Words on a Church Wall

Words on a church wall

“ John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

John Newton was an example of those who would try to destroy faith in Jesus.
In his youth Newton was a seaman and slave trader who to quote one source had a mouth that was “a cesspool of profanity.” Someone who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported.
He deserted the British Royal Navy was caught and flogged and became a slave of a sadistic slave woman in Africa.
After experiencing all of this Newton was saved and became one of England’s greatest preachers author of thousands of hymns, including Amazing grace.
It was said that late in his life he told his friend “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
I can write volumes on why someone should become a Christian. On what it is to be Christian and the promise of eternal life that is free to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
That being said I cannot force anyone to believe or take them by the hand and lead them into heaven. We all must make that decision for ourselves.
We all like John Newton must be able to say,
“I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”
Belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ is a personal thing. It is between the individual and God.
God I believe gives us a lifetime to decide where we put our faith. In Atheism that promises us nothing or in Christ who promises us eternal life with a just and loving God. The decision is up to you.
Think about it.