I believe J. C. Ryle presented this as a lecture at some point. He gives a very direct description of Whitefield's life and ministry. He affirmed something mentioned in the movie, "He was immortal until his work was done." Whitefield preached a clear and concise gospel. He addressed man's complete ruin by sin, man's complete redemption by Christ and complete justification before God by faith in Christ, and man's need of regeneration by the spirit. His cry was convicting, "While ye were sinners, Christ died for you." He explained the transaction: the just for the unjust. He asserted even the vilest sinner could stand complete and righteous before the throne of God through Jesus' sprinkled blood that washes the blackest sins away. One has only to believe and be saved, to ask and receive, to wash and be clean. This is the pure and true gospel.
One thing I loved about the movie was the clear doctrine of the new birth. Once saved, as is evident in baptism, one is buried with Christ, washed and cleansed, and raised with him, a new creature. The Holy Spirit enters in and guides one in sanctification. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a seal of inheritance, proving one is born into God's family. Physically and spiritually, you cannot be unborn after He has sealed you with a promise of eternal life. How I want to emulate Whitefield's persistent goal, that his own name perish, so long as Christ only is exalted!
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