Song Highlight: Amazing Grace
This week’s hymn highlight is arguably the most famous hymn of all time, Amazing Grace by John Newton. Newton was one of the most prolific hymn writers and he was one of the primary leaders encouraging the writing and singing of new hymns in the church in addition to the Psalter. But no hymn of his is as well known as Amazing Grace. Because it is so well known to both Christian and non-Christian alike, it is tragically overlooked and under appreciated. This hymn not only captures the greatness of God’s grace to sinners, but it also acts as somewhat of an autobiography of the author, John Newton.
Born in the 1700’s, Newton’s Godly mother died when he was very young. He joined his father’s ship when he was 11 years old and began a life as a seamen, which was often filled with debauchery and sinful activities. Newton joined the evil slave industry, collecting Africans from their homeland and sailing them back to Western countries for sale. He rose to such prominence that he became the captain of his own slave ship. The slave ships were a horribly cruel place where great atrocities were committed against fellow image bearers. On March 10, 1748, Newton and his ship were caught in a storm returning to England from Africa. Fearing imminent death, Newton began to read Imitation of Christ by the 14th Century Dutch monk, Thomas a Kempis. This reading and the terrifying encounter at sea planted the seeds of the Gospel that led to his conversion shortly thereafter. After being born again, Newton tried justifying the slave trade and sought to make the conditions of the ships more tolerable for the slaves. But after several years he realized the evils of the slave trade and left the practice entirely. He would go on to become one of the most effective crusaders against slavery. He eventually returned to England and felt the call to preach the Gospel. Through the ministry and aid of George Whitfield and the Wesley brothers, he began to boldly preach the Gospel and became a pastor of an Anglican church in Olney, England. He never forgot the amazing grace that God had shown him, the “Africa blasphemer” converted seaman, and thus, the rest of his days he never ceased to preach on the great grace given to sinners through the blood of Jesus. Shortly before his death, Newton continued to preach of this grace saying, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” How great a Savior indeed! All of us were great sinners before God showed His grace to us so we too, like Newton, can truly sing:
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
Credit: 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns by Kenneth W. Osbeck.
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