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Pentecost-Today?: The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival
'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
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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 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 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 Iain Murray has already approached the subject of revival from several historical angles. Now he confronts the biblical teaching and presents what the Bible has to say about this all-important, much-debated matter.
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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 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 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 Iain Murray has already approached the subject of revival from several historical angles. Now he confronts the biblical teaching and presents what the Bible has to say about this all-important, much-debated matter.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1998
19 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Iain H. Murray
60 books240 followersIain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.
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February 15, 2016
Spurgeon once said,
“Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them…digest them. Let them go into your very self. Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analyses of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride comes from hasty reading. Some men are disabled from thinking by their putting meditation away for the sake of much reading. In reading let your motto be ‘much not many.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students
This is one of the books a Christian needs to master.
5 stars = Yearly re-read
4 stars = Re-read eventually
3 stars = Very Good
2 stars = OK
1 stars = Pass on this one.
0 stars = Couldn't finish it.
“Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them…digest them. Let them go into your very self. Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analyses of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride comes from hasty reading. Some men are disabled from thinking by their putting meditation away for the sake of much reading. In reading let your motto be ‘much not many.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students
This is one of the books a Christian needs to master.
5 stars = Yearly re-read
4 stars = Re-read eventually
3 stars = Very Good
2 stars = OK
1 stars = Pass on this one.
0 stars = Couldn't finish it.
December 20, 2023
I cannot imagine there exists a more faithful, measured, and biblical consideration of the topic of "revival" than this. You will find no fluff, no wasted space in this book. Murray writes on this topic with much fear of the Lord and a desire to build up God's Church. His words are sobering, but they will be of immense benefit to any Christian who would read them.
February 18, 2018
Gives a Biblical basis for understanding revival, which he defines as “times when there has been sudden remarkable success for the gospel in the world”. In his typical style, he uses Scripture as well as people and events from church history to tackle questions such as: Can we do anything to guarantee revival? How does our theology affect our understanding of revival? How does the Holy Spirit work through preaching? How do we interpret our experiences? What is the relationship between Gods sovereignty and our responsibility in revival? Especially helpful in distinguishing true work of the Holy Spirit from a mere outward or emotional response, or religious fanaticism, was the chapter entitled “Six Things Revival Will Bring”. Also helpful was Appendix 2 which explained and applied Philippians 2:12-13 and responded to potential misunderstandings. Highly recommend, especially to anyone in ministry.
October 2, 2013
Important book that helped show me how spiritually dangerous the invitation system is and how silly modern "revivalism" is.
December 24, 2023
What is a biblical understanding of revivals? When I was a young Christian I was caught up with Christians from certain quarters that sought revivals. But there was a lot of other baggage with what they believed. So for many years I did not think much about revivals and dare I say I was suspicious of even praying for a revival; until I read this book which is subtitled “The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival.” After reading this book I do think it is one of the biblical books out there on the topic of revival!
There are seven chapters in this book and three appendices. Chapter one is titled “How do we understand Revival?” and chapter two looks at Charles Finney and his theological understanding of revival, which is problematic. Chapter three looks at our responsibility and God’s sovereignty while chapter four looks at the Holy Spirit and preaching. Chapter five discusses how we should interpret our experience and chapter six is on Evangelical “fanaticism” hinder true revivals. By “fanaticism” the author mean emotion driven and lack of biblical discernment with regards to matters of religion and God. Chapter six gives us six things revival will bring, which gives us helpful checklists. In the Appendix the first one goes over the issue of supernatural spiritual gifts and the second appendix is on the “Co-ordination of grace and duty” while appendix three is on Regeneration, man’s inability and free-agency.
I really found many things helpful in this book and that begins with the first chapter where after the discussion about the need for caution for terminology the author proceed to describe the three views of revivals. There’s the view that Pentecost is once and for all, and there is no such thing as a revival since Acts 2. Then there’s the view of revival is conditional upon obedience and thirdly there’s the view that Revivals are larger measure of the Spirit of God, which Iain Murray calls the “Old School” view. The author takes the third view. Murray describes the consequences of holding the other views which I found thought provoking. I also found chapter six to be very helpful in which the author notes how Satan can hurt true revivals when people undergoing revival suddenly think the Spirit’s outpouring means the lack of need for biblical discernment (since everything is “Spirit-led”) but he argues that biblical discernment is never something to neglect. Chapter six is worth the price of the whole book. The other part of the book that I thought was also very good is the second appendix on the relationship of man’s will and God’s sovereignty. Iain Murray said it well, and his take on it will help me in the future to explain this better.
There are seven chapters in this book and three appendices. Chapter one is titled “How do we understand Revival?” and chapter two looks at Charles Finney and his theological understanding of revival, which is problematic. Chapter three looks at our responsibility and God’s sovereignty while chapter four looks at the Holy Spirit and preaching. Chapter five discusses how we should interpret our experience and chapter six is on Evangelical “fanaticism” hinder true revivals. By “fanaticism” the author mean emotion driven and lack of biblical discernment with regards to matters of religion and God. Chapter six gives us six things revival will bring, which gives us helpful checklists. In the Appendix the first one goes over the issue of supernatural spiritual gifts and the second appendix is on the “Co-ordination of grace and duty” while appendix three is on Regeneration, man’s inability and free-agency.
I really found many things helpful in this book and that begins with the first chapter where after the discussion about the need for caution for terminology the author proceed to describe the three views of revivals. There’s the view that Pentecost is once and for all, and there is no such thing as a revival since Acts 2. Then there’s the view of revival is conditional upon obedience and thirdly there’s the view that Revivals are larger measure of the Spirit of God, which Iain Murray calls the “Old School” view. The author takes the third view. Murray describes the consequences of holding the other views which I found thought provoking. I also found chapter six to be very helpful in which the author notes how Satan can hurt true revivals when people undergoing revival suddenly think the Spirit’s outpouring means the lack of need for biblical discernment (since everything is “Spirit-led”) but he argues that biblical discernment is never something to neglect. Chapter six is worth the price of the whole book. The other part of the book that I thought was also very good is the second appendix on the relationship of man’s will and God’s sovereignty. Iain Murray said it well, and his take on it will help me in the future to explain this better.
January 7, 2021
I have studied and read much about historical revivals but other than Brian Edwards fantastic book on this theme ‘Pentecost Today?’ Is perhaps the only other book I know of that has attempted to write a biblical theology of revival. And at first I wasn’t sure, it was a bit of also would start but I think that is because I was expecting another type of book...
But I got, I loved. This book gives a reformed, and experiental doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and specifically his work in those seasons of church awakening. Murray leads you not only through scripture but also history, and in so doing you begin to build brick by brick a robust doctrine of revival, mans responsibility and Gods sovereignty. His analysis of various viewpoints is fair and gracious, and his setting forth of the historical and (arguably) biblical view of revival is clear and powerful.
The only thing I may criticise, is that I would of enjoyed more emphasis on the act of prayer and fasting and their relationship to revival and how we go about doing these according to scripture.
And perhaps a final chapter of summary application to the minister and the church member.
I highly recommend this book, it’s given me immense confidence in God, and has challenged me to pray, preach, examine myself, repent, and turn my eyes upon Jesus and cry out for him to tend the heavens!
But I got, I loved. This book gives a reformed, and experiental doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and specifically his work in those seasons of church awakening. Murray leads you not only through scripture but also history, and in so doing you begin to build brick by brick a robust doctrine of revival, mans responsibility and Gods sovereignty. His analysis of various viewpoints is fair and gracious, and his setting forth of the historical and (arguably) biblical view of revival is clear and powerful.
The only thing I may criticise, is that I would of enjoyed more emphasis on the act of prayer and fasting and their relationship to revival and how we go about doing these according to scripture.
And perhaps a final chapter of summary application to the minister and the church member.
I highly recommend this book, it’s given me immense confidence in God, and has challenged me to pray, preach, examine myself, repent, and turn my eyes upon Jesus and cry out for him to tend the heavens!
January 21, 2023
This is an exceedingly clarifying book that reveals both the biblical basis and numerous historical examples of revivals in church history. It is an excellent resource to both encourage a desire for spiritual awakening and to avoid excess and fanaticism which hinders the gospel.
July 26, 2025
Excellent.
August 20, 2014
Revivals — What are they? This might seem to be an easy question to answer but, what really are they? What if someone says that there will be a revival held down the street the next month or that a revival has just been happening in a nearby church. Do they mean the same thing? Can revivals be created or is it solely a blessing from a gracious God?
One helpful book on this topic is this book by Iain Murray. In it, Murray wants to the current generation to recover the biblical understanding of revivals. Murray first shares his observation from the most part of christian history, the definition of revivals has remained unchanged through the years, and only recently has there been a new meaning to this word, and one of the chief reason for that was due to Charles Finney.
Then Iain sets aside one chapter on Finney alone, examining his life and teaching with an added emphasis on his theology of revival — specifically on what Finney thinks can “bring” revival today?
Logically, Iain then moves on to the topic of man’s responsibility with regards to revivals, “Do revivals only come because of what man is doing?”. Iain fights for the reformed (and historical) understanding of revivals that revivals are not products of man but God, and God alone. However, Iain is able to balance with a clear emphasis on the responsibility of man. In this book, Iain argues for the reformed understanding of conversion and revival, christians would (and ought) to be the people who pray most fervently for revivals since God is the sole initiator of reviving people's soul.
Next, Iain then talks about the work of the Holy Spirit within a revival, how he would work in the lives of these people and convert them, or create in them an awareness of their lostness in sin or created a deeper love for God within their hearts. Following which, Iain then elaborates on how christians should evaluate experiences, which is a topic that comes up often in revivals. Iain very helpful reminds readers that we have to ground all interpretation of experience from scriptures, and not from such experiences first. Which leads on to the next topic of fanaticism. Iain warns of the dangers of such experiences driven revivals, both because scriptures does not support it, and because history has shown it to be very unhelpful too. Lastly, Iain very helpfully summarise the 6 marks of true revival.
What is good within this book, is the amount of historical facts Iain is able to bring to the readers. Indeed Iain has made a convincing case, using what he has learnt from scripture and how that is supported by what has happened in history. If you hold to an alternative view of revival, or want to find out what he bible has to say about this topic, I strongly urge you to read this book. This would give you a strong grounding from the word of God, and also from church history, of the biblical understanding of revival.
Rating: 4/5
One helpful book on this topic is this book by Iain Murray. In it, Murray wants to the current generation to recover the biblical understanding of revivals. Murray first shares his observation from the most part of christian history, the definition of revivals has remained unchanged through the years, and only recently has there been a new meaning to this word, and one of the chief reason for that was due to Charles Finney.
Then Iain sets aside one chapter on Finney alone, examining his life and teaching with an added emphasis on his theology of revival — specifically on what Finney thinks can “bring” revival today?
Logically, Iain then moves on to the topic of man’s responsibility with regards to revivals, “Do revivals only come because of what man is doing?”. Iain fights for the reformed (and historical) understanding of revivals that revivals are not products of man but God, and God alone. However, Iain is able to balance with a clear emphasis on the responsibility of man. In this book, Iain argues for the reformed understanding of conversion and revival, christians would (and ought) to be the people who pray most fervently for revivals since God is the sole initiator of reviving people's soul.
Next, Iain then talks about the work of the Holy Spirit within a revival, how he would work in the lives of these people and convert them, or create in them an awareness of their lostness in sin or created a deeper love for God within their hearts. Following which, Iain then elaborates on how christians should evaluate experiences, which is a topic that comes up often in revivals. Iain very helpful reminds readers that we have to ground all interpretation of experience from scriptures, and not from such experiences first. Which leads on to the next topic of fanaticism. Iain warns of the dangers of such experiences driven revivals, both because scriptures does not support it, and because history has shown it to be very unhelpful too. Lastly, Iain very helpfully summarise the 6 marks of true revival.
What is good within this book, is the amount of historical facts Iain is able to bring to the readers. Indeed Iain has made a convincing case, using what he has learnt from scripture and how that is supported by what has happened in history. If you hold to an alternative view of revival, or want to find out what he bible has to say about this topic, I strongly urge you to read this book. This would give you a strong grounding from the word of God, and also from church history, of the biblical understanding of revival.
Rating: 4/5
June 22, 2017
One of the rare books that take time to define clearly what is - and what is not - a biblical revival.
October 28, 2025
"The sheer unexpectedness of such events bears equally against the view that revivals are conditioned by the preceding actions and efforts of Christians. Those who believe that a certain line of conduct or prayer must secure revival have history against them. Revivals come unheralded. They are, as Edwards witnessed in Northampton in 1735, 'The surprising work of God.' Of the Great Awakening of 1740 it is said that 'It broke upon the slumbering churches like a thunderbolt brushing out of a clear blue sky'." - Iain H. Murray
Revival. If you've been abiding in Christian circles for long, or short, it is a word you will hear on the lips of many-a-sincere-saint. You may even notice it advertised on the billboards and signs of some churches. So many of us believers pine for revival. We have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, as Psalm 34:8 says and that taste, that experience, sparks our spiritual hunger for more of God. Oh, so much more! But how do we get more? How can we enter in once again to that heavenly foretaste we were graciously granted? How can we see God move in the lives of our neighbors and friends and family members who have yet to drink of the Living water Jesus promised? How can the world be changed through revival? And why revival? Those are the questions that Mr. Murray touches on in this book.
I enjoyed most of this offering. Just the quotes cited within, from the Puritans and others, were worth the read (And there are a lot of quotes). I found some of my suspicions/thoughts about revival echoed within these pages.
This is one of those books I thought would end up being a 4 or even a 5 star for me but there were a couple of things that prevented that from happening. The first and foremost was that for all of the author's great research, studying, and quoting of past revivals and those used by God in them, I don't think he came to all the correct conclusions. He is a Cessationist and thoroughly convinced that history backs up his view. He asserted as much in the Appendix but his argument was weak. He basically said that Whitfield, Spurgeon, and other past saints believed as he did, therefore Cessationism is fact. To which I would reply, "Yes, they did. And No. It's not!" Cessationism is pure fiction. John Knox, Alexander Peden and others have demonstrated that the gifts of the Spirit were still in operation during their lifetimes, not to mention the early Church fathers and others throughout Church history. But Murray dismisses some of these historical expressions and even insinuated modern (Charismatic) ministers as being fanatics who aren't to be trusted because...because he and Whitfield and others say/said so.
The other issue I have is his application of fanaticism. I found his idea of fantacism rigid and would highly suspect that he would label Jonathan Edward's wife Sarah as a fanatic if she were alive today and reacted the way she did when she experienced a touch of God like she had during the Great Awakening. The point is I think he's a bit narrow and rigid in his idea of how people who are truly moved by the Spirit would/should respond.
He also emphasized that we can't make revival happen or continue, which I agree with. It is truly the work of our Sovereign God and His Holy Spirit. Yet, at times he seemed to suggest that if we had truly fit and equipped preachers revival would come. Here's a quote he referenced that I absolutely loved but think his use of it in this context undermined his argument that man can't make revival happen, only the Holy Spirit can -
"Robert Sample who wrote in 1897: 'The great want of today is a holier ministry. We do not need more stalwart polemics, more mighty apologists, or preachers who compass a wider range of natural knowledge, important as these are; but men of God who bring the atmosphere of heaven with them into the pulpit and speak from the borders of another world.'"²
2 Robert Sample, 'Effective Preaching', in the Presbyterian and Reformed Review, Philadelphia, April 1897, p. 295. (189)
Bringing 'an atmosphere of heaven' and speaking 'from the borders of another world,' if that isn't revival, I don't know what is.
When all is said and done regarding this book on revival, I'm glad I read it and think it's a good contribution to the subject matter. It's just there's some dirty bathwater that needs to be thrown out, in my opinion.
Revival. If you've been abiding in Christian circles for long, or short, it is a word you will hear on the lips of many-a-sincere-saint. You may even notice it advertised on the billboards and signs of some churches. So many of us believers pine for revival. We have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, as Psalm 34:8 says and that taste, that experience, sparks our spiritual hunger for more of God. Oh, so much more! But how do we get more? How can we enter in once again to that heavenly foretaste we were graciously granted? How can we see God move in the lives of our neighbors and friends and family members who have yet to drink of the Living water Jesus promised? How can the world be changed through revival? And why revival? Those are the questions that Mr. Murray touches on in this book.
I enjoyed most of this offering. Just the quotes cited within, from the Puritans and others, were worth the read (And there are a lot of quotes). I found some of my suspicions/thoughts about revival echoed within these pages.
This is one of those books I thought would end up being a 4 or even a 5 star for me but there were a couple of things that prevented that from happening. The first and foremost was that for all of the author's great research, studying, and quoting of past revivals and those used by God in them, I don't think he came to all the correct conclusions. He is a Cessationist and thoroughly convinced that history backs up his view. He asserted as much in the Appendix but his argument was weak. He basically said that Whitfield, Spurgeon, and other past saints believed as he did, therefore Cessationism is fact. To which I would reply, "Yes, they did. And No. It's not!" Cessationism is pure fiction. John Knox, Alexander Peden and others have demonstrated that the gifts of the Spirit were still in operation during their lifetimes, not to mention the early Church fathers and others throughout Church history. But Murray dismisses some of these historical expressions and even insinuated modern (Charismatic) ministers as being fanatics who aren't to be trusted because...because he and Whitfield and others say/said so.
The other issue I have is his application of fanaticism. I found his idea of fantacism rigid and would highly suspect that he would label Jonathan Edward's wife Sarah as a fanatic if she were alive today and reacted the way she did when she experienced a touch of God like she had during the Great Awakening. The point is I think he's a bit narrow and rigid in his idea of how people who are truly moved by the Spirit would/should respond.
He also emphasized that we can't make revival happen or continue, which I agree with. It is truly the work of our Sovereign God and His Holy Spirit. Yet, at times he seemed to suggest that if we had truly fit and equipped preachers revival would come. Here's a quote he referenced that I absolutely loved but think his use of it in this context undermined his argument that man can't make revival happen, only the Holy Spirit can -
"Robert Sample who wrote in 1897: 'The great want of today is a holier ministry. We do not need more stalwart polemics, more mighty apologists, or preachers who compass a wider range of natural knowledge, important as these are; but men of God who bring the atmosphere of heaven with them into the pulpit and speak from the borders of another world.'"²
2 Robert Sample, 'Effective Preaching', in the Presbyterian and Reformed Review, Philadelphia, April 1897, p. 295. (189)
Bringing 'an atmosphere of heaven' and speaking 'from the borders of another world,' if that isn't revival, I don't know what is.
When all is said and done regarding this book on revival, I'm glad I read it and think it's a good contribution to the subject matter. It's just there's some dirty bathwater that needs to be thrown out, in my opinion.
November 25, 2025
Tis book is a biblically faithful and historically rich study of revival. Murray’s central message is that revival is a sovereign act of God, not a human achievement. The book encourages believers to long for and pray for revival, while remaining grounded in Scripture and wary of manipulative techniques.
Iain H. Murray’s book explores the biblical and historical foundations of revival, focusing on Pentecost as the model for understanding the Spirit’s outpouring. While Murray writes from a Reformed background, his insights can be reframed in a Pentecostal lens that emphasizes the ongoing reality of Spirit baptism, charismatic gifts, and revival as a present possibility for the church.
Pentecost (Acts 2) is not only a historical event but a continuing pattern for the church. Pentecostals affirm that the Spirit’s outpouring is available today, empowering believers for mission and witness.
Murray stresses revival as God’s sovereign work. Pentecostals agree, but highlight that revival often comes through fresh baptisms in the Spirit, accompanied by signs, wonders, and prophetic utterances.
Revival is both corporate renewal and personal empowerment. The book roots revival in Scripture. Pentecostals emphasize passages like Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:17, seeing them as promises of ongoing Spirit outpourings across generations.
Murray surveys revivals in church history. Pentecostals connect these with the Azusa Street Revival (1906) and subsequent global Pentecostal movements, seeing them as modern fulfillments of biblical revival. Pentecostals agree, but affirm that emotional response, spiritual gifts, and manifestations can be authentic signs of the Spirit’s presence when grounded in Scripture.
Murray calls the church to prayer and dependence on God. Pentecostals echo this, adding the importance of expectant prayer for Spirit baptism, healing, prophecy, and tongues as means of revival.
Iain H. Murray’s book explores the biblical and historical foundations of revival, focusing on Pentecost as the model for understanding the Spirit’s outpouring. While Murray writes from a Reformed background, his insights can be reframed in a Pentecostal lens that emphasizes the ongoing reality of Spirit baptism, charismatic gifts, and revival as a present possibility for the church.
Pentecost (Acts 2) is not only a historical event but a continuing pattern for the church. Pentecostals affirm that the Spirit’s outpouring is available today, empowering believers for mission and witness.
Murray stresses revival as God’s sovereign work. Pentecostals agree, but highlight that revival often comes through fresh baptisms in the Spirit, accompanied by signs, wonders, and prophetic utterances.
Revival is both corporate renewal and personal empowerment. The book roots revival in Scripture. Pentecostals emphasize passages like Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:17, seeing them as promises of ongoing Spirit outpourings across generations.
Murray surveys revivals in church history. Pentecostals connect these with the Azusa Street Revival (1906) and subsequent global Pentecostal movements, seeing them as modern fulfillments of biblical revival. Pentecostals agree, but affirm that emotional response, spiritual gifts, and manifestations can be authentic signs of the Spirit’s presence when grounded in Scripture.
Murray calls the church to prayer and dependence on God. Pentecostals echo this, adding the importance of expectant prayer for Spirit baptism, healing, prophecy, and tongues as means of revival.
June 18, 2020
This book was a good follow-up to "Revival and Revivalism" by the same author. Whereas in "Revival and Revivalism" he focused on the history of revival, in this book he focuses on the Biblical and theological definition of it. He begins by presenting three different views of revival, then identifying the correct one. He touches upon the negative influence of Charles Finney with his new measures and aberrant teachings. He identifies the subordinate role of man in revival and the prominence of God's sovereignty. As a pastor of 35+ years, I love how he stresses the critical role of the "unction" of the Holy Spirit in preaching. He speaks of keeping religious experience in a Biblical perspective, with the focus always being on the Gospel. He devotes several pages to the dangers of "fanaticism." Another term for the same thing would be "sensationalism." It's basically those things that happen in connection with revival that can overshadow devotion to Jesus himself and the truth of Scripture. Murray closes by listing six benefits of revival on individuals, churches, and communities. I very much appreciated the appendix on extraordinary gifts. In the past few decades, it's nearly impossible to speak of God's Spirit moving powerfully without some notion of extraordinary gifts coming to mind. He handles it well. Murray has done an excellent job here in this book. The church needs more of this Biblical understanding of revival, not the notion of protracted meetings, high-energy speakers, and emotional altar calls. I recommend it.
February 23, 2023
Is revival a Christian concept? After reading this book, I'm remain unconvinced. With Murray's very conservative views I thought perhaps he would be a good arbiter and interpreter of the Bible, but I have been sorely disappointed. Murray does not really have a good Biblical foothold to justify revival, particularly in the New Testament context. So many of his arguments appeal to the Puritans, appeal to out of context verses, anything but the Bible. And, what is the definition of revival? The old etymology I can find defines it as 'to live again', but how that fits into a Christian context is still unclear. I suppose most people are raised on the assumption that revival is to be expected, which comes from a very 19th century brand of revival (thanks Finney, et all), whereas that was simply not the case throughout Christian history as far as I have been able to find.
Murray appeals to certain revivalists merely to validate revivals, but the people he alludes to are not doctrinally sound and appealing to them is a shaky wheel. For the high expectations I had for this book, even with a resounding recommendation by Paul Washer, this book falls flat in my opinion.
Murray appeals to certain revivalists merely to validate revivals, but the people he alludes to are not doctrinally sound and appealing to them is a shaky wheel. For the high expectations I had for this book, even with a resounding recommendation by Paul Washer, this book falls flat in my opinion.
October 3, 2022
4.5. Very helpful and well documented. I wish Murray had a higher view of apologetics, but this didn’t detract from the analysis of the book. Murray helpfully discusses various views of revival, the influence of Charles Finney on American Evangelicalism, and the various ways in which revival can be hindered and interpreted. He also uses many examples of Revivals in Europe, which have perspective and context to the discussion outside of America.
Murray demonstrates that revival is a spontaneous, sovereign work of the Holy Spirit that amounts to “amplified Christianity” instead of something we manufacture in our own ministry efforts. This understanding motivates prayer and faithfulness, because it places the emphasis on the inspired means of grace instead of the latest novelty of human ingenuity (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
The last 3 chapters about how to interpret revival (ch. 5), how evangelical fanaticism hinders true revival (ch. 6), and the biblical marks of true revival (ch. 7) are solid gold.
Highly recommend.
Murray demonstrates that revival is a spontaneous, sovereign work of the Holy Spirit that amounts to “amplified Christianity” instead of something we manufacture in our own ministry efforts. This understanding motivates prayer and faithfulness, because it places the emphasis on the inspired means of grace instead of the latest novelty of human ingenuity (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
The last 3 chapters about how to interpret revival (ch. 5), how evangelical fanaticism hinders true revival (ch. 6), and the biblical marks of true revival (ch. 7) are solid gold.
Highly recommend.
January 26, 2023
Iain Murray helps us to think about true and genuine revivals in the church. The first few chapters looks at what revival IS NOT. He looks into church history and points out the many mistakes of past revivals especially the Welsh revival of 1904. But he does this with care and integrity. As I came away from this book I was left with a strong desire to see God come down and make Christ great again by the power of his Holy Spirit and with eyes wide open looking for how things can go completely wrong as men and devils seek to take over the work of God. If you are in the ministry then this book is highly recommended
March 14, 2021
There was much of interest in this book, let down only by the bias of the author that he wasn’t quite able to set aside. I think this led him not to consider significant moves of the Spirit of God which aren’t to his theological liking. This then followed with a fairly narrow assumption that others were clearly wrong. Nevertheless an interesting historical treatise of a certain school of understanding.
July 2, 2019
Murray misrepresents RA Torrey and those who don't agree with him about the baptism of the Holy Spirit being a second experience to be Spirit. Yet despite some typical anti-Pentecostal rhetoric, the blast of spiritual wind from the past is so delightful that it's worth the price of the book.
March 30, 2023
A great book delving into the history of revivals. I can't say that I totally agree with his views on everything, but I think this book is spot on and important in a day and age where the world 'revival' has become cheap and is thrown around way too loosely.
July 31, 2020
Read most. Excellent.
April 7, 2021
Murray’s writing is clear and his arguments are biblical. This book is essential in understanding evangelicals in this cultural moment. A joy to read!
January 17, 2022
Fantastic book.
May 16, 2022
In-depth look on what constitutes a true biblical "revival" and what does not. Well-reasoned and laid out, but terribly dry.
June 16, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
A short and good introductory book on the question of revival, its meaning, counterfeits, fruits, divine origine, human role, etc.
A short and good introductory book on the question of revival, its meaning, counterfeits, fruits, divine origine, human role, etc.
December 3, 2024
A must read for every Christian minister.
Want to read
December 5, 2024gostaria muito de ler este livro. aqui no brasil e muito caro
November 16, 2016
What a fantastic book about the importance of the Holy Spirit but within the beautiful boundaries of the Bible. Gives a detailed history of the major revivals in the 18th and 19th centuries. So blessed by reading anything by Iain H. Murray.
June 2, 2012
yes, very clear thinking on this subject with very good historical anecdotes.
December 8, 2012
Great book!
May 22, 2025
Excellent. This is the ideal follow-up to Murray’s “Revival and Revivalism.” Exceptionally well researched and very helpful footnotes.
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