Salvation is by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Redemption and Reconciliation, not rules and regulations, are the heart of the Gospel; … nothing else will do (Ephesians 2:8-9).
I contend, therefore, that if the preaching of Christ crucified once more becomes the dominant theme of our pulpits, we will see revival. My friend Joseph Terrell nails it when he describes good churches like this, “Preaching Christ and Him crucified...nothing more, nothing less, nothing else!”
We all want to see a revival and a genuine moving of God’s Spirit. Indeed, many theories are being advanced for the accomplishment of such a move. Exciting music, for example, is touted by many as the way forward … but this is a silly notion. Singing endless verses about ourselves and our feelings will not bring an outpouring from heaven.
BTW, I’m not advocating that our services should be cold and heartless. Some people, it seems, mistakenly think they are more spiritual and dignified when they sit in silence without so much as a flinch. Sometimes, however, the problem with those dear folk is they don't know the difference between dignity and rigor mortis.
May our times of fellowship glorify God with, not just any music, but with the music of the Gospel … the music of thanksgiving for the Saviour and His blood. The Holy Spirit is resident in such praises. He is the Master Conductor of the Music of Grace. He tunes our hearts to love the sound of the Good News.
Also, when the Spirit moves, we will once more hear from our pulpits the old, old story of a finished salvation. In this way, Jesus will be again discovered as Redeemer, Friend, Brother, Advocate, Intercessor, Forerunner and All-in-all.
When the Spirit moves, we will not hear of a work which is half of the believer and half of God. Such an unholy alliance is not discovered in the Bible. As the old-time preacher, John Berridge, said, such a work, if it were possible, would be like yoking a snail to an elephant.
The Lord did not come half-way and say, “I will help with your efforts.” That’s absurd. The work has already been completed at Calvary. A half and half salvation will damn its adherents, but Christ's taking 100 % responsibility for us saves to the uttermost. It is grace, grace, grace from first to last. In Christ, we have complete salvation.
"Perish every human story, Every system taught or tried; God forbid that I should glory, Save in Jesus crucified."
When the Spirit moves, our pulpits will once more ring with the good news of the Lamb and His blood. This is the way of revival. We will again hear of the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1) and of that precious blood which "cleanses from all sin" (1 John 1:7) and purges the conscience (Hebrews 9:14).
When the Spirit moves, we will once more be thrilled with scriptures like this, “I, even I says Jehovah, am He that blots out your transgressions for My own sake and will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25).
Think of it, our sins, no matter what their depth or filth, are forgotten … they are all cast behind His back (Isaiah 38:17). They are completely gone! Sing it loud and preach it often. Such a truth is worthy of our attention.
"My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"
And that’s the Gospel Truth!