Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound

"Amazing Grace" was published in 1779 and by English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725-1807). He wrote the song, delivering the message that forgiveness and redemption is always possible, regardless of any sing we commit, and that the way our souls can be delivered from times of trouble and despair is through the mercy of God. John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace" from his own personal experience and is his spiritual autobiography in verse (according to the Dictionary of American Hymnology).

John was truly a wretch who needed to be saved prior to the song. He was evil spirited, treating people with contempt and little passion. He participated in the slave trade and grew up without any spiritual conviction. His life's path, though, was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences that were very often put into motion by his disobedient spirit.

The vessel he was on one night was knocked about by an awful storm. The violent storm was bad enough that John became frightened and called out to God for His mercy. This moment marked the start of his spiritual conversion. He later said that the experience was the first time he felt completely at peace with God.

A lot of of us are not completely different than Mr. John Newton, if you think about it. His attitude and personality should make you think of yourself in some way. I know it does for me.

We've all had a moment when we have begged God for His mercy and grace in the middle of our sin. We also have been lost without God. We have all experienced moments where we were evil spirited and when we lacked compassion for other people. And we've all had times when we've felt that we can do whatever we want, when we want and how we want, with no thought to others.

That is why I believe "Amazing Grace" has such a strong conviction behind it. For me, it's actually an autobiography of my life in verse. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see. It speaks to me about who I've was before I found Jesus Christ as my Redeemer. Each time I hear it, it's a constant reminder that I'm saved because of His grace and mercy.

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.

T'was 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;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

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

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

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

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.