God. Any other activity or practice is simply not revival and should not be termed as such.

 

The Apostle James - in his book - gives us a very detailed synopsis of what is required in seeking God for Revival in the land. Chapter 4, verses 8-10 spell it out for us -

 

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up."  
                                                                                

In order for there to be a True Revival, we must "Draw nigh to God" and - as the Scripture promises - "He will draw nigh" to us.

 

But how do we "Draw nigh to God"? So many today so casually run into the Throne Room, never considering that there is a certain manner of approach to our Heavenly Father.

 

The Apostle James indicates that we must come before the Holy Throne of Grace with a desire to be pure and holy even as God is pure and holy. Every time that we approach Him there must be a desire on our part to be free from all sin. We must always and evermore have a purpose and desire to abandon and put away all transgressions and be washed from all iniquities. Otherwise, we will never obtain His Favor which we so desperately need in our lives.

 

James addresses his admonition to two classes of people - "Sinners" and the "Double minded."

 

The "Sinners" refer to those "believers" who are sinful or still entertaining Sin in their lives.

The "Double minded" are those who are divided in interest...halting between good and evil - God and the world...vacillating in opinion and purpose...wavering between embracing the Cross of Christ or rejecting it...uncertain as to whether or not they want to go all the way with Jesus...and having a divided allegiance between Him and pleasure.

 

 

 

The Apostle James strongly commands "Sinners" to "cleanse your hands." Washing or cleansing the hands was emblematic of putting away transgressions.

 

 

To the "Double minded" he commanded - "purify your hearts." The heart is the seat of all affections. motives, and intentions. This is where the thoughts or feelings lie. If the heart is wrong, nothing can be right. Therefore, he called for a separation from all that is worldly and ungodly and a consecration unto God for His purposes and plans to be accomplished.  

 

In the face of serious Sin among the "believers," the Apostle James called for Godly Sorrow for Sin and a Deep Humility of Heart -

 

James 4:9-10 - "Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up."  
                                                                                

 

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:6 said - "You glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?"

 

The leaven of Sin is spreading rapidly throughout the churches in the land. The Gospel Witness is being tainted by worldliness and compromise. Those who are called by God to be Burning and Shining Lights in this wicked and adulterous generation are actually very dim lights in the midst of the Darkness.

 

The Apostle James exhorted the believers to "Be afflicted." In other words, make yourselves wretched...endure toil and hardship because of Sin...feel distressed and saddened because of transgression.

 

"Mourn" - lament, grieve, wail, and feel sorry because of your Sin. Replace all mirth and revelry with grief and sorrow. Let all cheerfulness and gladness give way to dejection, shame, gloom, and sadness. On account of all transgressions, "humble" yourself before the Lord. Look to Him to raise you up to the exalted position as his forgiven child.