The hymn Amazing Grace was written in 1779 by John Newton, who after years of living a wicked life found God’s grace and became a beliver in Jesus Christ.
The first line of the old hymn goes like this “Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That sav’d a wretch like me!” John Newton knew how amazing this grace was. Grace that would even wash away the sins of someone who’s life had been lived so far away from God.
I know many people (if not most people), judge others by their life and actions. And if someone has lived a horrible life and done terrible things, like Adolf Hitler or a serial killer or someone, we think how wicked and terrible they must be. However, in the eyes of God – all of us are equal, we are all sinners who deserve nothing good. For by just breaking ONE of God’s commandments, we are guilty before Him. “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (James 2:10) And yet, it was from this perspective that we find how amazing and awesome God’s love is for us.
God had every right to just destroy humans after Adam and Eve rebelled against Him. He even did it once when he sent the flood that drowed all living beings save those who were on the ark. And, as Almighty God who is Holy Holy Holy, He had and still has every right to do that. After all, any sin, no matter how small, is rebellion against Him and His perfect plan and will. However, we read one of the most amazing verses in the Word of God when we read “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Notice those words “while we were yet sinners”. Even inspite of the fact that we could NEVER deserve His grace or salvation, He loved us enough to die for us. There is no greater story of love in all of the stories that have ever been told! “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
No wonder John Newton penned the words “Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That sav’d a wretch like me!” And we too should look in amazement at our great Savior, Who loved us so much!
God’s grace IS amazing indeed!