March 10, 1748 - John Newton Becomes a Christian

John Newton (1725–1807), engraving. Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

On March 10, 1748, John Newton experienced the turning point that would define the rest of his life. A sailor involved in the transatlantic slave trade, Newton found himself in the midst of a violent storm at sea. Convinced that death was imminent, he cried out to God for mercy. He later marked that date annually as the day “the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters.”

Though his spiritual growth unfolded gradually, Newton eventually left the slave trade, became an Anglican minister, and wrote numerous hymns. His most famous, “Amazing Grace,” emerged from his profound awareness of sin and redemption. The hymn’s opening line—“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”—captures Newton’s understanding of divine mercy.

Newton’s later ministry also included vocal opposition to slavery, influencing figures such as William Wilberforce. His life illustrates both the depth of human brokenness and the transformative power of grace.

March 10 became, for Newton, a personal spiritual anniversary—a reminder that conversion is not merely a moment of emotion, but the beginning of a lifelong journey shaped by gratitude and obedience.