What John Newton Taught Me About Money (Spoiler: He Gave It Away)

What John Newton Taught Me About Money (Spoiler: He Gave It Away)

How a slave trader's transformation reveals the secret to generous living

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me..."

You've probably sung those words a many times. But have you ever wondered about the man who wrote them? More specifically, have you ever wondered how John Newton handled money after his dramatic conversion?

The answer might surprise you, and it definitely changed how I think about stewardship.

The Wretch in Question

John Newton wasn't just any sinner. He was a slave trader who profited from human misery on an industrial scale. For years, he transported kidnapped Africans across the Atlantic, viewing them not as human beings but as cargo.

Newton was driven by one thing: profit.

He accumulated significant wealth through one of the most horrific industries in human history. By any measure, Newton was financially successful.

He was also spiritually bankrupt.

The Storm That Changed Everything

On March 10, 1748, Newton's ship encountered a violent storm that nearly destroyed it. Facing death, something broke in Newton's heart. He cried out to God, perhaps for the first time in his life.

That storm didn't immediately transform Newton (his full conversion took years), but it began a process that would revolutionize not just his soul, but his relationship with money.

The Grace Discovery

After his conversion, Newton made a discovery that changed everything about how he handled money:

"I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be."

Newton understood that everything in his life—including his financial resources—was a gift of undeserved grace.

This wasn't just theological theory for Newton. It was a personal reality. He had been saved from a life of evil and given a new purpose. How could he respond with anything less than radical generosity?

The Great Giveaway

Here's what Newton did with his money after his conversion:

He gave most of it away.

As a pastor, Newton could have lived comfortably. But he chose to support theological education, help the poor, and fund the movement to abolish slavery in England.

When people asked him why he gave so much away, Newton would reference his amazement at grace:

"If I ever reach heaven, I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third, the greatest wonder of all—to find myself there."

Newton never got over the fact that he had been saved. And that wonder fueled his generosity.

The Newton Principle

From studying Newton's life, I've discovered what I call the "Newton Principle":

Generous living isn't about what God wants FROM you—it's about what God wants FOR you.

Newton didn't give it because he had to. He gave it because he wanted to. Grace had transformed his heart so completely that keeping money for himself felt like hoarding treasure when there was a kingdom to build.

This challenges everything our culture teaches about money:

• Culture says: "You earned it, you deserve it."
• Newton said: "I deserved hell, but got heaven instead."
• Culture says: "Look out for number one."
• Newton said: "Christ looked out for me when I was His enemy."
• Culture says: "Money equals security."
• Newton said: "God is my security; money is just a tool."

What Newton Knew That We Don't

Newton understood something that most modern Christians miss: your money reveals your theology.

Think about it:

• If you believe God owns everything, you'll give generously.
• If you believe God will provide, you won't hoard fearfully.
• If you believe eternity matters more than time, you'll invest accordingly.

But if you believe (even subconsciously) that your security comes from your savings account, that your worth equals your wealth, and that this life is all there is, well, you'll give like most Christians give.

Less than 2% of their income.

The Newton Challenge

Newton's example raises some uncomfortable questions:

1. Does your giving reflect amazement at grace, or obligation to a rule?
2. Are you more excited about your retirement account or your kingdom investment?
3. If you lost everything tomorrow, would your identity be shaken?
4. Does your money serve your agenda or God's agenda?

A Modern Application

I'm not suggesting you have to give away 90% of your income like Newton did. But I am suggesting we ask ourselves Newton's fundamental question:

"If I'm saved by grace alone, shouldn't that grace transform how I handle everything, including money?"

For Newton, the answer was a resounding yes.

He wrote "Amazing Grace" not just as a song, but as a lifestyle. Every dollar he gave away was a note in that song, a tangible expression of gratitude for undeserved mercy.

The Newton Legacy

Newton died in 1807 with little money in the bank. But his legacy includes:

• The abolitionist movement he helped inspire
• Countless pastors trained through ministries he supported
• Churches planted using principles he taught about generous living
• "Amazing Grace" sung by millions for over 200 years

Newton chose eternal impact over temporal accumulation. And 200+ years later, his investment is still paying dividends.

What About You?

I'm currently researching these principles for a book I'm writing on biblical stewardship. Newton's story is just one of many examples of Christians who discovered that generous living brings more joy than anxious accumulation.

But here's my question for you: What would change in your financial life if you truly believed that everything you have is a gift of grace?

What if Newton was right, that generous living isn't about what God wants from you, but what God wants for you?

The Amazing Grace Challenge

This week, I challenge you to sing "Amazing Grace" with Newton's story in mind. Remember that the man who wrote those words gave away most of his money because he couldn't get over the fact that he had been saved.

Then ask yourself: Does my giving reflect that same amazement at grace?

Because if Newton taught me anything, it's this: When you truly understand grace, generosity becomes inevitable.

What do you think about Newton's approach to money? Does his story challenge or encourage you? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about how historical Christians handled money and stewardship, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter. I'm working on a comprehensive resource that I think you'll find transformative.

Photo: Hymnal