Today is the anniversary of John Newton’s conversion. His story demonstrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For, at the helm of that storm-tossed boat on March 21, 1748 was a day Newton remembered for the rest of his life, because:

“On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out of deep waters.”

Many years later, as an old man, Newton wrote in his diary of March 21, 1805:

“Not well able to write; but I endeavor to observe the return of this day with humiliation, prayer, and praise.” Only God’s amazing grace could and would take a rude, profane, slave-trading sailor and transform him into a child of God.”

Newton never ceased to stand in awe of God’s work in his life.