What does the earthly ministry of our Savior tell us about revival?
If revival means life then surely eternal life is the ultimate revival. Revival in Jesus means, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4 KJV) Means to an end are important, and Jesus claimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV) Life eternal is not available anywhere else, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (John 14:6 NLT) Then as now this hope is for the whole world, not just a select few, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17 ESV) Surely there can be no greater message!
Eternal salvation means that, “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26 NKJV) Life revived, “you were dead in your offenses and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1 NASB) but no longer, if we are in Christ. Is there a better message anywhere, among advertisers and gurus and philosophers and psychologists and politicians and scientists? The gospel or “good news” is about a kingdom (Matthew 4:23), of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1), to the poor (Luke 4:18), of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), of God (Romans 1:1), of peace (Romans 10:15), of the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4), and of your salvation (Ephesians 1:13). Ultimate good news, the best news on planet Earth, even overcomes all the heartache and suffering of life here below. Revival that lasts for all eternity is only in the One who was born to be “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Rejoice, lovers of God, a Savior is born.
