“Amazing Grace” is one of the most popular hymns to ever be written. If you ask even a non-religious person to name a hymn, it will most likely be “Amazing Grace”. Written by John Newton in 1773, the hymn was put to a popular tune by William Walker in 1835. A final verse was also later added.
Since it’s the beginning of a new year, it seemed fitting to feature this song in January. Also, as you’ll later see, January 1, 2023, was the 250th anniversary of “Amazing Grace”. Today, I want to give a few details about John Newton’s life, as well as what inspired him to write this song:
John Newton was born in 1725, and, as his mother died before he was seven, his sea captain father was soon bringing him along on voyages. As John grew up, he became more and more rebellious. He got into drinking, and even tried to desert the British Navy.
After being forced into servanthood to a slave trader in West Africa, John eventually escaped and began the journey home. On the way, he faced the most violent storm of his life, and the near brush with death led him to begin seeking God after returning to England.
It wasn’t until later, after several years working as a slave ship master, that John finally came to Christ. He abandoned the slave trade and devoted his life to God’s service. He wrote 280 hymns during his lifetime, including his most well-known, “Amazing Grace”.
“Amazing Grace” was written on New Year’s Day, 1773, for a sermon John preached. It seems that, as many of us do at the beginning of the year, John was reflecting back on the life that God had led him through, and looking forward to the path ahead.
While our life stories might not be as dramatic as John Newton’s, it’s another testimony to how we can use God’s hand in our lives to write beautiful poetry. No matter how many years you have behind you, you should always be able to testify of God’s grace to you. Use the experiences He has led you through to encourage, enlighten, and strengthen others.
Here is the tune for “Amazing Grace,” in case you want to listen as you read. And below are the lyrics to this great hymn:
Amazing Grace
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!
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 promised 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.
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’ve first begun.
Comment below your Hymn of the Month suggestion!
4 responses to “Amazing Grace”
I didn’t know (or maybe remember) that “Amazing Grace” was written around the New Year! Verse three is especially interesting when thinking of that. And how neat that we just passed the 250th anniversary of its writing!
I would be interested to read your critique of “Channels Only”, but I don’t know if it would make a good Hymn of the Month. “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” might be interesting to learn more about.
Yes, it is a pretty neat story. My dislike of “Channels Only” is because it contains some Keswick doctrine. (I’d be happy to expound on that further if you want.)
I will add “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” to the list!
This must be your favorite hymn!
Such an interesting story.
It is one of my favorite hymns,too.
The greater the sinner,the greater the right to God’s mercy.
We shouldn’t cancel John Newton with all his sins nor should we cancel grace…or this beautiful song.
Yes, it’s definitely one of my (many) favorites!