I just watched one of the most inspiring films called "Amazing Grace" based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a British politician and a devout Christian who fought to abolish slavery in Britain.
His pastor was John Newton, a former slave trader who turned from his wicked ways when he discovered God's endless grace and claimed it for his own. He is the author of the famous hymn "Amazing Grace".
After watching this movie, I was both happy and sad. I was glad to learn more about the lives of two great men of faith in history and being encouraged in my own faith, but I was saddened by the realization that so many have missed the real message of the song.
How many of us have sung or heard the song “Amazing Grace” sung, but have never really thought about what the verses are saying…
I know that I did. It was the first hymn my dad ever taught me as a child, and we sang it often in Sunday school and church. I was so use to hearing it, that it never really made any sort of impact on my life until the day a teacher of mine told me the real story behind the song – the story of John Newton.
Newton’s story:
God’s everlasting love overflows from the verses of this song that has been sung by many “popular” artists, and has been used in historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and September 11th, but yet so many people have missed it. They have become so “familiarized” with it that they will sing it without a second thought and yet the answers to true happiness and fulfillment are within the very words escaping their lips!
I encourage you to read these words without thinking of them as a pretty song, but rather the grateful praise of a wicked man who found the light of God’s everlasting life and through God’s Grace has become a new man – a forgiven man.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
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