Heavenly Springs

Holding Fast The Doctrines of Grace

News of a Better World by John Newton

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Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Dear Brother,

Blessed be God for the news of a better world, where there will be no sin, trouble, nor defect forever!

What shall it be — when the Lord shall call us up to join with those who are now singing before the eternal throne!

What shall it be — when all the children of God, who in different ages and countries have been scattered abroad — shall be all gathered together, and enter into that glorious and eternal rest provided for them!

What shall it be — when there shall not be one trace of sin or sorrow remaining — not one discordant note to be heard, nothing to disturb or defile, or alleviate the never-ceasing joy!

Many a weary step we have taken, since the Lord first drew us to Himself; but we shall not have to tread the past way over again. Some difficulties may remain — but we know not how few. Perhaps before we are aware, the Lord may cut short our conflict and say, “Come up hither!” At the most, it cannot be very long! He who has been with us thus far — will be with us to the end. He knows how to cause our consolations to exceed our greatest afflictions!

And when we get safely home — we shall not complain that we have suffered too much along the way. We shall not say, “Is this all I get — after so much trouble?” No! When we awake in that glorious world, we shall in an instant — be satisfied with His likeness. One sight of Jesus as He is — will fill our hearts, and dry up all our tears!

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Letters of John Newton

That Monster Self

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I don’t know about you, but I can relate …

“My chief and abiding trial lies within; and I hope that the Lord will sanctify it — to make me by degrees ‘little’ in my own eyes. I long to be able to use Job’s words, with the same feeling as I believe Job had when he spoke them, “Behold, I am vile!” (Job 40:4.)

The acknowledgment in words is quite easy — but really and in good earnest to “abhor myself” and repent in dust and ashes — is most difficult. I know that I ought to be humbled before Him — but I want to be so indeed.

 But that monster SELF has as many heads as a Hydra — and as many lives as a cat! It is more than 25 years since I hoped it was fast nailed to the cross — but alas, it is still very much alive — and still mixing with, and spoiling everything I do!

”

“(N.B. A ‘Hydra’ is a mythical multi-headed monster, whose heads re-grew after they were cut off.)”

Letters of John Newton, 1775

HT:  GraceGems

You would pity me indeed

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Another honest assessment by John Newton.

“Dear friend,

Wickedness prevails and increases in our city to a dreadful degree! Our streets are filled with the sons of Belial, who neither fear God, nor regard man. I wish my heart was more affected with what my eyes see and my ears hear every day! I am often ready to fear lest the Lord should show His displeasure in some dreadful way!

And surely, if He were strict to mark all that is amiss—I myself would tremble! Oh, were He to plead against me—I could not answer Him one word! Alas! my dear friend, you know not what a poor, unprofitable, unfaithful creature I am! If you knew the evils which I feel within, and the snares and difficulties which beset me from without –you would pity me indeed.

So much forgiven—yet so little love to Jesus.

So many mercies—yet so few returns.

Such great privileges—yet a life so sadly below them.

Indwelling sin presses me downwards; when I would do good, evil is present with me! I can attempt nothing—but it is debased, polluted and spoiled by my depraved nature! My sins of omission are innumerable. In a word, there is . . .
much darkness in my understanding,
much perverseness in my will,
much disorder in my affections,
much folly and madness in my imagination!

In short, I am a riddle to myself—a heap of inconsistency!

Alas! when shall it be otherwise? I have a desire of walking with God—but I cannot attain unto it. Surely it is far better to depart, and to be with Jesus Christ—than to live here up to the ears in sin and temptation!

But, “We have an Advocate with the Father.” Here my hope revives! Though wretched in myself—I am complete in Him!He is my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. On this “Rock” I build—for time and eternity!”

HT: Grace Gems

“A Brand Plucked out of the Fire”

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This is an excerpt from a hymn penned by John Newton, an English preacher and former slave trader.

Also the author of Amazing Grace, John Newton’s writings reveal  the kind of man that Paul speaks of in the first chapter of Ephesians.  Redeemed by the blood. Forgiven of his trespasses. Lavished by grace in all wisdom and insight.

As a former slave trader, I would imagine John Newton to be uniquely qualified to know the preciousness of Christ. Jesus said, “he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47b). John Newton was forgiven much.

Matthew Henry tells us, “When we stand before God, to minister to him, or stand up for God, we must expect to meet all the resistance Satan’s subtlety and malice can give. Satan is checked by one that has conquered him, and many times silenced him. Those who belong to Christ, will find him ready to appear for them, when Satan appears most strongly against them. A converted soul is a brand plucked out of the fire by a miracle of free grace, therefore shall not be left a prey to Satan.”

Today these words remind me that my guilt has been taken away. My sins have been pardoned.  I have been clothed in a robe of righteousness and He, Jesus, has become my salvation. I am, like John Newton, and every other blood washed saint, “a brand plucked out of the fire.”

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“1  With Satan, my accuser, near,
My spirit trembled when I saw
The Lord in majesty appear,
And heard the language of his law.

2  In vain I wish’d and strove to hide
The tatter’d, filthy rags I wore;
While my fierce foe insulting cry’d,
‘See what you trusted in before!’

3  Struck dumb, and left without a plea,
I heard my gracious Saviour say,
‘Know, Satan, I this sinner free,
I died to take his sins away.

4  This is a brand which I, in love,
To save from wrath and sin design,
In vain thy accusations prove;
I answer all, and claim him mine.’

5  At his rebuke the tempter fled;
Then he remov’d my filthy dress;
‘Poor sinner, take this robe,’ he said,
‘It is thy Saviour’s righteousness.

6  And see, a crown of life prepar’d!
That I might thus my head adorn;
I thought no shame of suff’ring hard,
But wore for thee a crown of thorn.’

7  O how I heard these gracious words!
They broke and heal’d my heart at once;
Constrain’d me to become the Lord’s,
And all my idol-gods renounce.

8  Now, Satan, thou hast lost thy aim,
Against this brand thy threats are vain;
Jesus has pluck’d it from the flame,
And who shall put it in again?

John Newton, “The Works of the Rev John Newton”

HT:  Hail and Fire