A Gentle Reproof
It seemed as if this morning’s baptism came with a gentle reproof. The Spirit seemed to say to me, “Will you doubt? Will you doubt?”
I cried, “No! I will not doubt; I cannot doubt.”
He then clarified the matter so thoroughly in my mind that I could no longer doubt that the Spirit of God had taken possession of my soul.
Understanding Justification
In that instant, Charles fully understood what Paul meant in Romans 5:1, 5: “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
READ ALSO: WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 7)
A Foundational Doctrine
This would become a foundational doctrine of his ministry. He taught that God did not elect or predestine people to go to heaven. Rather, people were justified by their own faith as they accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins.
A New Career
Charles finally rose, prepared for the day, and went to the law office. There, he began his career as an evangelist.
He first spoke with his employer, Judge Wright. Charles’s words left the judge greatly troubled. Later, however, Judge Wright would experience a wonderful conversion as a result of their conversation.
Transformed by Conversion
Charles Finney’s conversion challenges us to consider the power released in his life when he was born again. Those around him immediately felt God’s power upon his life.
This was not because Charles held a special calling. Rather, he prayed uncompromisingly for what God had promised in His Word.
Charles Finney saw Scripture as the law book that governed the universe. Once he became convinced of a promise in Scripture, he would not let go of it in prayer. He continued praying until God assured his heart that the promise would be fulfilled on earth, just as it had been decreed in heaven.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Tale Tuesday 069
Date: 26th December, 2023
Title: : Charles Finney – The Father of Modern Revivalism(part 9)
Source: The Azusa Street Revival
Author: Roberts Liardon
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