Finney was an attorney and a skeptic. He studied law, and therefore, he analyzed the reason for justice. Early on, Charles had scoffed at Christians and their prayers totally EMPTY of FAITH. He dared God to prove Himself. In studying elementary law, Finney found the old authors frequently quoting the Scriptures and referring especially to the Mosaic Law as authority for many of the great principles of common law. Finney finally purchased a Bible. Then when he found a reference to the Bible made by the law authors, he turned to the passage and pondered its connection to justice. This soon led to a new interest in the Bible, and Finney read and meditated on the word of God. Even though he did not understand much of it. 

Finney was soon convinced that the Bible was the true word of God. This being settled, he faced the question of whether he could accept Christ as presented in the Gospel. If so, his pursuit of worldly success was over. Charles Finney was transformed by God from a skeptic to a very powerful force for good. Each fruit of the Spirit are all powerful forces of good.

He reasoned WHY the prayers of many were NOT answered. It was because they did not comply with the revealed conditions upon which God had promised to answer prayer. A lack of faith that God would answer their prayer or the unbelief that God was actually listening, kept their expectations very low. At this period, his mind was so much impressed by the Holy Spirit that he could not  leave the question of belief unsettled.  Charles Finney answered God’s call. He allowed the Light of Truth to pierce all the hidden dark places in his soul. AMEN

The first step to personal revival and revelation is a deep, thorough repentance. When we allow God to bend our pride till it breaks with tears of anguish — our selfish stubbornness transforms into a willing submission. After we examine ourselves, we determine if our attitude is genuine gratitude for all that Jesus accomplished on our behalf. ‘Do I love my stuff more than I love God?’ When we come to the end of ourselves, we become dust in the very able hands of God, for His own purpose.

Finney could not hesitate between choosing God or the world.  His choice is evidenced in the United States and Western Europe. His ministry is credited with leading more than 500,000 people to salvation. His methods and doctrine laid the foundation for every revival meeting today. The power of the Holy Spirit worked mightily through Finney to transform souls and entire cities. Finney’s changed soul remained an open vessel. With God first, he stayed in contact with the Spirit of God, and God used him to catapult America into the 2nd Great Awakening. He is one of the most important figures in American history. Finney may also have been the most innovative and anointed evangelist the world has ever seen.

For revival; personally or nationally, there must be repentance. When the Holy Spirit witnesses to our heart that we’re in good standing with Abba, then, and only then, are we ready for the power from on high. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed! “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal, must put on immortality!” 1 Corin 15:53 Let truth set you free to do God’s will. “If you gain the whole world and everything in it within your life but lost your own soul, what did you gain?” Mark 8:36 We gain lost souls ONLY by the power given from on high.

We are to win souls. This great commission was ordered from on high. Each member of the Body of Christ is obligated to lay aside their ambition to do what our God asks of us. Finney had a practical approach in his teaching. How are we to achieve our Father’s lofty goal? We need the power from on high, we need the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. Jesus told His disciples to WAIT in Jerusalem and expect by faith to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. They did not know what that meant, but out of love for the Master, they obeyed. We cannot expect revival unless we first seek the Holy Spirit.

Finney outlined what must occur before revival. To ask for the Holy Spirit is a right request. It is a priority prayer, but how rarely is it answered and WHY? Jesus said that everyone who asks receives, but God knows of the deep canyon that divides us from our asking and our receiving. Repent and remove all stumbling blocks.

1) Are you willing to surrender all in order to be empowered from on high?

2) Are you self-indulgent? Do you resist forgiving others? Hold onto prejudice

3) Are you selfish, greedy?

4) Do you doubt God?

5) Are you self-sufficient?

6) Do you deny any sin?

7) Do you refuse to confess?

8) Are you prideful?

9) Do you feel superior?

10) Hold worldly ambition?

11) Resist the Holy Spirit’s teaching, direction, counsel

12) Resist the practice of honest self-examination?

13) Quench Holy Spirit with fits of anger?

14) Lack careful watch over your words and actions?

15) Do you grumble and complain about conditions?

16) Are you impatient?

17) Do you study too much?

18) Do you make excuses?

19) Do you resist full submission to God?

20) Do you keep yourself distracted with busyness?

21) Do you resist admitting any unbelief in God, His power, His authority?