I would say anyone who is following what he teaches, and that seems to be a fair amount of those who call themselves Christian.
The Presbyterian pastor in Adams was Rev. George W. Gale, a young man who had recently graduated from Princeton, and who was thoroughly imbued with the form of Calvinistic theology there taught. During this period, Finney for the first time lived within reach of a regular prayer-meeting, one being held in the church near his office. This he made it his practice to attend as often as business permitted. He was also the leader of the choir, and his influence over the young people was very marked, and, from all accounts, very prejudicial to the church; for he was a most unsparing critic of both the practice and the profession of its members. Mr. Gale had many private but apparently fruitless discussions with Finney respecting the truths of religion, but at last became so completely discouraged that, when some one proposed in church meeting to make Finney a subject of prayer, Mr. Gale remarked that it was of no use; that he did not believe that Finney would ever be converted, since he had already sinned against so much light that his heart was hopelessly hardened; adding, also, that the choir was so much under Finney's influence that it was doubtful if they could be converted while their leader remained in Adams.
On being advised by members of the Presbytery to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, he declined to do so, for the reason that he did not wish to be subjected to such influences as they had been under during their education. Such was the earnestness and sincerity of his spirit, however, that the Presbytery seemed to take no umbrage at his remark, but appointed his pastor, Rev. Mr. Gale, and Rev. Mr. Boardman to superintend his studies. From the first Finney's relation to both these advisers was frank as well as cordial, and of the most interesting character. But he was not inclined to accept some of the doctrines regarded as of great importance by Mr. Gale. Hence, according to his own representations, his studies consisted of little else than controversy, in which, as a natural result of his legal habits of reasoning, he was led to demand a kind and degreee of proof for the various doctrines defended by the young minister which the latter was scarcely prepared to furnish. Mr. Gale attempted to persuade Finney of the truth of a system of theology which involved the sinfulness of human nature at birth, and of a theory of the atonement in which Christ was represented as making a literal payment of the legal debt of the
The vote for Finney's licensure was unanimous, but it was pretty evident that the Presbytery was actuated more from general considerations of policy, and from fear of being found fighting against God, than from hearty personal approval of the candidate. On this occasion, according to the prescribed custom, he presented to the Presbytery two written sermons, which probably, with a single exception, were the only ones he ever prepared.
I am not sure what your point here is PhillipJohn.
The second paragraph is cut short, but it seems that Finney just rejected the Christian faith. Then the last paragraph, which seems to be only part of a paragraph, talks about Finney being ordained.
That does not make any sense. I am guessing you are saying that he was legally ordained by a presbyterian church.
Well, he should have never been ordained in the first place.
But what has that to do with his heretical teaching?
He did not trust in Jesus, and he taught others to not trust in Jesus, but instead trust in your own self by improving yourself morally.
We don't need to bring " Reformed" or "Calvinist" into this.
We are talking about an individual who denied the CENTER of the Christian faith!
You don't believe that faith in Jesus is the ONLY way to be saved???
You think that a man doesn't really need Jesus, he just needs to reform himself morally????
That is NOT Christianity, and that IS rejecting Jesus!
Jesus said that MANY would come to Him on Judgment Day, and start talking about their works. And Jesus said He will tell them to leave because He never knew them!
Working your way to heaven is impossible, and believing you can is rejecting Jesus.
Great article PJ, I am going to see if I can find a copy of those 2 sermons! I read a book on Finney about 20 years ago, if I remember right, he was a lawyer before getting saved. Haha, no wonder he wanted proof that Calvinism could not provide!
James, in love and honesty I would like to share a observation with you. It seems you do not see outside the reformed doctrine box. I think you are a intelligent man and have a heart for God, however you have not looked outside the box for yourself. The only view you have is what reformed doctrine shows you. I think you owe it to yourself to take a good look at what is really out there, then decide, rather than making your decisions on information supplied by Calvinists
"This has NOTHING to do with Calvinism! We are talking the CENTER of the Christian faith! "
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???---- I thought you believed they were the same thing?
James posted:
" Now, I put up an article about the disturbing legacy of Finney, and immediately PhillipJohn puts up TWO supporting Finney???? What is going on here???? PhillipJohn NEVER mentions ANYONE from Christian history, and suddenly two articles about Finney???"
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Yeah, pretty funny huh? Perhaps PJ is being Biblical and following Paul's instruction by being all things to all people! :laugh:
James I agree with the word of God as I have told you before.
James if you will research you will also find out Finney did not grow up in church and his first church was a calvinist church, he used to argue continually with his pastor without a bible that he the pastor had to be wrong, for God could not be just and be as you describe.
After his conversion he went back to his church and was used of the lord to get out of their death bed and the majority got saved.
