Changes

At the age of 22, Newton - a wretched sinner, was converted from a daring blasphemer of God into a devout believer in Christ. His "great deliverance" took place on March 21st, 1748 while sailing back to England from Africa. He and the crew of the “Greyhound"- a cargo ship were caught in a violent storm. Battered by monstrous winds and beaten by mountainous waves, the tired sailors, like their torn sails, were helpless as they battled against the raging seas, trying desperately to save their badly leaking boat and rapidly sinking vessel.  

At the age of 22, Newton - a wretched sinner, was converted from a daring blasphemer of God into a devout believer in Christ. His "great deliverance" took place on March 21st, 1748 while sailing back to England from Africa. He and the crew of the “Greyhound"- a cargo ship were caught in a violent storm. Battered by monstrous winds and beaten by mountainous waves, the tired sailors, like their torn sails, were helpless as they battled against the raging seas, trying desperately to save their badly leaking boat and rapidly sinking vessel.  

For the young seaman, however, the day of salvation was here; the hour of decision had arrived; the moment of truth was at hand. In the midst of the chaos and the confusion, the frenzy and the fear, Newton called on the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, crying out in genuine repentance for the Redeemer's tender mercies. And God saved him.

For the young seaman, however, the day of salvation was here; the hour of decision had arrived; the moment of truth was at hand. In the midst of the chaos and the confusion, the frenzy and the fear, Newton called on the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, crying out in genuine repentance for the Redeemer's tender mercies. And God saved him.  He did not, however, release the slaves, as is sometimes reported.  The new Christian sold his fellow humans when he returned to land.

Seven years later Newton, a growing disciple, turned his back on the sea and “the business at which his heart shuddered”. Over the next four years, he searched the Scriptures daily and studied its truths diligently. On December 16th, 1758, he surrendered his life to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Seven years later Newton, a growing disciple, turned his back on the sea and “the business at which his heart shuddered”. Over the next four years, he searched the Scriptures daily and studied its truths diligently. On December 16th, 1758, he surrendered his life to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.