Dead Folk You Should Know: George Whitfield (1714–1770)

Jesus: ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ What difference could true spiritual life make to a preacher and two nations? Colin Reed introduces us to one of the greatest figures in church history:

George Whitfield was probably the most famous religious leader of the 18th century.

It was an era of scientific discovery, and theology reflected this as scholars looked at the universe and deduced from that a Creator, a God of order. This was ‘natural religion’; Jesus and Scripture took second place. They reasoned that God wanted moral order and preached that, but not a Gospel of grace, nor the need for repentance.

Into this environment the Wesley brothers and their contemporary, George Whitfield, brought the wonderful Gospel of Jesus.

Whitfield was part of the ‘Holy Club’ at Oxford University who sought God and lived a disciplined life. He read a book which convinced him of the need to be born again of the Spirit, and was converted. He was ordained in the Church of England in 1736, and two years later travelled to America, the first of seven trips he made to the colonies there. There he began to preach out of doors to large crowds. Benjamin Franklin would later print his sermons.

But most of his ministry was travelling round England, Scotland, and Wales, preaching to thousands of people. He also had a ministry to the wealthy and privileged in London through his friendship with a Countess, who made him her personal Chaplain and invited her friends to hear him preach.

Whitfield was a dramatic and emotional preacher, and had a voice that could be heard over great distances. But that was not his only appeal; it was his message, so different from what many had heard before. He proclaimed Christ as Saviour, the need for repentance and conversion, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for a changed life. ‘Whitfield and the Wesley brothers between them were transforming the religious world of the English-speaking peoples’. (Prof. G. Blainey)

John 3 concludes: 'Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.’ (John 3:36).

If you’re not certain you’re born again, join us for the Explaining Christianity course starting Sunday, 18th October at 4:00 PM.

Grace and peace,
Mark