Charles Finney – Life Story
Full Name: Charles Grandison Finney
Birthplace: Warren, Connecticut, USA
Parents: Sylvester Finney and family
Born: August 29, 1792
Died: August 16, 1875
Salvation Experience: At the age of 29
Early Life
Charles Finney was born on August 29, 1792, in Warren, Connecticut, USA. His father, Sylvester Finney, was a soldier. When Charles was two years old, the family moved to a place called Oneida in New York. It was a rough, uncultured area, and young Finney grew up without much spiritual influence.
At 16, he finished basic education, and by his 20s he worked as a schoolteacher. He was gifted in learning and studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. At age 26, he began studying law.
Conversion Experience
While studying law, Finney discovered that many legal principles were connected to the Ten Commandments in the Bible. Curious, he bought a Bible and began reading it deeply. The more he read, the more he realized his spiritual need. He started praying and talking with pastors about faith, sin, and repentance.
One day, while in prayer, the Holy Spirit gave him a powerful vision of the cross of Jesus Christ. Convicted of his pride and sin, Finney fell on his knees, weeping loudly and confessing his sins. He cried out that even if the whole world and all the powers of hell surrounded him, he would not rise from his knees until he found peace with God.
That moment changed his life. He was filled with joy and a new passion to pray for the salvation of souls.
Ministry and Revival
From then on, Finney carried a deep burden for lost souls. His passion was so strong that only five days after his wedding, he left home with just a Bible and spent three months preaching the Gospel, forgetting he had just married!
God used Finney as a mighty instrument of revival. Whenever he preached, people were deeply convicted of sin. His words pierced hearts like arrows. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully in his meetings—people wept, repented, and turned to Christ.
- It is estimated that through his ministry, over 500,000 people were saved.
- In his meetings, 145 converts remained faithful until death.
- His revival campaigns spread through America and England, bringing great spiritual awakening.
Finney’s preaching was bold, clear, and personal. Listeners felt as if he was speaking directly to them. His meetings always led people to a decision for Christ.
In 1868, he completed writing his autobiography. In his later years, he taught Bible and theology to students, training a new generation for ministry.
Death and Legacy
Charles Finney finished his race on August 16, 1875, at the age of 83. He is remembered as one of the greatest evangelists and revival preachers in Christian history.
Famous Quote