Why Young Americans Are Turning to Christ in Record Numbers
In recent years, there has been a hunger for God among American youth. I think of the Asbury Revival in 2023, in which a spontaneous worship moment drew in thousands of young students from campuses across the nation. Since then, similar events have seen massive numbers of students turn to Christ and get baptized. Glory to God for His continued work of salvation! It goes to show that He is moving and that there is a desire for Him amongst the youth.
Raising Up the Next Generation
With these events in mind, let's ponder the question of how the hunger for Christ results in revival across America. When it comes to raising up the next generation, the one verse that comes to mind is from Proverbs 22:6, which reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Now, this verse doesn't mean that every child raised in faith will serve God, but it stresses the importance of sharing the truth with them so that they would know God. Much like sharing the gospel, we plant the seed, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). The Lord has provided for us the means by which we are to grow in Him, such as the Word of God, prayer, fasting, the sacraments, and worship.
We know that in every generation, Christ will continue to save souls as His church continues to preach the gospel. What I love about the gospel is its continuity. It is the message preached to all people in all nations across the world throughout generations. Even if it seems that things in the world are dire, the Lord's plan of salvation remained unchanged and unfazed.
Regarding today's youth, we know that they will lead the future long after we're gone. We recognize the importance of raising them up so that they would someday lead their own lives, praying that they would be far better off than we could ever be. But Christians recognize that the greatest thing we can do is point them to Christ so that they may serve Him.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
Hearing these instances of awakenings on college campuses are good in the sense that attendees are making professions of faith and getting baptized. I pray that the conversions are genuine as it is easy to get caught up in these events, only to remain unchanged afterward. As God's Word says, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16-20). Nevertheless, the Lord can stir up a movement among the next generation for His glory.
There's no doubt that youth have so much to face, including the challenges of school, their peers, and the world around them. Overall, they are figuring out what their future will look like, although older individuals are still figuring out where they want to go in life. They are constantly challenged by the world around them, tempting them in their ways. But a young generation devoted to Christ goes to show that young men and women can be lights in a dark world. They don't have to wait until adulthood or when their life is out of order to turn to Christ. But they can surrender their lives now.
As the Scripture says, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). It's easy for young people to think they can delay being saved just because of their age, but we know that tomorrow is never promised for everyone. Generally speaking, it is also easy to assume that one is "too sinful" to receive Christ's forgiveness, thus concerning themselves and thinking they're a hopeless case. Nevertheless, the Bible makes it clear that "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" Luke 19:10 and that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). These words should be an encouragement to all because Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, made a way for us as we are forgiven of all sins and reconciled to God the Father. Moreover, we received the Holy Spirit, who is the "guarantee of all inheritance" (Ephesians 1:13).
Lights in a Dark World
Just as Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), the church is called to be the light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16), for we are children of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:5). When we see a young generation raised up for Christ or given over to Him, they set an example of people who were dead in sin but are not born again. They can impact those around them, such as their peers and family members who are not yet saved. Those who listen to them will recognize a difference has been made in their lives, with that difference being that they are now new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We should rejoice to hear the turnout at these college campuses, as it is evident that the Lord is moving! Nothing shall hinder His plan, for nothing is impossible with Him. He is raising up ambassadors, young and old, that will go forth and spread the Good News both at home and abroad. We must continue to pray that God will do His work and bring revival. We know that revival would impact society, but first, it must start in the body of Christ. We must also pray for personal revival so that our hearts remain fervent before the Lord.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Hannah Busing
Originally published March 03, 2025.
