Seeking American Revival? On Primary Election Day, some needful, timely reminders.

At the recent taxpayer-funded “Rededicate 250” event, citizens expressed a sincere desire for national revival and the rededication of America to God. Government officials prayed and spoke. The president did not attend; he was at Trump National Golf Club. He sent a prerecorded message and read the 2 Chronicles 7:14 text (“If my people will humble themselves … I will heal their land.”) Mr. Trump posted on his social media: “I hope everybody at Rededicate 250 is having a good time.”

The patriotic hymn says, “America … God shed his grace on thee.” My church history professor noted that virtuous fruits from the Great Awakening may have spared America’s 1776 Revolution from the guillotines and firing squads of the atheistic Enlightenment-inspired French and Russian Revolutions. We pray “God mend our every flaw,” but acknowledge the American republic has received many kind providences, including the privilege of all citizens to vote in free, fair elections.

“Revival” is often misunderstood, and is more than civic or cultural renewal. Ministers must “correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2). As we vote, here are some reminders, based on Jonathan Edwards’ classic explaining of genuine revivals, A Narrative of Surprising Conversions.

‣ What is Revival? It is God’s gracious intervention and remarkable work, to renew those who have become dormant, lethargic, ignorant, or cold hearted to the life and truth of God. Seasons of revival bring renewal like a spiritual springtime, by Christ’s resurrection power.

‣ How and when does Revival happen? It is entirely God’s gift and work. But, as Jonathan Edwards notes, authentic and extraordinary revival is preceded and accompanied by repentance and prayer. When God purposes to revive his people, the Holy Spirit moves them to pray, to repent of their corrupt ways, and to seek his Presence by faith. So there is both sovereign grace (to give revival) and human agency (to seek revival).

‣ Who is Revived? Herein is the greatest confusion. God does not revive nations, but God’s people. The world’s nations will benefit from God’s work of revival. See Psalm 67:7: “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” But God sends revival to his own people (“if my people”). In the Old Covenant, God renewed Israel. And in the New Covenant, God revives the church of Jesus Christ. But the USA is neither God’s chosen people nor a covenant nation.

We acknowledge the 17th century Puritan colonialists’ aspirations. But our 18th century Constitution allows free expressions of faith, with no state church. To claim the USA was founded as a Christian nation is untrue to historical fact. That is Christian nationalism (Southern Confederates modified the US constitution in that direction).

Americans can enjoy a government that permits individual religious liberties, with checks on state power. That was an idea derived from both 18th century Protestants and Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke. No government should wrap the cross in a flag, or confuse Plymouth rock with the Rock of Christ. Iran claims to be an Islamic theocracy. Russia seeks Eastern Orthodox endorsement of military aggressions. But the USA gives freedoms to all legal citizens, who come from various faith traditions — or with no faith.

‣ The Point: For our Republic (no theocracy) to experience civic, cultural, moral renewal, Christian citizens must repent of seeking godly goals by corrupt worldly means. We seek spiritual revival as God’s people, resident foreigners, preserving salt, who live in the light of truth. Churches need revival as local embassies of God’s kingdom, attracting fellow Americans to the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit. For our beloved America to be good and great, American Christians must not seek partisan prayer groups, but be God’s exiles, seeking the common civic good of our Babylon.