We are saved, not by our own righteousness, but because of God's righteousness and mercy. We need to recognise the problem within us and our need to ascend from the depths of sinfulness to the heights of God's mercy. Revival begins with a deeper awareness of our sin and need of mercy. Our sin is offensive to God and our only hope is for His mercy. Conviction of sin is a sign of concern and a sign of life, but only God can draw us out of the depths. With God there is deep forgiveness - Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and it is only through His sacrifice, trusting in Him, that we can be truly saved. A proof of our forgiveness is our fear of God - reverence for Him will make us fear to disobey Him. Our experience of God's mercy gives us a deep hope - in a life of repentance, we are raised from the depths of sin to the heights of mercy. Out of deep hope comes the joy of salvation.