Hymn:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m 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
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Then when we first begun
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
Amazing Grace Summary & Origins
The hymn “Amazing Grace” is one of the most beloved songs in the English language. It has been covered by artists from all genres and has been a part of countless funerals, weddings, and other special occasions. But what is the meaning of this song? What is the story behind it? And why does it continue to resonate with people today?
The man who wrote “Amazing Grace,” John Newton, was no saint. In fact, for much of his life, he was quite the opposite. Born in England in 1725, Newton was the son of a sea captain and spent much of his youth sailing with his father. It was during one of these voyages that he was captured by a press gang and forced into service in the Royal Navy. Newton eventually deserted and was caught and flogged. He continued to desert and was caught again. This time, he was sentenced to spend months chained to the oar of a slave ship.
It was during this time that Newton had a profound spiritual awakening.
He later said that it was God’s “amazing grace” that had saved him from a life of sin and misery. After being rescued from the slave ship, Newton returned to England and became a minister. He remained an Anglican priest for the rest of his life, but his views on Christianity softened over time. In particular, he became an outspoken opponent of slavery, which he had once taken part in.
The story behind “Amazing Grace” is the story of God’s love and forgiveness prevailing over human sinfulness. It is a story that speaks to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. Whether you are religious or not, there is something deeply moving about hearing someone sing about how they were once lost but now are found, how they once were blind but now they see. These are words that resonate with us all because we have all experienced pain and suffering in our lives. And through it all, there is always the hope that Amazing Grace will carry us home.