A spiritual awakening refers to a fundamental shift in someone’s awareness and perspective of life. It is a process of growth, transformation, and discovery of one’s true nature and purpose. The Bible offers much insight into spiritual awakenings and how God seeks to draw people into deeper relationship with Himself.
At the core of a spiritual awakening is an enhanced connection with God. Through Jesus Christ, God makes reconciliation with humanity possible after the separation caused by sin (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). When someone puts their faith and trust in Christ, the Bible describes this as being “born again” or regenerated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8). The veil between God and man is removed as a person’s spiritual eyes are opened to perceive spiritual truths and realities (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). Communion and intimacy with God is restored.
An initial spiritual awakening often happens at the moment of conversion. For example, immediately after the Ethiopian eunuch encountered Philip and heard the good news of Jesus, he confessed Christ and was baptized (Acts 8:26-39). His eyes were opened to the truth. Likewise, Paul received spiritual sight right after his Damascus road experience meeting the resurrected Christ (Acts 9:17-19).
Yet spiritual awakenings are not just a one-time event. They can occur progressively over time as different areas of spiritual maturity and understanding are attained. Ephesians 1:17-19 describes this as the “eyes of your heart” being enlightened to know the hope, riches and power available in Christ. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process.
As someone experiences a maturing awakening, certain characteristics and signs will emerge:
- Greater awareness of God’s presence and voice (John 10:27)
- Deeper insight into Biblical truths (John 14:26)
- Increased discernment between right and wrong, good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)
- A heightened sense of purpose and calling from God (Ephesians 2:10)
- More compassion, love and grace towards others (Galatians 5:22-23)
Two key indicators of spiritual awakening in the Bible are repentance and renewal. As God draws someone to Himself, they become aware of personal sin and need for cleansing. The Holy Spirit cultivates sorrow and godly grief over the condition of one’s heart and rebellious ways. This leads to confession, repentance, and an earnest desire to walk in obedience to Christ. There is a fundamental change of mind and direction. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.”
From repentance flows renewal as a believer experiences rebirth in their identity, purposes and way of living. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Old ways of thinking and acting fade away. There is freedom from past strongholds, habits, and lifestyles displeasing to God. New spiritual passions and appetites emerge. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from dead comes to indwell the believer and empower them for godly living (Romans 8:9-11).
According to the Bible, a spiritually awakened life will exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). There will be desire to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). Pleasing God will become more important than pleasing self. Materialism will hold less sway while spiritual riches in Christ receive greater value.
One key aspect of a spiritual awakening is increased awareness of biblical truth. Jesus emphasized the vital role of God’s Word in securing freedom from sin (John 8:31-32). As the Spirit illuminates Scripture, veils of deception fall away. A believer gains wisdom, discernment and understanding of their identity and calling in Christ. The promises of God come alive. The Word of God has transformative impact when paired with Spirit awakening. The two must go hand in hand.
Spiritual awakenings can take place individually or corporately. In the Bible, whole communities and populations experienced awakenings as moving of God’s Spirit sparked widespread revival and renewal.
For example, after exile and captivity, the people of Israel together experienced national revival and awakening. Nehemiah 8:1-12 describes the Israelites weeping in repentance as the Law was read and explained. They turned back to worshiping God, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, and renewed their covenant. Likewise, much of Nineveh repented in response to Jonah’s warning of imminent judgment (Jonah 3:5-9). Thousands were saved as the city turned toward righteousness.
In the New Testament, spiritual awakening came upon crowds who heard the preaching of Jesus and witnessed His miracles firsthand. The book of Acts further records awakenings spreading across the Roman Empire through apostolic preaching and signs and wonders following new Christian converts. Entire cities like Ephesus experienced sweeping renewal as many renounced sorcery and paganism after encountering the Gospel (Acts 19:17-20).
Revival historian J. Edwin Orr described spiritual awakenings as times when God moves in extraordinary power. This results in conviction of sin, deep repentance, conversion, renewal of backslidden believers, dramatic church growth, breakout of social righteousness and justice, and unity across denominations. Spiritual awakening brings deep and lasting societal impact as God’s presence permeates all domains of culture.
Throughout history, genuine spiritual awakenings have displayed common marks: earnest prayer preceding the awakening, extraordinary unity and cooperation among churches, overwhelming conviction of sin prompting confession and repentance, evangelism and concern for salvation of the unsaved, new zeal for biblical truth, less focus on doctrinal differences, public confession of sin by leaders, emotional depth in preaching and worship services, greater respect for the Lord’s Day, restitution and acts of benevolence, and promotion of social justice and reform. When the Spirit of God moves in awakening power, these characteristics manifest and multiply.
The Bible offers both promise and warning when it comes to spiritual awakening. Passages like Romans 13:11 reveal it is indeed the “hour” for believers to awake out of spiritual slumber. God desires hearts fully devoted to Him. Yet the Bible warns of the dangers of false revival that lacks true repentance and holiness. Jesus told the church in Sardis that while they had “the reputation of being alive” they were actually dead (Revelation 3:1). They had fallen asleep spiritually.
Thankfully, Scripture offers prayer and guidance to any who long for authentic spiritual awakening, both individually and across whole communities. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is often invoked in this regard: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This promise remains open to all who seek God’s face.
In summary, a spiritual awakening is a profound season of heart and life realignment as God draws someone into deeper relationship with Himself. It brings renewal of purpose, greater love for God and others, increased spiritual understanding, and practical demonstration of faith. Awakening humbles, purifies and ignites fresh passion. God promises that if His people will draw near to Him, He will draw near to them in transforming power (James 4:8). Our greatest need is spiritual awakening. And awakening starts when just one repentant soul cries out, “Revive me, O Lord!”