Discerning the 2023 Asbury Revival: A History of February Revivals at Asbury University
In light of the stirring posts and heartfelt comments regarding the ongoing events at Asbury University, I feel compelled to bring up some key historical items that show a pattern of revival at Asbury. The intent of this post is not to condemn what is currently happening but to provide a level of discernment as well as items for consideration as we continue to witness these events unfold. There very well may be genuine transformation and confession of sin from those in attendance, however, it has now become an evangelical spectacle for the whole world to see and it continually attracts more and more viewers. Whereas it is not my place to judge the intentions of those driving and flying several hours to “see the revival”, I fear this may become a breeding ground for others to get swept up in an emotional experience due to the excitement, potentially leading to false or self-deceived converts.
The Frequency of Revivals
There is a history of revival at Asbury and the question I would like to pose is this: Does the Holy Spirit begin revivals during the month of February?Please consider objectively the frequency and timeliness of each revival beginning in 1905 and moving into the present. The following dates are directly from Asbury.edu as they boast of being the location for “great revivals”:
February 1905
During a blizzard, Kentucky Holiness College (now Asbury University) had its first revival with key leader Joseph H. King who believed in “Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues” as definitive signs of salvation for believers. King was one of the pioneers of the Holiness Pentecostalism movement.February 1908
This is cited as one of the most significant spiritual awakenings of the 20th century. The revival lasted two weeks. As word spread surrounding areas, visitors came to experience and see the revival for themselves.February 1921
This revival broke out after Ruth Paxson gave her testimony to the college campus and the prominent leader of the revival was a man named Frank Houghton. Houghton was an Anglican missionary to China. This revival lasted four weeks with conversions, healings, and deliverances from demon oppression.February 1950
This revival lasted for 118 hours; one newspaper describes the revival (identical reports we see being reported today) as, “men and women wept openly as their classmates unburdened themselves, told how troubled their hearts had been and how happy they are to confess their faith openly.” Another student said, “My heart was sad until I met Jesus.”March 1958
Once again, a revival occurred lasting for 63 hours.February 1970
Revival broke out as many prayed for a revival and there was “an expectant mood.” The chapel was noted to have “a kind of aura, a glow about the chapel.” The revival lasted 185 hours consisting of singing, testimonies, and praying and students confessing to one another.March 1992
Another revival occurred lasing 127 hours of prayer and praise.February 2006
Another revival took place which included four days of prayer and praise.
If revivals continually occur every 1-15 years at the school, what source of actual discipleship transpires at this school to begin with? The model of evangelism/discipleship demonstrated in Acts is a continual growth of converts due to confessing sin, turning from the former self and being made alive in Christ alongside the preaching and proclamation of God’s Word.
The Foundational Theology of These Revivals
A significant flag I wish to highlight is the deep Pentecostal Charismatic roots of this university, those who speak there, and the university’s affiliations. Whereas this blog is not to argue for Continuationist vs. Cessationist, I believe this is an essential element for fellow Southern Baptists and other theologically aligned brothers and sisters to consider as this school holds to Wesleyan-Holiness theology, which claims Christian perfection in sanctification. This is also known as “entire sanctification” and is an instantaneous second work of grace and a “second bestowal” of the Spirit accompanied by deep emotions and strong physical tremblings.” In other words, they are adding additional qualifications after salvation instead of pursuing holiness through the process of sanctification. They believe it is possible to be completely perfect following salvation if one is genuine enough. This violates the Biblical precedence in 1 Peter 1:16. Wesleyan theology has an oversimplified view of special providence asserting that Scripture study doesn’t require contextualization and furthermore, Wesley quotes George Whitfield as saying the two of them preached “two different Gospels.”
The Mark of True Revival
The frequency and consistency of the revivals make it appear as though this is less spontaneous and leans closer towards “a planned revival.” The “father of revivals” is a man named Charles Finney who claims, “A man can direct his attention to any object, about which he ought to feel and wishes to feel, and in that way, he will call into existence the proper emotions.” Additionally, Finney states, “These bodily effects are not at all essential to prevailing prayer; but are only a natural or physical result of highly excited emotions.” Reflecting on these items, the appeal to emotions seems to be the approach for many of these revivals. However, when assessing revivals let us look to Jonathan Edwards who provides a guide for analyzing a genuine revival.
In an exposition of 1 John 4:1–6, Edwards identified five marks by which an authentic work of the Spirit is to be recognized. Such a true work, he said:
“raises [people’s] esteem of Jesus as Son of God and Savior of the world”
“leads them to turn from their corruptions and lusts to the righteousness of God”
“increases their regard for Holy Scripture”
“establishes their minds in the objective truths of revealed religion
“evokes genuine love for God and man.”
Conclusion
A deep sense of personal conviction of sin and an urgent need for salvation must mark a true revival. It must emphasize the importance of a profound and abiding faith in God that is not based on superficial emotions or temporary enthusiasm but on a true transformation of the heart. Revival must stress the importance of strong Biblical preaching, grounded in the Word of God and directed at the hearts of the listeners, as a means of bringing about revival.
If these characteristics mark the 2023 Asbury Revival, it is possible that a genuine spiritual awakening is transpiring. However, it is also important to note that we must be highly cautious about attributing too much significance to emotional experiences or supernatural phenomena and have careful discernment and testing of any claims of spiritual awakening.
Let us consider these items, weigh out what is being observed and carefully seek wisdom from God concerning this “movement.” Regardless of my opinion, if God desires for revival to break out no man, blog, or adversary can detract or limit the Sovereignty of God.
[1] H. Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics , III, 536–40 (#422); R. Southey, The Life of John Wesley (London: Hutchinson, 1903), 234–64; F. Loofs, “Methodismus,” in PRE 3 , XII, 799.
[2] The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies(Fall 1986) "Bishop J.H. King and the Emergence of Holiness Pentecostalism."
[3] https://www.newspapers.com/clip/16108229/asbury-revival-in-1950/
[4] https://www.asbury.edu/academics/resources/library/archives/history/revivals/
[5] https://messiahmissions.org/asbury-revival/
[6] Finney, Charles. The Works of Charles Finney, Vol 1 (15-in-1) Power From on High, Lectures on Revivals of Religion, Autobiography of Charles Finney, Revival Fire, Holiness of Christians, Systematic Theology . Kindle Edition.
[7] Ibid., 4934 of 73391, Kindle.
[8] Lawson, Steven J.. The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards (A Long Line of Godly Men Series Book 2) (p. 13). Ligonier Ministries. Kindle Edition.
[9] Stephen Tomkins, John Wesley: A Biography</i> (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2003), 94.