A clear view of our completely gracious salvation often comes gradually in the experience even of sincere and earnest Christians. That God’s grace alone is responsible for anyone being saved now and forever can seem inconsistent with other aspects of biblical truth before we become more fully enlightened by the Spirit on these things. In this ninth letter of 41 on religious subjects, John Newton wrote to help a brother in the Lord see things more clearly. My abridged paraphrase follows with corresponding paragraphs, but the original is a masterpiece.
“Chosen and Kept for Salvation by God’s Grace Alone”
1. Your letter breathes a Christian spirit though you deny being a Calvinist. Only your request for my comment on our doctrinal differences constrains me to give it. I am encouraged by your respect for Scripture as determinative. Much has already been written to prove the doctrines of grace and answer objections, so I will only share from my first thoughts a few hints toward the truth. I pray the Spirit will help me to edify you by my reply.
2. An important biblical text to remember is John 3.27, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” This reminds us that God alone can grant us spiritual illumination in His truth. There is a place for dialogue and deep thinking about doctrinal issues, but really grasping the deep things of God in a life-changing way depends solely on His sovereign mercy to us. Forgetting that makes us unprofitably combative. You seem to desire a better understanding from the Lord, and I believe, therefore, that you will receive it (Prov 4.18).
3. We should add serious Bible study to our prayers for more light. I recommend four rules to you. First, avoid interpreting any verse separate from the whole tenor of biblical teaching. As the word of God, Scripture is perfectly consistent with itself. Any contradiction is only due to our misunderstanding. Interpreting every biblical statement in the light of the whole is called the analogy of faith. This is a master key that unlocks many hard passages.
4. A second rule, always subject to the first, is to consult experience, both your own and others’. When struggling with interpretive options, consider which seem more consistent with God’s dealings with His people.
5. Keep in mind also, thirdly, that when Calvinism begins to make sense to you except for a few objections you cannot yet answer, there may be stronger objections to the views of its opponents. We must seek to make the best spiritual use of the light we have even when we cannot explain and resolve every difficulty associated with it that might be raised.
6. And finally, note well and fairly the tendencies of different opinions. Whatever tends to glorify God, humble man, promote holy love, and make us more dependent upon God’s grace and faithfulness must be true. Notwithstanding the unfair accusations that have been lodged along these lines, Calvinists have nothing to fear. Our principles, rightly understood and applied, are the best principles for these praiseworthy effects.
7. You raised objections to the doctrine of election—that God has chosen some in particular for salvation. No one can deny that Scripture speaks of election, sometimes in very strong terms. Romans 9 is such a good example that many evade the truth about election by avoiding it! I know some have tried to weaken the interpretation, but remember the second rule I proposed and consider the effect of their excuses. How could a human nature as corrupt as ours be converted without an election of grace? Who takes the initiative, God or the sinner? The only possible answer is that God does! Didn’t He seek you before you were seeking Him? Isn’t He the one who made you willing to be saved? Why doubt that it is the same way with all real Christians? The fact that many remain unconverted and perish proves that election is limited to the saved. We ourselves used to be in the broad road to destruction, just like them, and surely you will humbly admit that only God’s grace made the difference in us.
8. Now concerning the question of whether those saved at present shall persevere to the end and be saved at last, at least we can agree that perseverance is necessary. Coupling this with an awareness of our own weakness, our great enemies, and the danger of life in this evil world, we surely want to know that our faith, obedience, and hope are not pointless. Only debilitating distress would follow from thinking that the outcome finally depends on us! Those who argue for self-preservation should lament their depressing doctrine! But if we are kept secure by God’s grace alone, this truth glorifies Him, so it is little wonder that unspiritual people oppose it. Why, then, are earnest Christians afraid to believe it, when it could help them so much? Either they are too impressed by false teachers, or they know some Calvinists who fell away from God, or they remember certain places in Scripture that seem to be against it. However, with more light it is seen as biblical in all respects. Please compare Luke 18.28–20 with Philippians 1.6, Hebrews 7.25 with Romans 8.34–39, and John 14.19 with John 15.1–2 and John 4.14. These passages assure you, my believing friend, that you are eternally secure in the care of Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.
9. Gracious election and preservation both tend to exalt Christ above ourselves. The respective emphases observable in those who hold and oppose these doctrines illustrate this. Opponents emphasize their experience. Adherents emphasize the greatness of our Savior. Yes, we believe and repent and persevere, but all this is only Christ’s kindness and power in us.
10. And if any adherents are morally loose, it is owing to their sin, and not the influence of the blessed doctrines they profess. Signed, JN.
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John Newton’s complete original letter is a fragrant and exquisite statement of truth difficult to abridge. His own conspicuous, consistent piety commends the doctrine he champions. May it be so with us. Ω