The Spirit of Revival (With the Complete, Modernized Text of The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God): Discovering the Wisdom of Jonathan Edwards

by R.C. Sproul, Archie Parrish, Jonathan Edwards

A key figure during the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards wrote this important discourse, The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, in 1741, just after the revival had reached its peak. In his thorough exploration of the true and false signs of revival, drawn from 1 John 4, Edwards concludes that while a movement may be accompanied by excesses and questionable actions, these signs do not necessarily disqualify it as authentic.

In a refreshing way Edwards embraces a genuine enthusiasm in these manifestations while stressing the need for biblical discernment. His critique is kind and gentle as he points to the true marks of revival: love and humility. In The Spirit of Revival, Parrish makes Edwards's entire work more accessible by modernizing the text and adding explanatory notes. R. C. Sproul's extended introduction compares the great theologian's time to our own, and the preface by Edwards's contemporary William Cooper rings resoundingly to the people of God today.

Edwards's message provides more than just insight into the Great Awakening. It is a map to follow for all revivals in all times.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Evangelism, Church, Spirituality, Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been great to have had this book back in the 1990s, during what was referred to as the Toronto Blessing. Our Church certainly experienced the Holy Spirit in tangible ways, but were all thing done decently and in order as Paul prescribes in 1 Cor 14v40, probably not. Was God in it, I would say yes without a Doubt. As the Psalmist cries, Lord revive us again.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, the updated text is very helpful. Highly recommend it for anybody wondering about behavior, temporal judgement and much more.

[Samuel Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone wanting to learn about revival from someone who experienced it, but also makes him easier to read.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short excellent read but some copies give Sproul top billing which is wrong since he only wrote one chapter in it and that is more on revival and reformation rather than on Edwards subject here. Parrish offers a few introductory chapters and an appendix for instituting the lessons learned.

[William Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Easy to follow. If you want an objective way (to avoid being deceived) to evaluate whether or not a "spiritual movement" is truly from and of God, this book is very good. This is Jonathan Edwards exposition of 1st John 4:1 and following: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world..."

[Corey Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading this book. Jonathan Edwards' DISTINGUISHING MARKS should be required reading before planning a revival.