Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ

by Tony Reinke

When Newton’s stages of maturity are put together, they form a robust picture of Christian growth. In order to see the stages, it may be helpful to briefly review the categories individually: Maturity moves away from a self-centered life and toward a gospel-simple, God-centered orientation aimed at God’s glory. Maturity moves away from a circumstantially centered roller coaster of emotions and toward a disciplined life rooted in daily spiritual habits. Maturity moves away from a legalistic, works-oriented relationship with God and toward a stable, gospel-centered security in Christ. Maturity moves away from a self-centered evaluation of the assurance of salvation and toward a firm confidence in Christ as the ground of assurance. Maturity moves away from exalted thoughts of self and toward lower and more humbled opinions of self and greater awareness of the remaining sin within. Maturity moves away from the impulse to correct others in harsh arrogance and toward a humbled and loving correction of others motivated by a deep sense of the worth of souls. Maturity moves away from a fearful apprehension about life’s circumstances and toward a confidence in God’s sovereign orchestration over every detail in life. Maturity moves away from worldly securities and toward an increasing willingness to leave this world in the Lord’s timing.