Scripture: “And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” – 1 Chronicles 17:16
Examination of song: Amazing Grace was written by John Newton as he reflected on David’s amazement at God’s grace upon the former shepherd’s life. Raised in a Christian home, Newton memorized many verses from the Bible and heard many stories from the Scriptures. However, after his mother passed, his life became more challenging, and he fell deeper into sin. He eventually became the captain of a slave ship. While some sites claim March 21st as his date of conversion, his own writings record, “That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748… the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters.”
Application: If accurate, John Newton and I share the “salvation” date of March 10th. However, mine was 220 years later! That isn’t the only thing we share. After his conversion, John’s spiritual growth was slow as was mine. It took me a long time to recognize all the areas of my life that needed a spiritual transformation (I keep finding more as the years go by!). But God was, and is, faithful, and He opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of Philippians 1:6, which states, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”. Sinners don’t become “perfect” on the day they accept Christ as Saviour. Instead, that is the day the Spirit of God begins the “good work” in us. That continuing work, that aligns our identity with Christ’s, is accomplished through the “amazing grace” of God.
The Biblical definition of “grace” is the unmerited, free, and undeserved favor of God. It is by His grace that we become a “new creature in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As we grow in our faith, the grace of God becomes more evident as our lives become transformed, making us more like His beloved Son.
Here are a few things that God’s grace does for us.
- God’s grace saves. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)
- God’s grace strengthens. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- God’s grace transforms. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11-12)
- God’s grace justifies. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:24)
- God’s grace provides eternal life. “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)
Through the grace of God, John Newton eventually became a powerful evangelist, a strong advocate against slavery, and the writer of many hymns in additional to Amazing Grace. Upon salvation, we, too, become recipients of all the benefits of God’s grace. We become empowered by His Spirit to fulfill His purpose for our lives, and upon surrendering ourselves to Christ and allowing Him to have His way in our lives, God can accomplish amazing things through us by His grace! As we go through our lives, we must do as 2 Peter 3:18 instructs, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” It is truly remarkable to know that God invests as much as He does in each one of us! Not only is His grace amazing, but His love for us is as well!
Memory Verse: “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;” – I Corinthians 1:4
Stretching your thoughts:
1. How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?
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.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, 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 has 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.
Yes, 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, will be forever mine.
(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)