AMAZING GRACE

AMAZING GRACE

 The classic hymn, “Amazing Grace,” is arguably the most beloved hymn of Christendom.  Its highly inspirational message has a phenomenal impact on Christians everywhere; this popular hymn is estimated to be sung in churches at least 10 million times every year.

 Interestingly enough, “Amazing Grace” was written by a former enslaver of Africans.  John Newton was a Londoner, born in 1725 to a Puritan mother who died just before his seventh birthday, and to a stern ship-captain-father who took him to sea at the tender age of eleven.  John became a rough and rowdy sailor with a reputation for having a foul mouth and an appetite for all things immoral.  He seemed to hate life and he was convinced that life detested him.  Following many sea voyages and a reckless youth, Newton was impressed into the British navy.  After attempting to desert from the navy, he was brutally beaten with eight dozen lashes and reduced to the rank of seaman. 

 While serving later on The Pegasus, a slave ship, Newton seemed perpetually at odds with the crew, which eventually left him in West Africa with Amos Clowe, an enslaver.  Later on, John Newton became captain of his own slave ship.  At some point, he came across a copy of Thomas a Kempis’ “The Imitation of Christ.”  When Newton accepted Christ as Savior, he travelled all over England sharing his faith. 

 However, 34 years passed before he formally renounced his former sinful profession in a pamphlet entitled, “Thoughts Upon the Slave Trade.”  In it, he described the inhumane conditions on slave ships and sincerely apologized for participating in that horrific trade.  He wrote, “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.”  Newton’s pamphlet was so popular that it was reprinted several times and distributed to every member of Parliament.  It was directly influential in outlawing slavery in Great Britain in 1807, with the help of the Christian leader, William Wilberforce. 

 Sometimes God uses those who have fallen very deeply into sin to proclaim the most unique, anointed and clear messages of gospel grace.  Undoubtedly, “Amazing Grace” is the spiritual capstone of John Newton’s ministry, and its awesome lyrics are printed below:

 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

 

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun;

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’ve first begun.

Amen, John Newton, Amen!  It’s God’s unmerited favor bestowed so freely upon us.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!