Today, Dr. Keith Palmer gives insight into a model from church history who has encouraged him both in his personal life and in his work as a biblical counselor: John Newton.
John Newton is most famously known for writing the hymn “Amazing Grace”, but his life and ministry extend far beyond one hymn. After turning against the faith he was brought up in, Newton went down a wicked and dark path, most notably working as a slave ship captain. But God graciously redeemed him and transformed his heart, using his experience to minister to so many people.
Following his conversion, Newton faithfully served for over forty years as a pastor in England. He wrote over a thousand hymns and authored more than a thousand letters of biblical counseling and pastoral care. These letters became one of his most impactful ministries, as people were drawn to the grace of God that so radically changed Newton’s life.
Through his ministry, Newton developed a rich theology of suffering that became the backbone of his overall theology. Often, he used the topic of suffering as an on-ramp to help others grasp further theological truths.
Suffering as a Disguised Mercy
Drawing from passages such as 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh, Newton taught that suffering is an opportunity for Christ’s power to be displayed. He reminded believers that in all things, even their suffering, God is sovereign and works all things for the good of His children.
Speaking Love in Truth
When speaking to others, it is not just what is said that is important, but how it is said. Newton is an exemplary example of speaking truth in love. He modeled a balance of truth and compassion, speaking with comfort and encouragement that points directly to Christ. He kept the perspective on the eternal reward to come, which gives the grace Christians need to endure trials now.
Christ’s Sufficiency in Counseling
At the heart of Newton’s theology was the call to fully trust Christ in all things. When trials emerge and plans go to the wayside, he urges believers to rest in knowing that God is wise, good, and gracious through it all. In one of his letters, he writes, “How happy are they who can resign all to Him to see His hand in every dispensation, and to believe that He chooses better for them than they possibly could choose for themselves.”
John Newton and his theology of suffering serves as a great encouragement to all biblical counselors, whether in their personal lives or in their vocation as a counselor.
