THE ASBURY “REVIVAL”

 

People from both sides of the tracks are upset with me since I have not been taking a “for or against” stance regarding the Asbury revival. Some criticize it because it is associated with some fleshly elements, but being human, this is inevitable. Others affirm it because of the fruits of repentance associated with it. They also correctly point to the fact that we desperately need revival. Therefore, we must support and direct it in a Biblical direction and protect it against the cults which are always ready to take advantage of the fervor.

 

However, I have been standing in the middle, praying that godly fruits will be increasingly manifested.

 

I think we can learn some valuable lessons from the Galatian Revival, through which many had come to the Lord. Paul notes:

 

·       …though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:14-15)

 

The Galatian fervor had been so profound that they would have been willing to pluck out their eyes for Paul! However, in their fervor, they had adopted false teachings, which had been separating them from Jesus (Galatians 3:1-5; 5:1-5). Therefore, Paul had been agonizing over them:

 

·       But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. (Galatians 4:9-11)

 

They had experienced a genuine Holy Spirit revival but had been turning away from what they had learned. Therefore, perhaps what is most important is that the Asbury fervor will be directed by the Scriptures. Perhaps the question of whether this outpouring is of the Spirit is a secondary issue—even one which is difficult to determine.

 

It is like asking me, “Is Micah truly saved.” I am unable to determine this with any confidence. While we can observe that he has not been reading the Bible or attending church, there might be other explanations for this other than his being unsaved. We simply cannot see into people’s hearts. Perhaps this is also true when it comes to Spirit revivals. In the end, the devil will be released to deceive many:

 

·       “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

 

Let’s therefore stay in prayer regarding this “outpouring.”