Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton and the Surprising Story Behind His SongSample

Amazing Grace

John Newton experienced God’s grace at many points in his life. One instance was after John had returned to England on the African. Newton was hoping that somehow he could leave the slave trade for a more humane occupation, and, then, before taking on a new captaincy, he had a seizure and fell unconscious on the floor. No one would place a ship in his command. Though his seizure was inexplicable, his career as a Guinea trader, or sailor of any kind, was over. John’s unspoken prayer had been answered.

A new desire to serve the church was born and became much deeper than the previous calling of the sea. With the encouragement of his wife and the conviction that his life had been spared for a reason, he began laying the foundations for a life of service in the church that was as solid and sure as the timbers in a hundred-ton hull.

As a layman, he threw himself into ministry near and far. He could feel the spiritual awakening that was spreading across the land, like the tide coming in, and he wanted to be a part of it. He would help others find the living faith that had found him. He could speak about the love of God with conviction, knowing that if he could be forgiven, then so could the most sin-sick soul in his parish.

After several years, he became a minister and discovered his life’s work. While preparing a sermon one New Year’s Day, Newton paused to take stock, to look back on how God had provided and led his congregation faithfully, even through difficulties. And then he looked ahead. He realized that grace had brought him safe thus far, and he trusted that grace would lead him home. He gave a simple sermon based on David’s response to God in 1 Chronicles 17:16–17, then urged the people to join David in asking “Who am I?” and encouraged them to recall the many dangers God had brought them through, to see how mercy and grace have followed them always. Then, he spoke of the future where we will dwell in the City of God.

In closing, John delivered his strongest words: God’s mercy and grace are real, but we must play our part to receive them. The sermon over, John sat down. He had hoped to have been able to preach with freedom and passion, to inspire some great change in the lives of those barren trees in the congregation, but instead, he felt a little flat. On cue, the congregation stood to sing. He hoped the simple song he had written would do a better job than his sermon. The first three stanzas pointed to God’s work in their lives in the past, and the last three, he hoped would help them turn and face the future with faith.

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 reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

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

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But god, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

The impact of Newton’s little hymn is immeasurable. May the profound truths evident in Newton’s journey of faith help us experience the grace of God more deeply.

Respond

How can God’s grace free you to serve him wholeheartedly?

Where do you need to receive God’s grace in your life and experience real change?

What hope for the future does God’s grace give you?

Prayer

Thank you, God, for your grace that can save me from sin. Thank you for your grace that intervenes and guides my life. And thank you for your grace that promises that you are present with me now and in the future. I look forward to that day of grace when I stand in your presence! Amen.