For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
This year marks the 212th anniversary of the beginning of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which wasn’t fully realized until 1833.
John Newton was a slave trader, buying African men and women taken as slaves by other African tribes. He later wrote that if half the slaves survived the journey from Africa to England to be sold, it was considered a prosperous trip.
Newton sank so low in his evil venture that he ended up a slave to another slave trader himself before escaping and giving his life over to Jesus Christ. After becoming a pastor, he wrote the most famous hymn in the Western world, “Amazing Grace.” Some historians believe the tune was probably a common west African melody Newton heard his cargo singing.
A year after being elected to the British parliament, William Wilberforce was born again. His faith in Christ and study of the Bible led him to oppose slavery for the rest of his adult life. He worked tirelessly on the merits of Scripture alone, depleting his social standing and his finances.
Over the years, Wilberforce and Newton became close friends and allies. During a time of many political defeats and a bout of depression, Wilberforce visited his old, blind, and physically ailing friend. Ready to give up the fight to outlaw slavery, Newton took Wilberforce’s hand and said, “Only two things I know for sure: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour.” Wilberforce was recharged for the political battle and went on to fulfill his God-ordained destiny.
Slavery still exists. The United Nations estimated in 2018 that more than 30 million people were slaves across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Many of them are Christians.
Be certain, slavery is evil, but the slavery of sin is the greatest evil. Sin opposes the very nature of God. It damns the sinner to Hell for an eternity separated from God. Few of us will rise as politicians like Wilberforce or preachers like Newton, but let us each desire, seek, and proclaim freedom from sin through faith in Jesus Christ for ourselves and to our neighbors.
Where Living Begins 