The Autobiography of Charles G. Finney

This is one of the books I continue to recommend after all this time. It is the portrait of a life that seemed successful but remained directionless until entered the Truth. A powerful conversion led to Finney's preaching ministry to more people that we can fathom without the benefit of modern mass media.

If you ever wanted revival in your own life or ministry, this book is the most clear representation I have ever seen in print anywhere. It is a riveting book that has kept me up at night for hours until I could read no more. Many people talk about revival and many people desire it, but until it is seen personally, it is difficult to comprehend. This book comes about as close to really "seeing" revival as possible. Once you see that as Finney uses the same techniques over and over and gets the same results, you come to the realization that maybe we can do it, too. These are not some mystical "techniques", but good old-fashioned bible techniques like prayer, fasting, faith, humility, etc. You must read the book. Don't criticize his theology until you have read his work. As one preacher told me, "They criticize his theology, but they can't match his power!" See for yourself. Then, after you get inspired about doing this in your own life, then read "Lectures on Revivals" by Finney to see how to incorporate it in your own life, and then "Systematic Theology" by Finney to understand the theology behind it.

The reader from Canada has righteous indignation and perhaps some knowledge but proves he has not read the book. First of all, what did you think of the book? You dont make any attempt to explain anything in the book so you were using this as a platform for your dislike of Finneys doctrines. First of all, if you had read the book, the very first part of it, you will discover that Finney comes to faith in Christ through a gut-wrenching realization he can not save himself. The grace of God stepped in when Finney reached this conclusion on a little retreat to a near-by wood. Although I dont always agree with some of Finneys teachings, overall I have greatly benefited from them. And please let me offer an opinion to you 5-Pt Calvanists. Just because someone doesn't embrace your doctrines we (I guess you could call me an Armeniast) understand salvation comes by grace alone, and is a result of Gods sovereign choice of us. However, the basis on which that choice was made is at best a mystery and if you disagree read 1 Peter 1. I highly recommend the book and think you will benefit from it.

Recently I picked a book from the shelf of an old library, it was Finney's Auto-biography. I had never seen it before. It must have been an early copy because it contained over 450 pages of Finney's personal tensimony of revival. I am 72 years old and have been preaching since I was 21. I have read many books in my rather long life, but I believe I can truthfully say Finney's Auto-biography is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I came away from that book with a renewed faith in the power of prayer to produce revival. I would especially recommend this book to those pastor's who are about worn out with trying to build the Lord a church. Finney, it seems, never showed any real interest in building a church, his focus was on the souls of the lost and prayed earnestly for their salvation. As they were saved the church was built. I have ordered other copies for some of my young minister friends. Revival came in Finney's day and I believe it will come again today if we will pray as Finney prayed.

Although I highly recommend Finneys sermon books such as "Principles of Faith" and "Lectures on Revival", I think this is the best Finney book to read first. You will get a greater understanding of his life events and how they formed his thoughts and sermons. It is easy reading and very interesting. If you find yourself critical or tired of present-day "soda-shop" messages, read about this converted lawyer who applied not only his whole heart and soul but "mind" to his christianity.