John Newton
From Slave Trader to Hymn Writer
John Newton, a man who earned the nickname "The Great Blasphemer," was a notorious figure in his early years, known for his rebellious life on the seas and involvement in the slave trade. Born in 1725 to a devout Christian mother and an unbelieving sea captain father, Newton’s early life was filled with the tension between his mother’s faith and the harsh realities of his father’s world. After his mother died when he was just seven, Newton's life took a dark turn. By the time he was in his teens, he had fully embraced a life of profanity and rebellion, even as God providentially spared him from the worst of the sailors' vices.
But Newton’s journey toward faith was as tumultuous as the seas he sailed. He faced life-threatening storms, near-starvation, and time as a slave to African slaves. It wasn’t until a violent storm at sea that he cried out to God, beginning the long road to salvation. Though not immediately converted, Newton’s life started to change as he grappled with the weight of his sin. Over time, he fully embraced Christ’s grace and went on to become a beloved pastor and hymn writer.
One of Newton’s most enduring contributions to the Christian faith is the hymn "Amazing Grace," a personal testimony of his life transformed by God’s mercy. Newton’s story is not just one of personal redemption but also of a man who played a key role in ending the slave trade, mentoring young reformers like William Wilberforce. This episode will explore how God used Newton’s remarkable transformation to bring glory to Himself and inspire generations with the power of grace.
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 17