Anyone Can Change: John Newton Proved It

John Newton, the author of the well known hymn, Amazing Grace, proved by his own life that a person can be changed, by the "amazing grace" of God, in a most dramatic way. No one is beyond hope.

At age 11 John Newton began a life at sea on his father's ship. By age 17, that rough environment had encouraged him to do every vile act that he could imagine. Later, as the captain of a slave ship, Newton's wickedness became so horrendous that even his few friends thought he was insane. Yet something happened that transformed John Newton's life, for today he is known as the man who wrote the well-known hymn, Amazing Grace. The lyrics were Newton's personal testimony of how the grace of God had transformed his life. On Newton's tombstone are etched these words: "John Newton, Clerk [preacher]; once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy."

Amazing Grace by John Newton

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.

The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

Thru many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun.

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(Scripture reference, John 9:25: "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!")

Addendum: Throughout the years and around the world, people have found great comfort in the words of Amazing Grace. On November 18, 1999 at Texas A&M University, 12 students were tragically killed in a bonfire construction accident. At the memorial service, about 14,000 students spontaneously put their arms around each others' shoulders and sang Amazing Grace. For persons whose home is heaven, even death has lost its sting. In heaven, God brings comfort: "He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All that has gone forever" (Revelation 21:4).

© 2017 L.M. Smith