Finney's Systematic Theology

Rating:
Summary: Challenging, thorough - a must for every student of theology
Review: Charles Finney's systematic theology is the only volume in print which collects together all of Finneys theological writings in one book. The first impression one gets is the detail - more than 600 hundred pages of deep, theological discussion, with deep being the operative word. This is not a book for the casual, or superficail inquirer. Even if one desires to gain a remedial understanding of Finney's theology, one has to be prepared to spend many hours getting to grips with even his most basic ideas. One has not been reading the book very long before one notices Finney's unique style of writing. It is, at times, a little difficult to understand; Finney uses long, drawn -out sentences, reminiscent of the 19th century lawyer that he was. However, if one persevers they will discover an incredible depth of thelogical thought and argument which has been the inspiration of several revivals of faith around the globe. Finney's theology is rooted in his understanding of the moral nature of God, followed by His premise reagrding moral government. At the time of writing, much of Finney's theology was considered very controversial and even heretical by much of the established church. Most of the unrest was concerned with His ideas on entire sanctification and his rejection of the idea of eternal security outside of obedience to God's moral law. These ideas, at a time when the church was dominated by calvinism, were not well received by the general clergy of the time. However, this did not stop Finney from going on to become possibly the greatest revivalist preacher since the Apsotle Paul. Whatever one's personal opnions on Finney's theology, one cannot deny the practical results of such a theology - over 500,000 confirmed conversions to Jesus Christ during Finney's lifetime. Surely the ultimate test for any theology is - does it bring life? Finney's force of argument is very impressive. He puts forward his ideas so persuasively that one may find it difficult to disagree, at least Biblically speaking. I would not recommend this book to any casual student of theology. One has to be serious and studious if one is to even begin to understand Finney's arguments; it takes time and effort to get to grips with his ideas. But as one great preacher once said, 'if you can read something once and understand it, its probably not worth reading". I agree. This book will find its best use in the hands of those who are serious about their theology and are ready to be challenged in their theology, some of which may well need to change after reading Finney's Systematic Theology.

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Summary: Horrible blasphemy ------Finney was a false teacher
Review: Finney denied the that the imputed righteousness was imputed to a believer " This objection assumes that the atonement was a literal payment of a debt, which we have seen does not consist with the nature of the atonement" and he writes "But for sinners to be forensically pronounced just, is impossible and absurd" he said that "The doctrine of an imputed righteousness, or that Christ's obedience to the law was accounted as our obedience, is founded on a most false and nonsensical assumption." Finney taught salvation by our own works which, in the words of Spurgeon, is "a criminal doctrine" The false teacher Finney wrote: "full present obedience is a condition of justification?" Can you be perfect in this life? finney continues "can man be justified while sin remains in him? Surely he cannot... and he said "can he be pardoned and accepted, and then justified, in the gospel sense, while sin, any degree of sin, remains in him? Certainly not." If this is true we will all be damned because none of us are closer to perfection than we were when we were converted.

Finney also stated that being regenerated or born again was a false doctrine. He writes "Original or constitutional sinfulness, physical regeneration, and all their kindred and resulting dogmas, are alike subversive of the gospel, and repulsive to the human intelligence; and should be laid aside as relics of a most unreasonable and confused philosophy."

Finney was a heretic and the effects of his preaching in upstate New York won the area the title " The Burned Over District" because of its unbelief. (See thr book By "Whitney Cross" by the same title. Out of this area, shortly after Finney, arose, The Mormons, Spiritualists, Christian Scientists, Seventh day Adventists and a host of other heretical groups. That is not a legacy to be proud of. finney led more astray with a false Gospel then any other heretic of his day.

How was anyone converted with a gospel that denies Original sin, regeneration, a substitutionary atonement, and taught salvation by our own works. The Roman Catholic church even in her worst state never taught the heresy that was touted by Finney.

If you want to read a Systematic Theology invest your money in a real theologian such as Louis Berkhof, J.P. Boyce, R.L. Dabney, Charles Hodge, or A.A. Hodge's outlines of Theology, or Robert Reymond. stay away from Finney he was a heretic and preached another Jesus, another Gospel and another spirit.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Arminianism, Beyond Heresy
Review: I first read Finney because of references to him in the works of A.W. Tozer (one of my favorite authors). Finney's life may have been Spirit-filled, but his understanding most certainly was not. I object to the reviewer who compares him to Jonathan Edwards--Finney takes his lawyer's mind and twists the scripture to fit his understanding of justice. His theology is indeed rational and logical--but it is in no way biblical. He proves that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing" (1 Cor. 1:18). Truly it was folly to Finney.

He plainly teaches against the graciousness of God and the saving power of the blood of Christ--arguing from a multiplicity of "laws" that Christ's sacrifice could not atone for our sins, but that we must pay the price for them ourselves by good works. Out of this flow Finney's concept of the Holy Spirit as the agent by which we are enabled to live perfect and holy lives--through which we are justified before God and satisfy His divine justice. No teaching has been more thoroughly refuted and despised as this: that man is saved by works, not of grace or through faith.

In fact, I wonder that Finney mentions Christ at all! What need is there for a Savior if we are fully able to save ourselves? Indeed, Finney believes that Christ died to set an example for us, so we would not take God's mercy for granted and "continue in sin that grace may abound" (Rom. 6:1). Therefore the Son of God, the blessed Lord and Savior, has shed His precious blood for no greater reason than to show us what happens if we sin?! Such heresy has rarely been uttered even by the lips of the most defiled sinner! What is more distressing is that so many today actually BELIEVE this!

I do not despise Finney as a brother in Christ, nor do I deny that He was greatly used of God in his generation to awaken many to the need for godliness and faithfulness in these last days. But I DO deny that he taught the truth concerning salvation--indeed, that he had any semblance of understanding at all. This reaches far beyond the Arminian/Calvinist debate. This theological system is founded upon the most destructive of all heresies--the denial of salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not of works (Eph. 2:8-9). Let us not be like those who "seeing do not percieve and hearing do not understand" (Isa. 6:9).

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Arminianism, Beyond Heresy
Review: I first read Finney because of references to him in the works of A.W. Tozer (one of my favorite authors). Finney's life may have been Spirit-filled, but his understanding most certainly was not. I object to the reviewer who compares him to Jonathan Edwards--Finney takes his lawyer's mind and twists the scripture to fit his understanding of justice. His theology is indeed rational and logical--but it is in no way biblical. He proves that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing" (1 Cor. 1:18). Truly it was folly to Finney.

He plainly teaches against the graciousness of God and the saving power of the blood of Christ--arguing from a multiplicity of "laws" that Christ's sacrifice could not atone for our sins, but that we must pay the price for them ourselves by good works. Out of this flow Finney's concept of the Holy Spirit as the agent by which we are enabled to live perfect and holy lives--through which we are justified before God and satisfy His divine justice. No teaching has been more thoroughly refuted and despised as this: that man is saved by works, not of grace or through faith.

In fact, I wonder that Finney mentions Christ at all! What need is there for a Savior if we are fully able to save ourselves? Indeed, Finney believes that Christ died to set an example for us, so we would not take God's mercy for granted and "continue in sin that grace may abound" (Rom. 6:1). Therefore the Son of God, the blessed Lord and Savior, has shed His precious blood for no greater reason than to show us what happens if we sin?! Such heresy has rarely been uttered even by the lips of the most defiled sinner! What is more distressing is that so many today actually BELIEVE this!

I do not despise Finney as a brother in Christ, nor do I deny that He was greatly used of God in his generation to awaken many to the need for godliness and faithfulness in these last days. But I DO deny that he taught the truth concerning salvation--indeed, that he had any semblance of understanding at all. This reaches far beyond the Arminian/Calvinist debate. This theological system is founded upon the most destructive of all heresies--the denial of salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not of works (Eph. 2:8-9). Let us not be like those who "seeing do not percieve and hearing do not understand" (Isa. 6:9).

Rating:
Summary: excellent work but be prepared
Review: In reading through this book, I experienced a range of emotions. At first, I was confused because Finney spends an enormous amount of time building up a "toolbox" of principles that is not immediately apparent where he is going. Components of this toolbox you will have never encountered before and will sound very strange. Thus the first 1/4-1/3 of the book left me unsatisfied and to be honest, I almost stopped reading the book. But then, everything began to come together and I could see how incredibly powerful this toolbox that he developed was. He essentially formulates Christianity, in the tradtion of Jonathan Edwards, using a moral government framework, where loving God and loving our neighbor is the "law of love" that is required of all moral agents.

That probably sounds very abstract, but it will absolutely blow you away. During some parts of the book, I was nearly crying because I saw for the first time how deficient my previous understanding of Christianity was. This book ultimately completely transformed my walk and understanding of the Bible.

The book is very honest, and very well crafted. Unlike most Systematic Theologies, it reads like a fireball of reason.

I wish that everyone, both admirers and critics of Finney, would read this book in its entirety. Do not get discouraged in the first part, just be patient. It really will revolutionize your understanding of the gospel.

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Summary: Book reviews only please!
Review: It appears our anti-Finney scholar in Canada is striking at as many Finney books as he can, just pasting in his anti-Finney disgust. Have you read any of Finneys books? Give us a quote, something to go on. This is a book review section and I will clearly state that Finney found great success and admiration in preaching a commited lifestyle to Christ, not on the basis of works saving you but on commitment as the Bible speaks clearly of. Dont spend your life against someone who has done so much good. If you have something good, spread that around! But as it were some live a disgruntled life with one passion, to angrily refute anyone who doesn't acknowledge their doctrine.

Rating:
Summary: excellent work but be prepared
Review: It is true that Charles Finney was labeled a heretic even before his death. His holiness stance and doctrine on human depravity caught many people off gaurd. But what happened in the case of Finney has happen to many others as well, including Arminius, Wesley, and Fletcher. In fact, during the 1700 and 1800's Reformed theology was so well received that if anyone disagreed with it, they were labeled heretics and persecuted, sometimes to the point of death. These un-Christian acts could never line up with Scripture, which led many to question those of the Reform position as to why they would tolerate such evil acts toward their fellow man. This, in turn, led to a re-examination of Reformed theology and those who taught it, which is still on-going even today.

Understandably, many die-hard Calvinist are hell-bent on trying to hold on to their position in an age where Calvinism is slowing dying. But what is amazing is that they are either ignorant or just ignoring today's Calvinist scholarship altogether, and are continuing to live in the past. It is true that Charles Finney did not hold to a "sin nature" that was transferred from one human to the next. This was one of the main reasons he has been labeled a heretic. Nevertheless, current Calvinistic scholarship has started coming to some similar conclusions regarding "sin nature" on their own. This is even being taught in some calvinistic seminaries. One example of this is at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Douglas Moo, professor of New Testament and Theology, (who by the way is a 5-point calvinist) has question the historical teaching on "sin nature" in his Romans Commentary (New International Commentary, pp.316-329). He states, among other things, that original sin may be an "offense to reason" (check it out for yourselves). This is just one example of many.

The point here is that too many are too eager just to use the label "heretic" whenever it disagrees with what they believe or have been taught. Charles Finney's Systematic Theology is dynamic and very challenging, especially for Calvinist's. Nonetheless, it remains a classic in Christian theology. If one would take the time to read it and compare it to Scripture and current Scholarship (in and outside Reformed circles), one would see that there is more truth here than meets the eye. God's Spirit must lead in truth, not man's current understanding of theology. I highly recommend this book, not because I agree with everyting in it, but because it will truly cause a person to "make their calling and election sure." We are to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" and Finney's Systematic Theology helps one to do just that. There will always be those who will dismiss Finney just because of what history has said about him, but history is proving Finney less of a heretic year after year. Don't judge a book by it's cover.

With love and respect for all...

Rating:
Summary: The Theology of Revival - to help understand revival
Review: The most thorough and authoritative discussion I have ever seen. Though probably not for new christians as his language is very deep and legal sounding. Remember, Finney was a lawyer before his conversion. For those who know their bibles at all, this book will answer many questions and shed light on many "false" doctrines being shoved down peoples' throats in our churches today. These false doctrines dilute the effectiveness of the ministry and quench the fires of revival. It is no wonder that there is little true revival today. For anyone truly interested in revival (new christians included) let me recommend Finney's "Lectures on Revival" to learn how to have personal revival, then his "Autobiography of Charles Finney" to see real life examples of what happens when his theology is preached, and then return to this book, which is a must read after you understand the others. A word for those of you who criticize his theology: I wonder if any of you have truly read his works with an open mind (if at all), and whether you have the spiritual insight to realize that what you are preaching is NOT WORKING. Look at America today. Let's wake up and smell the coffee. God did not give us a powerless bible, for the gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth", Rom. 1:16.
Notice "to EVERYONE that BELIEVETH". Note 1) it was to everyone that believed and not just to those chosen, and 2) they believed, they didn't just sit and wait for God to come their way. As I quoted in other reviews, one preacher said, "They criticize his theology, but they can't match his power." Please just read the book.

Rating:
Summary: It is true -- Finney was a heretic
Review: To the modern preachers who preach the Cheap Grace gospel of optional obedience, Finney's work has to be blasphemy! Otherwise they are in BIG trouble on judgement day. Like Finney often said, show me a portion of scripture in the NT that implies we are to `continue' in sin after the New Birth. That we are somehow `Covered' by grace. Is grace license? God forbid!

What serious student of scripture can deny that Jesus demands total surrender and repentance to anyone who would follow Him? Does not the very word Faith itself imply obedience!? If Faith is the Substance of things hoped for and the `evidence' of things unseen...it's certainly something we do, not merely something we `know'. New Testament Faith is NOT merely a set of principle or beliefs, it is synonymous with DOING. That's why scripture clearly states that Faith W/O works is dead! In other words, it's NOT faith! Believing and doing are one in the same in scripture. Jesus says Few shall find eternal life, WHY? Because the gate is narrow and way difficult and FEW will commit to a life of obedience to the cross. He demands seven times in three gospels to COME, TAKE UP your cross, deny yourself and follow ME! How much clearer can it be? To Believe unto salvation you must Obey from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Then grace can regenerate the soul and empower you to walk in `Newness of life'. Of course it's free, but God can't forgive sin un-repented of, other Christ would become a `minister' of sin.

Why must the modern church insist `no one's perfect', so we all are to continue in sin, when Nothing in scripture supports this assertion? Man can choose to obey by his own volition. Why would Jesus demand obedience if we cannot provide it! How's that grace? And how can sin be anything more than what it is, `Transgression' of the law! (sin is NOT imputed when there is NO law!) We don't inherit it in our genes! That's heresy.

I challenge anyone to show me the scripture that claims we are free to `continue' in sin as Followers of Christ. A serious investigation of NT scripture will reveal exactly the opposite! The great apostle John himself says over and over again, he who makes a `practice' out of sin does NOT know HIM. And Paul concurs, it's sin unto death or OBEDIENCE unto righteousness. The New Birth alone should be enough to convince anyone of the need for total regeneration of the heart. The word is derived from Metamorphous, and what is that if NOT a total transformation from one state of being to another.

Modern peddles of `Cheap Grace' are committing nothing short of `spiritual abortion' on would be converts by sowing the Word on Stony ground where it NEVER takes root! Finney told people the truth and God poured out His Holy Spirit in abundance as He did at Pentecost. He shattered the non-sense doctrines of the lazy, lukewarm church of his day and speaks volumes to the `Laodiceans' of today. Cling to your precious doctrines of `optional' obedience and keep wondering why your Christianity fails to make a dent in the moral decay around you. It is without argument that Jesus calls us to His cross, in repentance and self-denial and then asks us to Follow HIM into eternity. If He obeyed for us, then WHY all the `warnings' and `ifs', in the NT? Why are we called upon over and over again to `'Examine ourselves" as to whether we are IN the Faith??? If the power of God cannot transform our sinful soul then what's the New Birth worth? No wonder Grace is so cheap to some people they treat it as license.

Instead of the Regenerating Power of Almighty God, it `covers' our sinfulness so we can keep on sinning with impunity! What non-sense. How are we the Salt of the Earth? The Light of the World? The leaven? How are to we to convince a wicked generation that Jesus has anything to offer if we ourselves `continue' to Walk in sin and hide behind `doctrine' ? Talk about hypocrisy.

The other gospel, is the one being preached in 98% of the churches across America today. `Cheap' and powerless...license to sin because no one is perfect! The point is NOT perfection...whether or not it can be achieved in this life...the POINT is OBEDIENCE!!! You CAN"T be saved unless you obey the gospel...didn't Jesus say so many, many times? If we were incapable of obedience then why would He ask for it. Why didn't he tell the rich young man to kneel and pray the `sinners prayer' if man was incapable of obedience? Why did Jesus tell him `There's ONE thing you lack' ? What was that ONE thing? TOTAL, ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE to Christ!

The ONE thing 99 % 9/10 of modern so called believers LACK. They have NEVER given themselves TOTALLY to Jesus because they were told they didn't have to! They were told all they have to do is `believe' and He does the rest. Of course `believing' is `knowing' NOT Coming or following and definitely NOT OBEYING! This is the very reason your churches are full of `Hearers' of the Word instead of `DOERS' !

But this is NOT the gospel Paul, John, Peter, James, etc preached. They preached total sell out to Jesus and lived IT, as did the early converts. To them the message was literal. Before the doctors of divinity had time to `construct' all their doctrines, men and women OBEYED from the heart, by soul saving faith, were delivered from their sin and transformed by GRACE! Now they stumble in darkness claiming license, even `shouting' it from the rooftops!

Call Finney a heretic all you want. Cling to your doctrines and keep preaching your cheap grace. One day we will all stand before HIM who judges men's hearts and only HIS WORD will matter.

The gantlet is thrown.