Pentecost – Today?: The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival (Iain H. Murray)

Description

Some today find no justification for a theology of revival in the Bible and see the whole revival emphasis as a distraction from the duty of seizing present opportunities: for them the subject has been worn out by its advocates and discredited by unfulfilled hopes. Yet others remain Convinced that revival is the only answer and that a renewed fulfillment of 2 Chronicles 7:14 ought to be our great expectation. Against the background of these different views — and accepting neither of them — Iain Murray argues for fresh thinking from Scripture.

Pentecost showed that the gospel is able to win sudden acceptance despite the strongest opposition. But if — as some believe — Pentecost is a permanent reality, how is it that Christianity can often differ so much from the apostolic pattern? And how are we to explain those epochs in history when men, filled afresh with the Spirit of God, saw advances which were indeed comparable with those of the early church? Did the secret lie n renewed obedience, in prayer, or simply in the sovereign intervention of God? And if the action of God is the sole explanation, where does Scripture's strong emphasis on human responsibility come in?

Answers to these questions involve profound mystery. But Scripture is clear on what is given more abundantly to those who pray for the Holy Spirit — stronger faith in the truth and hearts enlarged in love are always the foremost evidences of his power. Pentecost — Today? is a different approach to questions crucial to the present state of the church.

'It is noteworthy that there are more books describing revivals than there are those that deal with their biblical basis. That may be because to read about revivals is more pleasant, and initially, perhaps, more inspiring, than understanding the struggle to establish a biblical basis theology which explains and justifies the phenomenon. But in the long run it has to be the latter which is more important. This book aims to supply that lack.' — IAIN MURRAY

Endorsements

‘One of the best treatments of revival and the power of the Holy Spirit I have ever come across. It most closely resembles my beliefs with regard to this doctrine.’ — PAUL WASHER

Table of Contents

HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND ‘REVIVAL’?

A Caution over Terminology 2

Pentecost, Once and For All 7

Revival Conditional upon Obedience 8

Confusing Old and New Testaments 13

Revivals are Larger Measures of the Spirit of God 17

Consequences of the Three Views 25

A Vital Lesson 31

CHARLES G. FINNEY: HOW THEOLOGY AFFECTS UNDERSTANDING OF REVIVAL 33

Life and Teaching 35

Finney’s Case Examined 43

Why the Old School Opposed Finney 49

OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY 54

Major Responsibilities – Conduct, Truth and Faith 56

The Place of Prayer 64

Sovereignty and Revival 70

Conclusions 74

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PREACHING 80

Special Eras of Preaching 83

The Power of the Holy Spirit Makes the Truth Plain to Preacher and Hearer 87

The Power of the Holy Spirit is Evident in the Experience which He Gives of the Love of God 90

Conclusions 99

THE INTERPRETATION OF EXPERIENCE 105

The Bible First 106

The Work of Christ 109

Diversity of Teaching on ‘Christ Baptizing with the Spirit’ 112

The Older Evangelical Teaching 117

Practical Consequences of Wrong Views 125

Conclusions 130

HINDERING REVIVAL: EVANGELICAL FANATICISM 134

The Dangers of Fanaticism 136

Recognition of Fanaticism 144

Consequences of Fanaticism 151

Wales: 1904-5 153

Conclusions 164

SIX THINGS REVIVAL WILL BRING 170

Revival Restores Faith in the Word of God 171

Revival Restores Definiteness to the Meaning of ‘Christian’ 175

Revival Advances the Gospel with Amazing Swiftness 178

Revival Always Has Moral Impact upon Communities 180

Revival Changes Understanding of the Christian Ministry 184

Revival Will Change the Public Worship of the Churches 189

APPENDICES 197

1. Extraordinary Gifts 197

2. Co-ordination of Grace and Duty 200

3. Presbyterian Doctrine on Regeneration, Inability and Free-Agency 212

Title Index 217

General Index 221

Product Details

Title: Pentecost – Today?: The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival  

Author: Iain H. Murray

Publisher: Banner of Truth

Pages: 242

Binding: Cloth-bound

Size: 22.3 x 14.6 x 2.0 cm

ISBN: 9780851517520