As the etymology suggests, "revival" portrays a condition where spiritual life is reborn or renewed. It is a regeneration of the heart worked by the Holy Spirit, initiated by the Father, through the work of Jesus Christ. "Reformation," on the other hand, is a restitution of multidimensional aspects in society and culture. The church, as the continuance of a revival, is usually the initial place that experiences reformation.
Reformation
Although both are done by the Godhead Trinity, there is no authentic and long-lasting reformation without a genuine revival taking place first and foremost. True revival precedes true reformation. Having said that, a revival that is not followed by a reformation is like infants who die prematurely before growing up. Such misery is not meant to be celebrated, but rather to be mourned and serves as a lesson.
When a revival is not followed by reformation, the possibilities are at least twofold. First, it is not a genuine revival but mere outburst of superficial experience. You can smell the enthusiasm in the air but not see the substance of souls converted to Christ. It is like getting high over soda: an empty euphoria lacking substance. Second, the revival is genuine and vast numbers of people are converted but they face ill challenge that cause them to remain immature. It is like a small block of burning charcoal that is left alone in the dark cold night. It dims and freezes in no time.
You and me are familiar with both superficial awakening and revivals that become cold. However, this should not quench our thirst for revival. This is not the end of the road. We are not alone. We have our Asean and its neighboring countries' (this is what "Asean+" means) family in Christ. Together we can be encouraged by the rich and beautiful words of God (Colossians 3:16-17), equipped to advance revival and reformation (2 Timothy 3:17), and connected as one body in Christ who belong to each other and need all the others (Romans 12:5).
