The question of whether there will be a worldwide revival before the end times is an important one for Christians to consider. The Bible provides some clues but does not give a definitive answer. There are differing views among Bible scholars and experts on eschatology (study of end times) regarding if and when such a revival might occur.
Those who believe a worldwide revival is coming before the end times often point to passages which speak of mass conversions and a great harvest of souls in the last days. For example, Revelation 7:9 describes people from every nation standing before the throne of God in heaven. Matthew 24:14 states that the gospel will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations before the end comes. And the prophet Joel spoke of God pouring out His Spirit on all people prior to the coming “great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Joel 2:28-32).
However, some experts caution that these verses do not necessarily guarantee an end times global revival. The people from all tribes and nations in Revelation 7:9, for instance, may refer to all the redeemed throughout history, not just those saved right before Christ’s return. And while we are called to spread the gospel worldwide, there is no guarantee that every single person will receive it. Population growth could also outpace evangelistic efforts.
Those who doubt a global end times awakening point to verses suggesting many will fall away from the faith in the last days. For example, Jesus said “many will turn away from the faith” and “most people’s love will grow cold” before His return (Matthew 24:10, 12). And 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a “great apostasy” or falling away from truth happening first. Some believe these verses do not fit with a worldwide revival right before Christ’s coming.
Overall, the Bible seems to give a complex, multifaceted picture of the end times regarding revival. While there may be an unprecedented harvest among some people groups, there will also likely be increased persecution and falling away among others simultaneously. We cannot state with certainty that the very end of the age will see a global Spirit-powered revival. But we can pray earnestly for revival, fulfil the Great Commission, and trust God for the great harvest only He can produce.
Reasons Supporting an End Times Worldwide Revival
While the Bible does not provide a definitive answer on whether there will be a worldwide revival before Christ’s return, there are several reasons why many Bible experts believe there could be:
1. Old Testament Prophecies of Coming Blessing and Salvation
Several Old Testament prophets foretold of a coming day when there would be widespread blessing, salvation, and outpoured Spirit on God’s people and the nations. For example:
– Isaiah prophesied of a time when all nations would stream to the Lord’s house to learn of His ways (Isaiah 2:2-3).
– Habakkuk foresaw the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory like the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
– Zechariah predicted living water flowing out from Jerusalem to renew the land and people (Zechariah 14:8).
– Joel proclaimed God would pour out His Spirit on all people – young and old, men and women (Joel 2:28-29).
If these Old Testament prophecies are to be fulfilled literally, it would seem to require a future worldwide revival empowered by God’s Spirit.
2. Teachings on the Latter Rain
Some Bible teachers appeal to the “latter rain” spoken of by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:23-29) to argue for an end times awakening. The latter rain refers to rains that came in Spring to ripen crops before harvest in Israel. This prophetically represents a divine outpouring of God’s Spirit to empower and equip believers right before Christ’s return and final harvest.
3. Parable of Wheat and Tares
Jesus’ parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) pictures both good and evil co-existing until the harvest. Some say this implies true Christianity will greatly spread alongside growing evil and tribulation toward the end of the age.
4. Preaching to All Nations
Some interpret Jesus’ prophecy that the gospel will be preached in the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14) and similar verses to infer a global revival must take place to fulfil this. However, others dispute this interpretation.
5. Book of Revelation
Scriptures in Revelation such as people from every tribe worshiping God in heaven (Revelation 7:9) and the Harvest of the Earth (Revelation 14:14-16) are seen by some to necessitate a future global awakening before Christ’s return.
Reasons Questioning an End Times Worldwide Revival
Despite the prophecies and interpretations above, there are also reasons some Bible scholars doubt there will be a global revival right before Christ’s return:
1. Warnings of Apostasy in the Last Days
Jesus and other New Testament writers warned that there would be a great falling away from the faith in the end times:
– Jesus said “many will turn away” and “most people’s love will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10, 12).
– 1 Timothy 4:1 calls the latter days “terrible times” and says some will depart from the faith.
– 2 Thessalonians 2:3 prophesies a “great apostasy” or falling away happening first before Christ returns.
These suggest difficult times of declining faith, not revival.
2. No Definitive Passages Confirming a Global Revival
Nowhere does the Bible definitively state there will be a worldwide end times revival. The timing of prophecies like Joel 2 and interpretation of passages in Revelation are debated by scholars.
3. Considerations From Church History
Looking at church history, there is a pattern of local revivals, awakenings, and renewals rather than simultaneous worldwide awakenings thus far. This causes some to doubt a unified global end times awakening.
4. Humanity’s Hardened Heart
Given mankind’s continual hardening of their hearts throughout history, some question that people worldwide would suddenly be receptive to the gospel on a massive scale at the end of the age.
5. Questionable Logistics
Practically speaking, some find it difficult to imagine how a unified global Spirit-driven revival could occur given all the geographic, political, linguistic, and technological barriers that would need to be overcome.
Synthesis and Conclusion
In summary, while the Bible provides reasons to hope for and anticipate greater blessings and awakening as Christ’s return draws near, it does not guarantee a definitive worldwide revival right before the end. Bible experts differ on whether global awakening is prophesied or even plausible. While we cannot say with certainty, we can pray earnestly for revival, believe God for a great harvest, and trust in His sovereign plans.
As the end times unfold, it seems likely there will be a complex picture globally. Some groups may experience profound revival, even as others fall away or persecute believers. While we cannot know or control outcomes, our mission remains spreading the gospel so all may come to repentance and faith before Christ returns (2 Peter 3:9). We can rest in God’s faithfulness knowing the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18).
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!