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Charles G. Finney, often hailed as “The Father of Modern Revivalism,” was a transformative figure in the history of Christianity. His life story and ministry exemplify the profound impact of faith and conviction on both personal transformation and societal change.
Born in August 1792 in Warren, Connecticut, just one year after the passing of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Charles Finney grew up in an environment devoid of religious influence. There were no churches or Bibles in his early life, but he maintained a sense of moral purity.
As he matured, Charles displayed excellence in both athletics and academics. His journey into the realm of law led him to the office of Judge Benjamin Wright in Adams, New York, and to Reverend George W. Gale’s Presbyterian church, where he attended church services for the first time in his life.
It was during this period that Charles observed how legal texts often referenced the Bible as a source of moral and ethical principles. This piqued his curiosity, prompting him to delve into the Scriptures. He also began attending church services, although he initially found the sermons dry and uninspiring.
A turning point occurred when Charles encountered passages like Romans 3:19-20 and Galatians 3:23-24, which emphasized the limitations of human righteousness. He began to sense a restlessness within himself, realizing that he needed a Savior but struggled to find guidance on how to seek Him.
During this time, prevailing Calvinistic beliefs dominated the American church, suggesting that only the “elect” predestined by God could attain salvation. Charles questioned these notions, believing that if the Bible was indeed God’s Word, it must offer salvation to all. Verses like Romans 10:9 and Ephesians 2:8 fueled his conviction that faith, rather than predestination, was the path to salvation.
In a pivotal moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to Charles, asking him why he was waiting and whether he was attempting to earn his righteousness. On November 1st, 2014, Charles Finney surrendered his heart to God, embracing Jesus as his Savior. This profound transformation filled him with a peace that transcended his heart and soul, accompanied by a personal encounter with Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, complete with a prayer language.
Charles Finney’s ministry was marked by several key principles:
1. Prayer, Intercession, and Fasting: He understood the importance of prayer, intercession, and fasting before engaging in ministry. He believed that these practices facilitated healings and prepared the spiritual atmosphere.
2. Faith: Faith was a cornerstone of his ministry. He believed that God’s promises in His Word were to be embraced and activated through faith.
3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Finney relied on the Holy Spirit to guide his ministry. For the first decade of his work, he preached without prepared sermons, allowing the Holy Spirit to inspire his words.
4. God First: Rejecting the prevailing Calvinistic predestination beliefs, Finney approached his sermons as opportunities to convince people to make a decision for Christ rather than as authoritative declarations.
5. Altar Calls: He pioneered the concept of altar calls, where the lost and unsaved could come forward to pray for their salvation. His focus was on reaching out to those outside the church.
Charles Finney’s impact extended beyond individual conversions. He preached at revivals up and down the East Coast, including New York, Rochester, Boston, and Ohio. These revivals crossed social classes, uniting people from various backgrounds under a common Christian spirit. Businesses closed to allow employees to attend meetings, and a spirit of Christian unity permeated communities.
Furthermore, Finney advocated for social justice causes, including the abolition of slavery, temperance, and women’s rights to education. Oberlin College, where he later served as President, played a pivotal role in these movements, graduating the first black woman with a college degree.
In conclusion, Charles G. Finney’s life and ministry left an indelible mark on American Christianity and society. His deep faith, commitment to prayer, and unwavering belief in the power of the Gospel not only transformed individual lives but also contributed to the cultural and social changes of his era, making him a true pioneer in the history of revivalism.
