How Should We Evaluate the Asbury Revival?

In 2023 lots of people were talking about the Asbury College Revival because so many people were hearing about it and it genuinely seemed to be a move of God's Spirit.

But before I discuss it, let me give you some personal background. In 1992, we were looking for a good Christian college for our son to attend. My husband and son visited several campuses, and when they visited Asbury, the chapel service began with the student body president confessing sin. Soon, other students joined him at the altar to confess their sins, and a revival began that lasted for days. 

Our son attended Asbury the following year based on this move of God and the solid biblical foundation of the college. 

From my understanding, the famous 1970 Asbury revival and this current revival at Asbury have also started with student confession, repentance, and testimonies.  

Honest confession of sin is a key ingredient in true revival.(1)

During my lifetime, I've heard about many things called “outpourings of the Spirit,” “revivals,” and “blessings.” But the true moves of God result in humble confession, drawing people closer to the Lord. We must not quench God's Spirit, but we must use discernment (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).

I believe the past Asbury revivals were moves of God, but that doesn’t mean that there weren’t people who misunderstood and misused them. And the same is true for the one in 2023. I'm sure that people were positively drawn to our Lord and to a more solid and meaningful faith. And I'm just as sure that some people were simply into the hype.

But the proof will be in the long term results in their lives. God isn’t interested in entertaining us. He’s interested in transforming us and making us lights in the darkness of our world (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:8-11).  

Genuine revivals change people, and they can have a great effect on the whole body of Christ.

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(1) Psalm 66:18-20 and 1 John 1:8-10 tell us that unconfessed sin interferes with our relationship with God. Confession brings forgiveness and refreshment to our souls (Acts 3:19).

I encourage you to read these pertinent devotions:

Is Repentance a Work? 

King David's Key to a Healthy Faith 

6 Aspects of Godly Sorrow

I recommend this article from a student at Asbury: When the Dust Settles.

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. To find out where you can order Wisdom for Life in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the Philippines, see It's Not for the Money.

 Bible Love Notes