Amazing Grace

Daily Devotional – Saturday, February 25, 2023
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

John Newton was 47 years-old when he wrote the great hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. As we belt out the beautiful tune and utter the powerful lyrics, we may be oblivious of the experience that prompted this spiritual ‘wretch’ to pen the lyrics.

Undeserved Favour

When it was time for Newton to start working, he took up his father’s career and went to West Africa to capture and sell slaves. Newton would have continued his abhorrent trade had God not allowed a fierce storm to engulf his slave ship one day.

For eleven hours, Newton clung to his life, even as he watched some of his crewmembers being swept away by the raging sea. Thankfully, the storm abated and the crew survived. Now, Newton realized that God had saved him from death, despite Newton’s despicable nature and character.

Unmerited Love

As he reflected further on his sinfulness against God’s overwhelming love, Newton wrote his iconic him in 1772. How could God pardon and save a miserable sinner, who had caused misery and death to others?

In the first stanza, he regards himself a blind person who has regained sight. His sinfulness is akin to being lost and his salvation comparable to being found. The third stanza reminisces his perilous experience from which God graciously saves him.

Saved by Grace

Newton did nothing good to deserve the grace of God. In Paul’s words, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). Salvation is the result of accepting God’s gift of grace.

If you think you are so sinful that God cannot save and forgive you, remember your dark past is not a factor in salvation. Grace, God’s unmerited favour, is sufficient for your salvation. Like Newton, you can come to Jesus the way you are and He will welcome you home.

Amazing Grace

If you are struggling with sinful attitudes, thoughts, speech and actions even after accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, remember He saved you by grace. “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

Today, read the lyrics of ‘Amazing Grace’ prayerfully. How grateful are you for this God who keeps giving you second chances? Sing the song aloud and allow the grace that saved a wretch like John Newton to save you too.

Prayer
Thank You God for the amazing grace that continues to save a wretch like me.