A Lawyer's Spiritual Crisis
On a Sunday evening in October 1821, in the woods near Adams, New York, Charles Finney faced a pivotal moment. At 29, this lawyer found himself grappling with the deepest questions of his soul's salvation. Though he attended church, it was with a heart that was "unconcerned and frivolous." Finney decided that evening to settle the matter once and for all. "I made up my mind that I would settle the question of my soul's salvation at once, that if it were possible I would make my peace with God," he later recounted.
Face to Face Encounter Jesus
Determined, Finney ventured into the woods, seeking solitude to pray and reflect. He was driven by a promise he made to himself: "I will give my heart to God, or I never will come down from there." As he prayed with fervor, he experienced an extraordinary encounter. Finney described it as meeting "the Lord Jesus Christ face to face," an experience so vivid it seemed to him that Jesus was truly present.
Waves of Divine Love
During this profound moment, Finney sensed the Holy Spirit descending upon him in a manner he could only describe as "waves of liquid love." He felt a powerful transformation within, as if "the very breath of God" was flowing through him, leaving his heart overflowing with love. This divine encounter changed him entirely. He emerged from the woods with a new sense of purpose, declaring, "If I am ever converted, I will preach the Gospel."
Second Great Awakening Ministry
Finney abandoned his career in law to become a preacher, convinced that he must share the Gospel. His newfound understanding of justification by faith as a present reality fueled his passion, leading him to become a prominent revivalist during the Second Great Awakening. His conversion not only changed his life but also had a lasting impact on countless others, as he dedicated himself to preaching and social reform.
Through this remarkable transformation, it was clear that Jesus had intervened in Finney's life, leading him to a path of faith and ministry.