THE UNCOMMON REFORMER (Part 2 of 2)
After his conversion and dramatic baptism in the Holy Spirit, he quitted practicing law to enlist in the cause of Christ. He knew with a deep sense that God had commissioned him to preach the gospel. He found out that he was unwilling to do anything else, had no disposition to neither make money nor thirst after worldly pleasures. His whole mind was taken up with Jesus and the gospel. He departed from traditional Calvinist theology and taught salvation by choice to all. Central to his preaching was justification by faith. He advocated a “second blessing of the Holy Spirit” (sanctification) and also believed it was possible for Christians to backslide and lose their salvation as opposed to the erroneous eternal security preached today by many.
Finney was an active revivalist who through prayer “took short-cuts to men’s hearts, and demolished the subterfuges of unbelief by God’s Word”. His steadfastness in prayer impacted so much that the Holy Spirit would brood on the audience till they turned to Christ. In fact, a notorious bar owner became
converted and his bar was turned to a prayer chapel. At the sight of Finney, sinners broke into tears and repented. History records about 85% converts through Finney’s earthly ministry remained standing Christians till their death. Cumulatively, his ministry witnessed over half a million people won to Christ.
This is only an extract of the monumental impact of the life of Finney. A full account of the tremendous impact of his life and ministry will fill books. No human research can discover all the springs and streams of prayer that converge into such a mighty river of blessing. Prolonged and prevailing prayer has continued in many hearts, unseen human eyes, but gathered into the current of the Spirit’s preparation of the way of the Lord. We do not know all the way the Holy Spirit worked, but we can recognize vessels whom God used to bring about this great awakening. No doubt, Finney was one and a revivalist of his own time. The story of world revival is still being written. What part will you play? What will you do for the glory of His name?
