Reformation and Revival

Francis Schaeffer:

Often men have acted as though one has to choose between reformation and revival.

Some call for reformation, others for revival, and they tend to look at each other with suspicion. But reformation and revival do not stand in contrast with one another; in fact, both words are related to the concept of restoration. Reformation speaks of a restoration to pure doctrine, revival of a restoration in the Christian's life. Reformation speaks of a return to the teachings of Scripture, revival of a life brought into proper relationship to the Holy Spirit. The great moments in church history have come when these two restorations have occurred simultaneously. There cannot be true revival unless there has been reformation, and reformation is not complete without revival.

May we be those of both reformation and revival, so that this poor dark world in which we live may have an exhibition of a portion of the church returned to both pure doctrine and a Spirit-filled life.

--No Little People (Crossway, 2003), 74

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. --Acts 13:52