By Iain Murray
Banner of Truth Trust. 226 pages. £9.95
ISBN 0 85151 752 8
Modern claims of extraordinary 'experiences of the Holy Spirit', and the widespread 'success' of Alpha Courses, have caused some to wonder whether we stand on the threshold of a religious revival in this country.
It's all the more important, therefore, that we understand properly the biblical basis for 'revival'. This is the aim of this important book, written by Iain Murray, a former assistant minister to Dr. Lloyd-Jones and a founding trustee of the Banner of Truth.
Mr. Murray begins by pointing out that the Bible never uses the word 'revival'. The term only came into prominence in the church from the 18th century onwards. However, terms like 'effusion' or 'outpouring' in relation to the work of the Holy Spirit were used from earlier times. 'Revival' may not be a biblical word; but since the 18th century, times of 'outstanding blessing' in the church and remarkable success for the gospel in the world have been called 'revival'. Murray examines three different schools of thought in interpreting these occasions biblically.
The first interpretation argues that 'the whole concept of occasional revivals in unbiblical'. Pentecost was once and for all. Revival is realising what is already ours . . . the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church. There can be no replicas of Pentecost, no 'second baptisms'.
The second interpretation is that 'revival is conditional on the obedience of the church'. Murray quotes Charles G. Finney's view that 'if the right means continued to be employed, revival would never cease'. So it's our fault if there is no revival. Murray argues against this view. Of course Christians are urged in Scripture to live holy lives and to pray for God's blessing on the church and the world. But such faith and obedience does not guarantee revival. That is in the hands of a sovereign God.
Mr. Murray's third interpretation is the one he himself favours. He argues that 'the Holy Spirit was given once and for all at Pentecost . . . but not permanently in the same measure and degree'. So from Pentecost onwards, the work of the Holy Spirit can be viewed in two aspects . . . the more normal and the extraordinary, which differ not in essence but in degree. He cites Acts 2.4 and Acts 4.31 as New Testament examples of this; and Ephesians 1.17 and 3.16, Philippians 1.9 and Luke 11.13 as the basis for prayer for revival.
Thoughtful and scholarly
The remaining chapters of this thoughtful and scholarly book build on the first chapter. In chapter 2, Mr. Murray summarises the life and teaching of Charles Finney, and shows how his theology affected his understanding of revival and his methods for evangelism. Danger signals can be seen in the way Finney began to argue from experience, claim his views were 'divinely directed' (not always from the Bible), and that his methods produced 'results'.
In subsequent chapters, Mr. Murray deals helpfully with the theological issues arising from the doctrines of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, with a particularly helpful section on 'God-centred prayer'. There are equally inspiring and challenging chapters on the Holy Spirit and preaching, and the 'interpretation of experience'. Murray writes: 'Many mistakes have arisen from good men drawing wrong conclusions from experience. For even true experience, when misinterpreted, becomes the source of wrong teaching. This has sometimes happened in revivals.' The following chapter which perceptively draws out the dangers of 'evangelical fanaticism' should be pondered by every Christian. Mr. Murray concludes positively with a final chapter on 'six things revival will bring'.
This is certainly a book for church leaders to read. It is written with clarity and spiritual insight, and with a sure touch theologically. It also whets the appetite for a greater knowledge of the history of revivals. Indeed, it has a message for all Christians who long to see God pour out his Spirit on his church as we witness to the gospel in an increasingly secular culture, and as we seek to discern the true from the false in the life of the church today.
