Revival has also been confused with various so-called reformation movements in the Church, but this is also a serious historical and theological mistake.
Believers struggle to be free from the presence of sin.
Some suffer defeat after defeat in their growth in sanctification. These mystical experiences pretend to be direct encounters with God. Those who encourage such things are, in effect, advocating a return to Roman Catholic mysticism. Revival is characterized by mysticism, and it was carried directly into Protestant thinking through the revivals of John Wesley in 18th century England. Wesley was steeped deeply in the writings of Roman Catholic medieval mystics, claimed to have read them avidly, and was instrumental in publishing a great number of these Roman Catholic works.