Blogotional
>> Absent miraculous signs, how can Finney's or anyone else's experience be established as a genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit?
Is this the major point of your concern? Finney experienced miraculous signs so the question appears to be an 'objective reality' straw dog. Objective reality precludes the miraculous because Aristotle has cleaved reality into three separate parts, science, ethics, and theology. Can't you see from that perspective that God doesn't have any connection with science, which is to say 'experience'.
From the biblical perspective, the question is really just between you and God, and you just need to be a faithful witness to your interaction with Him. Don't go getting it judged by a committee with pointy hats.
Salvation is assured .. Romans 10:9
The Holy Spirit manifests in many ways, some of which are recorded:
Acts 19
Finney knew. You'll know.
Blessings,
The answer is:
Read "On religious Affections" by Edwards.
By far the best discussion of "How can you discern a true work of Grace?" is Edwards Religious Affections.
Being from the Vineyard, I have contemplated this for years. The answer is Moral Beauty. Holiness is the only fruit of the work of Grace be it subsequent on-going grace or conversion. I think the "baptism" paradigm is very mis-guided. I think the conscious work of the Spirit is to be a regular experience not just a one time event. Another great book on the subject is Lloyd-Jones commentary on Romans 8:4ff. His sermons on 8:14-16 are just great and full of many journal entries.
John, as I read it the 'Baptism of the Holy Spirit' was for witnesing and soul-winning...
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
If this is the case and I believe it is, then Finney was filled to overflowing!
I have a post on Finney at my Blog.
GBYAY
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