![]() Newton’s life puts on display God’s patience towards us, but also his persistence to rid us of sin. How could a person who had experienced such amazing grace, continue to do such evil? Though free from his former rebellious ways, even after writing the words of his most famous hymn, Newton kept supporting the trade of human lives. Newton’s second experience of the amazing grace of God occurred more gradually than the first. You don’t have to wait for a near-death experience to cry out like Newton, “Lord, have mercy!” You can accept God’s saving grace to you in Jesus Christ even now! “I Once Was Lost… Was Blind” Maybe you, like John Newton, know yourself to have a rebellious heart towards God. This initial movement is what the Bible describes as being called out of darkness and into the light (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, the favor of God that Newton received was completely unearned-Jesus earned it for him through his perfect life (Ephesians 2:8-9)! That is the meaning of grace-unmerited kindness. Newton deserved only God’s judgment, but he received God’s mercy and forgiveness because Jesus Christ suffered and died in his place. Newton cried out to God for forgiveness and trusted in Jesus as his Savior and Lord. God, because of his mercy and love, made Newton alive in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). The initial change that Newton experienced was God kindly choosing to work in him. The Bible describes this state as being dead in trespasses and sins, following the course of the world, and living in the passions of our flesh (Ephesians 2:1-3). ![]() Prior to his change of heart, Newton, like every human being, was outside of the family of God. Newton accepted the kindness offered to him through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. John Newton first experienced amazing grace in his initial movement from rebellion against God to embracing the forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers. As Newton read and recalled the words of the Bible, God worked through his Word to change Newton’s heart and life. He gave up heavy drinking, gambling, profane language, and began to study the Bible intentionally. Newton knew God spared him, so he radically changed his ways. But God was merciful, and Newton survived the storm. Newton knew he deserved only death, and worse, from God. When disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, When calamity overtakes you like a storm, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you The Bible’s words from Proverbs 1:24-27 came to his mind:īut since you refuse to listen when I callĪnd no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, In the face of death, Newton felt the first pangs of guilt for his rebellious lifestyle. On his rescue voyage back to England, Newton’s ship encountered a storm and almost sank. But his peers on the slave ship despised him and left him in West Africa, where he was treated like a slave until his rescue. Newton convinced the Royal Army to end his service and let him take up a position on a slave ship. Shortly after, the Royal Army found him and severely punished him for leaving. He had no desire to live the disciplined life of a royal soldier, so he eventually escaped. Once, while visiting friends out of town, officials captured Newton and forced him to join the Royal Army. He became known even to other sailors as a rebellious and crude young man. After this, Newton tagged along with his father, a Navy captain, for some years before embracing adulthood. Newton’s mother encouraged him to read the Bible at a young age and hoped that her son would know Jesus, but she died when Newton was only seven years old. Second, Newton experienced the transforming grace of God in his increasing denial of sin and embrace of holiness. First, Newton experienced the saving grace of God in his initial turn from a life of rebellion to a life of following Jesus-through receiving Jesus’ forgiveness. Newton experienced God’s grace in at least two important ways. The Story Behind “Amazing Grace”Ĭan God forgive our most dreadful offenses? Newton would tell you that God can, and he does more than that. John Newton’s timeless hymn captures his experience of what he calls the amazing grace of God-God’s immeasurable kindness towards undeserving people. This is the same John Newton who wrote the words of the cherished hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Peculiarly, even after writing those resonant words, Newton continued to participate in the buying, selling, and transoceanic shipment of African people. ![]() Is there really forgiveness for someone who contributed to such a horrendous practice as the transatlantic slave trade?Īfter being caught and beaten for desertion, the young rebel John Newton joined the African slave trade instead of returning to the British Royal Army.
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