Amazing Grace

 

Early in life, John Newton had gained the reputation of being undisciplined, arrogant, vulgar, and having lack of compassion. Born in 1725 in London, England, Newton would go on to serve in the British Royal Navy followed by working in the cruel and inhumane slave trade.[1]

Newton’s life was marked by a series of life changing experiences. In one particular instance, while sailing back home to England in the mid 1700’s, a storm arose at sea. Out of desperation and fear of drowning, Newton cried out to God for mercy. Despite arriving safely home to England after having cried out to God, Newton refused to give up slave trading.

Over time, Newton became aware that his behaviour was cruel and his conscience troubled him. This awareness led him to become increasingly disgusted with the slave trade and he abhorred his role in it. Newton eventually left the slave trade, but he couldn’t get rid of his guilt. Feeling wretched and filled with guilt, Newton began to study the Bible where he discovered the gift of God’s grace. [2]

In the Bible, the word “grace” (Greek: Χάρις) means “favour” or “kindness.” When grace is used in connection with God, it takes on a profound meaning. In essence, grace is God’s “favour” or “kindness” to the undeserving. [3]

The Bible teaches that we are fallen in our human nature even before we take our first breath. In this condition, we can’t save ourselves. Imagine drowning in the middle of an ocean. No matter how hard you swim, there’s no hope of survival, unless, someone came along and rescued you. [4]

The good news is that despite our fallen human nature, God extends His gift of saving grace to you and me. This amazing grace was ultimately demonstrated when Jesus gave His life on the cross to die a shameful death on our behalf. God, without any merit of our own – but only by His grace – saves us and reconciles us to Himself when we repent and believe in His Son Jesus.

Saved by grace, John Newton committed his life to serving God as an Anglican priest in the London parish of St. Mary Woolnoth, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and ministering to the poor having great compassion for those in need. Newton also became an important voice among the English abolitionist movement and was an ally of William Wilberforce who led the British parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. [5]

Among his many hymns, Newton wrote “Amazing Grace”, a song that has been sung for over 200 years. Inspired by God’s grace, Newton wrote:

 

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! 

The Lord hath promised good to me,
  His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
  As long as life endures. 

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 first begun. [6]

 

 

Endnote References

[1]Newton's Grace: The True Story of Amazing Grace, YouTube Movie
[2] Ibid.
[3] John Stott, See www. johnstott.org/bible_studies/12-jul-2021/
[4] John Yates, New City Catechism (Wheaton IL: Crossway Publishers, 2017), p.135.
[5] See John Newton, Wikipedia.
[6] Hymnal.net, www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/313