Amazing Grace
John Newton was born in London in the early 1700s and, at a young age, was forced to join Britain’s Royal Navy. Because he attempted desertion, he was viciously beaten in front of 350 fellow soldiers and demoted. In utter humiliation, he intended to kill the captain and take his own life. Though he never followed through with his plans, at one point, he was abandoned by shipmates in West Africa and ended up experiencing six years of slavery, until he was rescued by a sea captain who knew his father. Soon after sailing away from his tormentors, a terrible storm almost sank the ship that he was on. John cried out to God in fear, and somehow the cargo rolled onto a hole in the ship, managing to keep water out of the hull. It was at this time that John began to live more piously and even study the Bible. Still, a short time later, he became a captain of several slave ships.
Even though he was sympathetic toward slaves, it wasn't until several years later that he realized he needed to stop trying to live like a Christian in his own power and simply receive into his heart the life and love of Jesus Christ. After his conversion, he wrote many beautiful songs, including the beloved hymn Amazing Grace (previously titled Faith's Review and Expectation). He also became a great friend and mentor to William Wilberforce, leader of the campaign against slavery in Britain. John would eventually renounce slavery, fight for its abolition, and live long enough to see the day when the Slave Trade Act in Britain was passed. God's grace is truly amazing!
Yet, after learning about John Newton’s life, I have often wondered how many people in America are just members of a church and not citizens of heaven. Some hold to a gospel based on works salvation, while others cling to a gospel that denies spiritual transformation. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8– 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (ESV) Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned by our own efforts, and yet if we just tout verses 8 and 9 while managing to push aside the following verse, we do ourselves a great disservice in understanding the full gospel message. You see, Paul also said in verse 10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
I have heard it said before that salvation is not by good works, but it is most certainly for good works. Jesus said that we will know true believers by their good fruits (Matthew 7:15–20) and by the love that they have for one another (John 13:35). We love to sing “I was blind but now I see.” Yet we have forgotten that with this spiritual sight given unto us, we are now called to look with compassion on the needs of others (Philippians 2:4) and look only to Jesus for our hope and satisfaction (Hebrews 12:1–2). His grace is amazing because it not only redeems the vile sinner (Romans 3:24), but also leads the humble saint in the way of holiness and love (Titus 2:11–12).
