Amazing Grace: A Story of Redemption, Grace, and Hope

Overview: The Story Behind Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" isn’t just a hymn; it’s a story of transformation and hope that continues to resonate with Christians around the world. This hymn takes us on a journey of discovery of God's incredible gift of grace that saves, restores, and leads us into deeper relationship with Him. In this post, I'll go into more detail about John Newton's testimony and the meaning of Amazing Grace.

Who Was John Newton? The Story of Redemption

John Newton was born in 1725 in England. Orphaned as a boy, he grew up working on ships and eventually became involved in the transatlantic slave trade, living a life away from God. In 1748, Newton’s life took a dramatic turn. While caught in a violent storm at sea, he cried out to God, shouting, "Lord, have mercy on us!" In that moment, Newton promised to turn his life to God if he survived. Miraculously, the storm passed, and he made it to safety. True to his word, Newton began his journey of faith. He eventually became an Anglican priest and collaborated with poet William Cowper to write hymns, including "Amazing Grace."

Amazing Grace was first sung by his congregation on New Year’s Day in 1773. Little did Newton know that his words would echo through the generations, throughout the world for hundreds of years to come. In his later years, Newton became a passionate advocate for the abolition of slavery, lending his voice and testimony to the movement. His work with figures like William Wilberforce played a significant role in the eventual end of the British slave trade.

The Words to "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."

The Meaning Behind Amazing Grace: A Journey of Faith

Each verse of "Amazing Grace" reflects the profound ways God’s grace changes our lives from saving-grace to sustaining-grace and future grace. In the first verse, Newton’s use of the word "wretch" shows his deep awareness of human sinfulness and unworthiness. It highlights that we cannot save ourselves—salvation is entirely God’s gift, freely given through Jesus Christ. The line "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see" captures this transformation. Being "lost" and "blind" represents living apart from God, aimless and trapped in sin. To be "found" and "see" is to be rescued by Jesus, who seeks us and brings us back into His love. We see this in scripture in Luke 15:24, where the father of the prodigal son rejoices, "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And in John 9:25, where the man healed by Jesus declares, "I was blind but now I see."
The second verse speaks to the transformative work of grace. It teaches us to fear the Lord in reverence and awe, yet also assures us that His love and forgiveness can relieve those fears. The phrase "grace my fears relieved" touches on both worldly fears and the deeper fear of being separated from God. Grace brings comfort, peace, and a profound sense of security in God’s presence.
The third verse reflects on God’s sustaining grace. "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come" mirrors 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul declares, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Newton recognizes that it was God’s grace that carried him through life’s trials and confidently declares that it's through the grace of God that will lead him safely home.
The final verse points to the promises of God and the eternal hope we have in Him. Newton describes God as his "shield and portion," illustrating how it is God who protects and sustains us. The phrase "his word my hope secures" reflects the unshakable confidence believers can have in God’s promises as revealed in Scripture. It reassures us that God’s word is a firm foundation, giving us hope for today and certainty for eternity. These words remind us that the grace sustaining us now is the same grace that assures our eternal future with God.

What Does Grace Mean? God's Grace in Our Lives

In the original Greek, charis means "unmerited favor" or "a gift freely given." Grace is God’s expression of love and mercy, freely poured out on us even though we don’t deserve it. It’s like standing guilty in a courtroom and having the judge not only pardon you but bless you with forgiveness, freedom, and even a place in his family.

Newton’s life is a powerful testimony to this truth. He couldn’t save himself from the storm at sea, nor could he rescue himself from the weight of his sin, it was only through God’s grace that he was saved and transformed. Newton’s use of the word "wretch" reveals his deep understanding of human sinfulness and unworthiness. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Whether we see ourselves as "good people" or not, our brokenness separates us from God. Newton’s past as a slave trader made his sin obvious, but his story shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. As Ephesians 2:4-5 declares, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

Through grace, we are made alive in Christ, and Newton’s life invites us to confront our own need for salvation and rest fully in the transformative power of God’s grace.

Closing Thoughts Behind 'Amazing Grace'

The story of John Newton and "Amazing Grace" reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. It’s a powerful testament to the love and mercy of a God who saves, sustains, and promises us a future with Him.

If you have enjoyed the story behind 'Amazing Grace' you might also enjoy the 'Amazing Grace Print'. I try to create designs that are meaningful and found this beautiful artwork of a sailing boat on the sea captures the peace that Grace brings as we journey through life. Shop the 'Amazing Grace Print'.

This Amazing Grace Print is also part of our larger Hymn Wall Art Collection which features other beloved Hymns including "It Is Well," "How Great Thou Art," and "Abide With Me." Each one is designed to bring the beauty and truth of these hymns into your home. Discover the "Hymn Christian Wall Art Collection'.