John Newton Unashamed of the Doctrines of Grace

Joshua —  May 18, 2012 — 6 Comments

John Newton (1725-1807) in his preface to “Olney Hymns” speaks of his unashamedness of the Doctrines of Grace.

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. I likewise believe, yea, so far as my poor attainments warrant me to speak, I know them to be friendly to holiness, and to have a direct influence in producing and maintaining a gospel conversation, and therefore I must not be ashamed of them.

It is from Newton’s understanding of God’s sovereign grace that he penned the famous “Amazing Grace”.

I find great encouragement from Newton’s unashamedness of the Doctrines of Grace and hope this quote encourages you as well.

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Joshua

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I am a disciple of the risen Christ Jesus, husband to Libby, grad student, blogger.
  • http://mikeleake.net Mike Leake

    Joshua,

    Keep spending time with John Newton. Great stuff for us young Calvinists. He had a wonderful balance of being convinced of the doctrines of grace and confident in his Calvinism but at the same time consistent and understanding that grace also holds those who differ from him. He preached passionately and desired all to be Calvinists because he believed it would further their joy and comfort in Christ–but at the end of the day he knew that their growth in grace was the Lord’s work.

    • http://www.thedailybleat.com/ Joshua Breland

      Mike,

      Thank for the encouragement! I will be diving into some Newton very soon. Do you have a suggestion to begin my Newton journey?

      • http://mikeleake.net Mike Leake

        If you are looking for a biography then the one by Jonathan Aitken is pretty good, as is the older one by Josiah Bull. I’ve also enjoyed one by Bruce Hindmarsh.

        If you want to read Newton himself, start with his letters and then read some of his Olney Hymns. Wise Counsel edited by Grant Gordon is a wonderful resource to show the interaction between John Ryland Jr. and John Newton.

        There really isn’t a bad place to start. Though I would maybe say start with letters/poems instead of his sermons and other writings.

        • http://www.thedailybleat.com/ Joshua Breland

          Thanks Mike, I will start with his letters and hymns.

  • http://www.facebook.com/shawn.thomas.184 Shawn Thomas

    I liked this quote by Newton, which might serve as a good balance to the one above.

    “And I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility that they are willing in words to debase the creature, and to all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of. Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self righteousness can feed upon doctrines, as well as upon works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace. Yea, I would add, the best of men are not wholly free from this leaven; and therefore are too apt to be pleased with such representations as hold up our adversaries to ridicule, and by consequence flatter our own superior judgments. Controversies, for the most part, are so managed as to indulge rather than to repress this wrong disposition; and therefore, generally speaking, they are productive of little good. They provoke those whom they should convince, and puff up those whom they should edify.”
    (John Newton)

    • http://www.thedailybleat.com/ Joshua Breland

      Not sure any “balance” is necessitated by the first quote but the second quote sure is true! ;)

      I look forward to reading more wisdom from Newton.