John Newton, the author of the great favorite hymn: Amazing Grace, wrote about signs that accompany salvation. According to his biographer, it was written in 1799. (John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken) He also encouraged William Wilberforce to continue his fight against the slave trade.
Contrite spirit: God is gracious to those who tremble at the Word of God and have contrite hearts. (Isaiah 66:2) John Newton writes that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Sadness because of the sinful nature, and not fear of the consequences of sin is the result of a contrite spirit.
Simple faith: It is not artificial, hypocritical, and deceitful faith. It is not worldly repentance, but godly repentance accompanied by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 7:10) Such a person’s sins are forgiven, and his spirit is without guile. Nathanael was an Israelite without guile. (John 1:47) A Christian believer should be without guile.
Gentle and gracious tempest: When a person is transformed by Lord Jesus Christ, is not easily offended. He could easily reconcile with others. There is no anger, resentment, or bitterness. He is willing to forgive others willingly, as he has experienced forgiveness. Lord taught about the unforgiving servant who received forgiveness from the king for ten thousand talents (6 crore or 60 million rupees) but was not willing to forgive his colleague who owed 100 denarii (one hundred rupees). (Matthew 18:21-35) If God’s forgiveness is valued at ten thousand talents, human forgiveness is just one hundred denarii.
Benevolence and kindness: A transformed person overcomes all selfish desires. Magnanimity and benevolence mark a believer. The attitude, words, behavior, and relationships are expressions of kindness.
Spiritual mind: A believer is weaned from the world and its poor toys, writes Newton and has a deep thirst for communion with God. A believer with a renewed mind refuses to follow the fashions, trends, and traditions of the world but instead discerns God’s will that is good, pleasing, and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Are these signs evident in my life?