A "Great Revival" before the Rapture?

[BlessedAssurance]

So I've been talking to a close relative about End Times and the Rapture. We've had this talk a few instances already this year, but every time I bring up the Rapture (very excitedly of course) they always tell me, "No, it can't be yet. There needs to be another Great Revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit first." I'll admit my initial reaction is always feeling deflated. The excitement about the Rapture happening "at any time" gets squelched whenever we get on this topic.

Then I got to thinking and searching in the scriptures. Unless I'm missing it somewhere, there doesn't seem to be any indication of a big revival or turning of souls towards Jesus? In fact, it's quite the opposite. It mentions a great falling away, apostasy, and believers turning from truth - which is exactly what we are seeing in these last days.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." - 2 Thessalonians 2:3​

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​

" Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;..." - 1 Timothy 4:1​

​

​

" For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4​

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​

I think all of us here have already seen the increase of churches falling away, abandoning sound doctrine, teaching that is in contradiction of God's word, and a lukewarmness of the Church body. I also hear some pastors who are currently preaching that the Church will be a glorious church, without spot or blemish, and that we can all look forward to a huge outpouring of blessing, favor, and miracles in these years to come - basically that everything is going to get better for us and not worse.

I personally am of the belief that a huge, global-wide revival will not take place before the rapture, because the majority of the world has turned away from God. However, could the rapture possibly trigger repentance and some souls turning to God after it happens? Of course! It makes sense that it could be a big wake up call to those who pushed God away during the church age, and who suddenly realize what has happened. We already know that there will be many who come to believe during the Tribulation, so perhaps this would be the last "great harvest of souls," even though they will end up dying for it.

Now with all of that said, I do realize that there are always pockets of revival going on here and there with people getting saved, but I just don't see it happening in a huge global "revival" event that many are expecting to see happen soon. I could be wrong though!

What do you all think?

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[seated with Christ]

I believe somewhat like your relative, but I haven’t found scriptural evidence yet, so I can’t be adamant about it.

 

[BlessedAssurance]

I believe somewhat like your relative, but I haven’t found scriptural evidence yet, so I can’t be adamant about it.

Thanks for sharing your belief and input!

 

[RonJohnSilver]

Hoping and praying for one but I find no real support for a pre rapture revival. There will be one after the rapture of course and also, I think, after the GogMagog War of Ezekiel when God intervenes in that event. They may be close together and even before the rapture if the war is soon. Still think after though.

 

[WaitingForTheTrumpet]

So I've been talking to a close relative about End Times and the Rapture. We've had this talk a few instances already this year, but every time I bring up the Rapture (very excitedly of course) they always tell me, "No, it can't be yet. There needs to be another Great Revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit first." I'll admit my initial reaction is always feeling deflated. The excitement about the Rapture happening "at any time" gets squelched whenever we get on this topic.

Then I got to thinking and searching in the scriptures. Unless I'm missing it somewhere, there doesn't seem to be any indication of a big revival or turning of souls towards Jesus? In fact, it's quite the opposite. It mentions a great falling away, apostasy, and believers turning from truth - which is exactly what we are seeing in these last days.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." - 2 Thessalonians 2:3​

​

​

" Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;..." - 1 Timothy 4:1​

​

​

" For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4​

​

​

I think all of us here have already seen the increase of churches falling away, abandoning sound doctrine, teaching that is in contradiction of God's word, and a lukewarmness of the Church body. I also hear some pastors who are currently preaching that the Church will be a glorious church, without spot or blemish, and that we can all look forward to a huge outpouring of blessing, favor, and miracles in these years to come - basically that everything is going to get better for us and not worse.

I personally am of the belief that a huge, global-wide revival will not take place before the rapture, because the majority of the world has turned away from God. However, could the rapture possibly trigger repentance and some souls turning to God after it happens? Of course! It makes sense that it could be a big wake up call to those who pushed God away during the church age, and who suddenly realize what has happened. We already know that there will be many who come to believe during the Tribulation, so perhaps this would be the last "great harvest of souls," even though they will end up dying for it.

Now with all of that said, I do realize that there are always pockets of revival going on here and there with people getting saved, but I just don't see it happening in a huge global "revival" event that many are expecting to see happen soon. I could be wrong though!

What do you all think?

​

There are those who believe this, who are into Kingdom Now, NAR type of theology. They are those who actually believe that the Christians are to basically seize control over the world and make the whole world Christian. Only then can they allow Jesus to return at His Second Coming, when they transfer control of the world into His hands.

 

[NewWine2020]

So I've been talking to a close relative about End Times and the Rapture. We've had this talk a few instances already this year, but every time I bring up the Rapture (very excitedly of course) they always tell me, "No, it can't be yet. There needs to be another Great Revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit first." I'll admit my initial reaction is always feeling deflated. The excitement about the Rapture happening "at any time" gets squelched whenever we get on this topic.

Then I got to thinking and searching in the scriptures. Unless I'm missing it somewhere, there doesn't seem to be any indication of a big revival or turning of souls towards Jesus? In fact, it's quite the opposite. It mentions a great falling away, apostasy, and believers turning from truth - which is exactly what we are seeing in these last days.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." - 2 Thessalonians 2:3​

​

​

" Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;..." - 1 Timothy 4:1​

​

​

" For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4​

​

​

I think all of us here have already seen the increase of churches falling away, abandoning sound doctrine, teaching that is in contradiction of God's word, and a lukewarmness of the Church body. I also hear some pastors who are currently preaching that the Church will be a glorious church, without spot or blemish, and that we can all look forward to a huge outpouring of blessing, favor, and miracles in these years to come - basically that everything is going to get better for us and not worse.

I personally am of the belief that a huge, global-wide revival will not take place before the rapture, because the majority of the world has turned away from God. However, could the rapture possibly trigger repentance and some souls turning to God after it happens? Of course! It makes sense that it could be a big wake up call to those who pushed God away during the church age, and who suddenly realize what has happened. We already know that there will be many who come to believe during the Tribulation, so perhaps this would be the last "great harvest of souls," even though they will end up dying for it.

Now with all of that said, I do realize that there are always pockets of revival going on here and there with people getting saved, but I just don't see it happening in a huge global "revival" event that many are expecting to see happen soon. I could be wrong though!

What do you all think?

​

I agree with you on all points. Any pastor who thinks that we are headed for some kind of glorious “paradise on Earth” is a shill for the Ecumenical inter-religious/one world religion in my opinion. It Just does not sound like theologically sound (or sane) doctrine from where I sit. A sudden rapture (and all the resulting calamity) woudl certainly catch the eyes of many who were walking blindly before.

I would think there would be a tremendous revival (till the one world government attempts to shut it down, at which point the revival will continue but in secret).

I‘m sorry that you get pushback from friends when you express your excitement of Christ’s pending glory; just know that myself and I would think everyone else on this board shares your excited anticipation!

 

[Tall Timbers]

I'm not expecting a great revival before the Rapture. Since I believe the Rapture will be soon, I expect the next great revival where many souls come to Jesus will be during Tribulation.

 

[kathymendel]

I agree, TT. The next/last great revival will come after the rapture, as the 144,000 Jews preach, the two witnesses preach and do their thing,
and the angel spreads the good news of the gospel worldwide.

 

[mattfivefour]

I do not believe the Church will go out with a whimper. I believe it will go out gloriously. I also believe that we will see not a revival in the sense that we have seen them in the past but a revival in the sense of a great influx of souls into the Kingdom of God before the Rapture. And we are already seeing that all around the world.

We are not going out as a weak, nearly defeated Body, rescued in the nick of time by Christ. Yes, there is a great falling away underway. Yes, there seem to be more apostate churches all the time. But I am meeting more and more Christians who are now finding themselves really on fire for God, more and more saints returning from backsliding and lukewarmness, and more and more new believers. And I am hearing of this all over.

I do not think we are (thankfully) going to see any more multi-thousand member megachurches. But we are already seeing --and I believe will increasingly see-- small 20-30-40-50 member groups and assemblies springing up, comprised of newly saved saints and older saints who are responding to a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I am continually meeting such people who are tired of traditional, dead, social club churches and want to see the power of God in their lives and the lives of others. And many of them sense the Rapture is just around the corner.

This has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with ushering in some earthly Kingdom of God. The NAR people and those Kingdom Now people are all misled. What I believe is happening now (and will accelerate as the end draws near) is simply the result of God purifying His people for service in these final moments of this age and, as a result, drawing more souls to His Son.

When we go up, it will be with a trumpet blast of victory. You can be assured that Almighty God will take His people out victorious. I believe we can find examples of this in the Old Testament, and in the nature of God who established the First Church. He built it glorious and He will remove it glorious!

Glory to His Mighty Name!!! \o/ \o/ \o/

 

[JamesSuth]

I think the OP is right, there is a falling away. But there is also revival and people coming to know Christ.

I do not think we are (thankfully) going to see any more multi-thousand member megachurches. But we are already seeing --and I believe will increasingly see-- small 20-30-40-50 member groups and assemblies springing up, comprised of newly saved saints and older saints who are responding to a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I am continually meeting such people who are tired of traditional, dead, social club churches and want to see the power of God in their lives and the lives of others. And many of them sense the Rapture is just around the corner.

So true. I'm hearing of lots of interest in Christ from people who never thought of Him and revival among those who thought themselves beleivers throughout this COVID crisis. I think God is using this to refine His church and bring people to know Him. But we won't see full churches; these people are meeting with small groups of other believers or connecting online with other beleivers. Since it is the official churches were statistics are generated I don't think we will hear much about this revival at all this side of eternity. On the surface we might not even notice it, but it is happening.

As for the official churches they will likely report decline. Many people who went socially are not going to return, they've got used to whatever else they do on a Sunday morning. And those who have found Christ will choose instead to be with the living body rather than the social club they used to frequent.

And I'm sure there are good churches that are the exception to that and perhaps they are seeing growth. These are exciting times with the Rapture waiting for us at the end.

I also wonder if many will find Christ after the Rapture. It may be that while the majority turn against Christ and believe the lie, there are many who come to know Him.

 

[Len]

I do not think there will be any great revival prior to the rapture, but there will be when luke warm church goer's see the truth of God's word at the rapture and many will turn to Jesus in full faith and share the gospel while they can probably during the first half of the time of Jacobs trouble ...... and I am not certain if this verse fits from Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

[daygo]

Imo everyone wants revival but again imo it won't happen God is in process of calling individuals to him and won't happen till the rapture where there will be a great awakening and revival at same time.

 

[Hidden]

I think it's more of purifying believers, sort of readying the Bride before the wedding. I think that was part of why God allowed the Covid tragedy to visit the world. It's a more quiet and genuine affair than the loud, fireworks-lasen "revival" we thought we needed.

 

[Andy C]

I do not think scripture supports a great revival, but give evidence of the opposite. Perhaps He is sending a “wake up” call out, but thats not a great revival.

Often times, many will use the Matthew 24 as evidence the gospel will be preached to all nations as a great revival. However, in the verse below, Jesus was talking about the time during the tribulation.

Matthew 24:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—


The below are just a few verses that clearly teach the church will not have a great revival, but will be weak.


1 Timothy 4
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron

2 Timothy 3
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

In the book of Revelation, there are 7 letters addressed to different churches, with each church representing different timeframes of each church era. The letter to the church of Philadelphia is what most end times scholars believe is representative of the church in our time, the final church era before the rapture. Jesus said this church will have little strength, which also supports the scriptures I posted above.

Revelation 3:
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":

8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

 

[usoutpost31]

Take away the doctrine of imminence and the pre-Trib Rapture just doesn't hold up. So, no, I don't think anything else, beyond what we see today needs to be in place for Jesus to call his Bride home.

In form of 'revival' or not, God has been holding back judgment and holding open the door for all those lost sheep to come in over the last 2000 years. The Holy Spirit is certainly alive and well and at work in the world today, I don't really understand what more we have to see from Him. Maybe we can't always apply tangibles to a soul harvest but that doesn't mean it's not happening.

A sister in Christ that I know posted on her social media, asking all her followers to join her in praying/hoping for a 2021 Rapture. She got hundreds of responses. And while most agreed with her, that thread was still a distressing one to read because of the many 'not yet' responses many posted. And yes, revival was one of the reasons that people listed not just as the reason why the Rapture couldn't occur yet, but why it shouldn't.

I don't mean this to apply to everyone who hopes for revival, and I don't want to sound callous either, but I get the feeling holding out for a revival is just an excuse, for some people, because they really don't want the Lord to return in their lifetime. If we're holding out until "everything is ready" or "everything is as it should be" then Jesus is never coming back.

 

[Andy C]

So I've been talking to a close relative about End Times and the Rapture. We've had this talk a few instances already this year, but every time I bring up the Rapture (very excitedly of course) they always tell me, "No, it can't be yet. There needs to be another Great Revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit first." I'll admit my initial reaction is always feeling deflated. The excitement about the Rapture happening "at any time" gets squelched whenever we get on this topic.

Then I got to thinking and searching in the scriptures. Unless I'm missing it somewhere, there doesn't seem to be any indication of a big revival or turning of souls towards Jesus? In fact, it's quite the opposite. It mentions a great falling away, apostasy, and believers turning from truth - which is exactly what we are seeing in these last days.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." - 2 Thessalonians 2:3​

​

​

" Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;..." - 1 Timothy 4:1​

​

​

" For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4​

​

​

I think all of us here have already seen the increase of churches falling away, abandoning sound doctrine, teaching that is in contradiction of God's word, and a lukewarmness of the Church body. I also hear some pastors who are currently preaching that the Church will be a glorious church, without spot or blemish, and that we can all look forward to a huge outpouring of blessing, favor, and miracles in these years to come - basically that everything is going to get better for us and not worse.

I personally am of the belief that a huge, global-wide revival will not take place before the rapture, because the majority of the world has turned away from God. However, could the rapture possibly trigger repentance and some souls turning to God after it happens? Of course! It makes sense that it could be a big wake up call to those who pushed God away during the church age, and who suddenly realize what has happened. We already know that there will be many who come to believe during the Tribulation, so perhaps this would be the last "great harvest of souls," even though they will end up dying for it.

Now with all of that said, I do realize that there are always pockets of revival going on here and there with people getting saved, but I just don't see it happening in a huge global "revival" event that many are expecting to see happen soon. I could be wrong though!

What do you all think?

​

Sorry, in my post, I did not remember you posting scripture, so I added some of what you already had posted. Apparently, I need more than 15 minutes for my brain to wake up before posting...

 

[seated with Christ]

We are saints, not ain'ts! We have the Trinity dwelling in us and there is nothing impossible with God.

I am strongly against NAR or Kingdom on Earth.

My belief is that Darkness and Iight shall increase and so will the manifest visible power of the Holy Spirit.

I’m looking for it to be like it was in the book of Acts that this worlds people (we are not of this world) will fear to associate with us except those being added to the Church by Christ. There needs to be a separation.

My beliefs may be shot down, but I refuse to be a naysayer, I am looking for the extraordinary.

 

[amystery]

And while most agreed with her, that thread was still a distressing one to read because of the many 'not yet' responses many posted. And yes, revival was one of the reasons that people listed not just as the reason why the Rapture couldn't occur yet, but why it shouldn't.

I don't mean this to apply to everyone who hopes for revival, and I don't want to sound callous either, but I get the feeling holding out for a revival is just an excuse, for some people, because they really don't want the Lord to return in their lifetime. If we're holding out until "everything is ready" or "everything is as it should be" then Jesus is never coming back.

I see this type of thinking far too much! I know some who have all but said they weren’t ready, and I can‘t help but to wonder what in the world they’re waiting on! When a born again Christian isn’t ready for the rapture, I am always puzzled. Sometimes they say more people need to be saved first, and while I get that, I also think, The Lord is going to rapture us at the perfect nano second moment, in a time that He deems to be the exact, right, precise moment, so why would we argue with Him on when that will be?! It’s going to be perfect when it happens, so why not get excited at the thought of that perfect moment being sooner, rather than later? I’m just really ready for the rapture and I think that’s the part that frustrates us all- when we long for the rapture and other believers don’t seem to be as excited for it, that is the real bummer!

 

[Andy C]

I see this type of thinking far too much! I know some who have all but said they weren’t ready, and I can‘t help but to wonder what in the world they’re waiting on! When a born again Christian isn’t ready for the rapture, I am always puzzled. Sometimes they say more people need to be saved first, and while I get that, I also think, The Lord is going to rapture us at the perfect nano second moment, in a time that He deems to be the exact, right, precise moment, so why would we argue with Him on when that will be?! It’s going to be perfect when it happens, so why not get excited at the thought of that perfect moment being sooner, rather than later? I’m just really ready for the rapture and I think that’s the part that frustrates us all- when we long for the rapture and other believers don’t seem to be as excited for it, that is the real bummer!

I agree. Im ready, and anxious to go, and always looking up. Until the time He calls us Home, my priority is unsaved family members, not the things of this world.

 

[RobinMc]

I see this type of thinking far too much! I know some who have all but said they weren’t ready, and I can‘t help but to wonder what in the world they’re waiting on! When a born again Christian isn’t ready for the rapture, I am always puzzled. Sometimes they say more people need to be saved first, and while I get that, I also think, The Lord is going to rapture us at the perfect nano second moment, in a time that He deems to be the exact, right, precise moment, so why would we argue with Him on when that will be?! It’s going to be perfect when it happens, so why not get excited at the thought of that perfect moment being sooner, rather than later? I’m just really ready for the rapture and I think that’s the part that frustrates us all- when we long for the rapture and other believers don’t seem to be as excited for it, that is the real bummer!

How can you 'not be ready' for heaven? How is that even possible?
I don't think there will be a great revival as in churches holding large services and many coming to Christ, but I do see people like us, speaking to our family, friends and loved ones and convincing them now may be the time. Many people have the feeling like we are on the verge of something, and may be willing to listen now when in the past they were not. I'm speaking mostly of the US and our situation with current events, but everyone in the world in living in crazy times. It's our job to spread the word and do the work, and I'm the first to say, it's not easy for me to do.