This hymn needs no introduction, but I will give you the background of the author who penned it: John Newton. It has been estimated that “Amazing Grace” is performed around 11 million times each year around the world. It is most likely one of the most well-known hymns of all time, favorited by countless people.
John Newton’s mother died of tuberculosis in 1732. She had read the Bible to him every day and nurtured him in the Christian faith. However, after she died, his childhood education in Holy Scripture ended. When he was 11 years old, Newton began sailing with his father, an emotionally distant sea captain. Later in life, he described his long stint as a sailor as a sinful life, filled with arrogance, rebellion, recklessness, drunkenness, and debauchery. He eventually found himself working as a slave trader.
When he was 23 years old, Newton was aboard a slave-laden ship, named the “Greyhound,” bound for Liverpool, England. On March 21, 1748, a violent storm began battering the ship, threatening to sink it and kill everyone on board. As Newton helped the rest of the crew keep the ship afloat, he said he whispered his first prayer in many years. The ship eventually made it ashore and most of the crew survived. Although Newton had a harrowing, yet miraculous experience, one that could have awakened his faith, he instead continued the lucrative practice of captaining slave ships.
Yet, the Lord used Newton’s experiences, both good and bad, towards His good. And finally, at 30 years old, Newton abandoned his role as a slave ship captain and began attending church in London. He mostly listened to the preachers George Whitefield and John Wesley and began studying Greek, Hebrew, and theology, adopting a moderately Calvinist view. In 1764, at 39 years old, Newton was ordained as an Anglican minister and went to the small village of Olney in Buckinghamshire, where he served for 16 years. In 1779, he and William Cowper published the “Olney Hymns.” Shortly after, Newton became the rector of St. Mary Woolnoth in London where he preached until his death on December 21, 1807 at 82 years old.
Towards the end of his life, Newton became blind, but he continued to preach and mentor other leaders of the Church. A member of Parliament, William Wilberforce, converted to Christianity in 1785 and turned to Newton for counsel. He passionately supported Wilberforce’s campaign to end slavery in England by providing insight, evidence, and testimonials. After 20 years of trying to end slavery in England, Wilberforce and Newton finally saw the Slave Trade Act of 1807 pass in the House of Commons; 283 to 16 votes. On May 1, 1807, slavery was officially abolished in England.
“Amazing Grace” was the most famous of the “Olney Hymns” that Newton wrote and it is familiar to believers and non-believers alike. The hymn was used in anti-slavery pamphlets that were widely distributed around England, including to members of Parliament. Along with his testimonials and evidence of the cruelty of the slave trade, this hymn helped fuel the push towards the abolishment of slavery in England.
Newton, self-admittedly, led a very sin-filled life. There was nothing he could do to make up for his sins and the same goes for each of us. But thanks be to God that we don’t have to save ourselves! Newton eventually turned back to Christ’s love and gracious forgiveness, repented of his sins, and believed that Jesus died and rose again to save even a wretch like him.
Like Newton, no matter what you have done to sin against God, you are not too far gone. Trust Him, believe in Him, and repent of your sins. He loves you and He forgives you!
The following Scripture passages are likely some of the inspiration for Newton’s writing of this hymn:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John [the Baptist] bore witness about Him, and cried out, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.”’) For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:14-17 ESV)
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24 ESV)
Soli Deo Gloria!
Philip Frank
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