"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)
Here are some things you may not know about John Newton's most famous hymn. His title for it wasn't originally "Amazing Grace" but "Faith's Review and Expectation." It is based on his study of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17: "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? "And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O LORD God."
1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (NKJV) On Friday morning, January 1, 1773, John Newton, former slave trader and infidel, preached a New Year's message from 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 in his church at Olney, England. He told his church to look back at God's goodness, look around at God's promises, and look forward to future usefulness. In concluding, Newton introduced a poem he'd written for the occasion, the hymn "Amazing Grace".
- Robert J. Morgan
Amazing Grace
John Newton (1725-1807) Stanzas 1 - 6
Stanza 7 anon.
Stanza 7 anon.
Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio (chorus added in 2006)
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.
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.
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.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine
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.
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
(chorus)
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
