Lessons from the Life of John Newton

John Newton firmly believed that one of the primary causes of the widespread superficiality he saw in Christianity was a failure to understand the true gravity of man’s sin problem.  I think the same is true of our own time.  Newton continually emphasized that the mature Christian’s sense of personal sin increases over time.  We see this same awareness in the epistles of Paul in the New Testament.  Humility is one distinguishing mark of the true believer.  Assurance of God’s forgiveness is not inconsistent with a growing awareness of how sinful our hearts are.   

Newton was committed to Calvinistic beliefs, what are often referred to as “the doctrines of grace.”  In regard to Calvinism, Newton wrote, “The views I have received of the doctrines of grace are essential to my peace; I could not live comfortably a day, or an hour, without them.”  He considered Calvinism’s emphasis on the Lord’s sovereignty an indispensable part of a biblical understanding of God.  Yet, at the same time he acknowledged that true believers will see things differently, and he affirmed that Christains should bear with one another and not be divisive over this issue.  Concerning Newton’s warnings, Iain Murray wrote: “Some painful alienations between Christians in the eighteenth century would have been prevented had they been more widely heard.”  There is a strong revival of Calvinism occurring at the present moment, and Newton’s example is a good one to emulate. 

Newton was strongly influenced by the books he read.  The writings of Puritan authors like John Owen, Thomas Watson, and Richard Baxter had an enduring effect on him.  He was also familiar with the extraordinary writings of his contemporary, Jonathan Edwards.  Newton’s own books were to influence millions.  The works of the Puritans have been a lifeline for me over the years, and I hope to introduce you to some of them in the future.