Amazing Grace: John Newton

Three years ago, I had a poetry section in my English class. Everyone was assigned a poet. I was assigned John Newton! I was thrilled. We were supposed to make a presentation about our poet talking about them and a piece of poetry they had written. I choose to write about his song/poem Amazing Grace, my favorite song! I also had to write a poetry evaluation about the song, explaining why it is a great example of poetry. So this will be a long post, but I hope you take your time and enjoy getting to know this amazing man and the song that he wrote.

Enjoy
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John Newton is best known as a slave-trader and the writer of Amazing Grace. He could certainly testify to the truth of this hymn because God saw fit to change him from a pagan slave trader to pastor and hymn writer. Newton has inspired many with his amazing story of salvation and his numerous poems and hymns.

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The Beginning

John Newton was born in Wrapping London, on July 24, 1725, the only child of  Captain Newton and Elisabeth Scatliff. As Newton’s father was often away, he was raised by his mother, who made Newton’s spiritual education her highest priority. However, when he was seven, his mother developed tuberculosis and her friend Elizabeth Catlett, took her in. It had always been a private joke between the two mothers, that John Newton and the Catlett’s daughter, Mary, would later wed. Sadly, Elizabeth Newton died on July 11, 1732.  Soon after, Captain Newton remarried. Growing up, John frequently got into trouble. He often resolved to live as his mother had taught him. However, he only did this to escape God’s displeasure.  

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His Middle Years

In 1742, John Newton shattered his father’s dream of him making a good fortune. His father had found a well-paying job for John on a slave ship. However, John had fallen in love with Mary Cattlet and decided to miss the ship. Eventually, he was forced to work on the ship, the Harwich for five miserable years. Then he later was transferred onto the Greyhound, working in the slave trade were he suffered from abuse, illness, and starvation for two years. Newton had by this time lost all faith in God. But it was by God’s grace that he picked up a book called, Imitation of Christ. Though the book meant nothing to Newton then, it was the first pivot in his life’s voyage.

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On March 21, 1748, while returning home to England, God would, as John Newton later wrote, rescue the “African Blasphemer.” Amid a great storm, Newton unexpectedly cried to God for mercy and reached home in May, 1848 — no longer an infidel, but a Christian by conviction. On February 1, 1750, Newton married the love of his life, Mary Cattlet. And at the age of thirty-nine, Newton was made a deacon at Olney where he became friends with a poet, William Cowper. This was when “Amazing Grace” was written. On December 15, 1790, John Newton’s dearly beloved wife died. Newton continued to preach up to his death even though he became blind. He died December 21, 1807 and was buried under the vault in his church, St. Mary Woolnoth.

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So this was the song/ poem I chose. Here is a explanation for why I like this song so much. First of all, the words are so amazing. The whole song is just full of meaning and it applies to all who have been saved by God's grace. Second of all, when my grandpa was in the hospital (just a few weeks before he died), he was talking to my mom(this was before he was saved) and he told her, " I want all ten verses sung at my funeral" I don't know whether there are ten official verses or not, but the fact was that he really liked this song, which I thought was really cool. Just hours before he died at the age of eighty-six, he was saved. There is no other way to describe this than to to say it was a miracle. So at his funeral, we sang all the verses known in the traditional Amazing Grace. It was the best funeral I had ever been too! It was so awesome knowing that after years and years of so many people praying for him, he was finally saved! It was God's Amazing Grace!

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I just love this quote

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Poetry Evaluation

1.         Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

2.         That saved a wretch like me.

3.         I once was lost but now am found,

4.         Was blind, but now I see.        

5.         T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

6.         And Grace, my fears relieved.

7.         How precious did that Grace appear

8.         The hour I first believed.

9.         Through many dangers, toils and snares

10.       I have already come;

11.       'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

12.       and Grace will lead me home.

13.       The Lord has promised good to me.

14.       His word my hope secures

15.       He will my shield and portion be,

16.       As long as life endures.

17.       Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

18.       And mortal life shall cease,

19.       I shall possess within the veil,

20.       A life of joy and peace.

21.       When we've been here ten thousand years

22.       Bright shining as the sun.

23.       We've no less days to sing God's praise

24.       Than when we've first begun.

Martin Luther once said, “A man must completely despair of himself in order to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ.” Grace. That was what John Newton’s life was about. After living a wretched life full of slavery and blindness, Newton, while in a terrible storm, was spared from disaster. The only reason he was both spiritually and physically saved was by God’s grace. Amazing Grace, Newton’s life story, never fails to move people’s hearts and continues to attract and appeal to many. Though written hundreds of years ago, it exemplifies fine poetry through its effective word choice, relatability, and truths.

The effective word choice in Amazing Grace contributes to this fine piece of poetry.  John Newton uses vivid words which fill the poem with meaning and impact the reader. This poem, quickly and dramatically expressed, leaves the reader filled with emotion. Newton frankly describes himself with these words, “wretch”, “blind”, and “lost.”(2-4) He is contrasting the sweet grace of God to himself, a vile sinner, which makes God’s salvation even more amazing. In using these strong words to describe himself, Newton realizes what his fate would have been had God not saved him. Nearing the end, Newton describes the Lord as a “shield” and “portion.” (15) The word “shield” assures people that Jesus will protects us from God’s Judgment and does not let anything hurt us unless it is for our good. “Portion” means God is a believer’s life, his hope, and his great reward. Newton’s thankfulness to be saved from himself is reflected in Amazing Grace through his word choice and elicits gratefulness in the reader. The moving words in this song will greatly impact those who read this exceptional poem.

 Not only do the descriptive words make “Amazing Grace” a fine piece of poetry but also its relatability. Though this poem is about Newton’s life, it is also the story of many. Newton was a sinner as all people are, which is why it applies to so many. After his conversion to Christianity, Newton describes himself before, during, and after he was saved as a blind and lost wretch. Sinners all over the world need to know of their lost condition. In lines (3-4), Newton realized “I once was lost, but now am found, / Was blind, but now I see.” Newton’s life certainly was lived as a wretch in the slave trade. After he understood, as everyone should, his utter depravity and blindness in terms of his own need, he can see clearly he is a wretch, and finds himself in a position to understand and accept God’s free grace and the hope of eternal life. As the song progresses, he shares, “T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, / and grace my fears relieved.” (5-6) What person who has come face to face with his own depravity cannot relate to God’s grace in showing him his own weakness and his need for a great savior? Because Amazing Grace applies to many, it, even to this day is still loved poetry.   

The truths expressed in “Amazing Grace” also contribute to its enduring appeal. Lessons and truths can encourage, protect, and warn those who read them. They can even change people’s lives. Newton provides many simple truths, and presents them in such a profound way through his poetry. “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.” ( 5-8) God’s grace shows Newton his sinful and wretched nature and causes him to fear a perfect and just God. It is important that people know they are sinful so they can repent and become saved. Readers are reminded of this inability to save themselves. This verse is humbling and sobering. That is what makes the truths in this poem a blessing. Another truth, “I shall possess within the veil a life of joy and peace” (19-20) reminds Christians how they can stand pure before God because of Christ’s sacrifice. This is a great truth because readers must acknowledge their sinfulness and God’s overwhelming kindness to save them. In the end, the wonderful illustrations of truths, which John Newton portrays throughout Amazing Grace, provides quality poetry.

People, like the prodigal son in the Bible, seek wealth and earthly pleasures and often squander all that has been given them by their Father. When the Holy Spirit opens their eyes, they see how wrong they were to attempt living apart from God. He graciously saves them though they rejected, hated, and disobeyed him. God’s Grace is amazing, as John Newton experienced and expressed. “Amazing Grace,” though written two hundred fifty years ago, is still remembered and well loved. Through his personal testimony, John Newton captured the essence of God’s grace through effective word choice, truths, and relatable story, creating a beloved and timeless work of poetry.

While researching the song Amazing Grace, I came across this. I know it is long, but I think it is worth the read! It helped me understand the words in the song a lot better.

Study and Discussion Guide for Amazing Grace (Faith’s Review and

Expectation)

Who wrote Amazing Grace?

John Newton

When did John Newton live?

He was born in 1725 and died in 1807. He probably wrote “Amazing Grace” around Christmas of 1772.

Who was John Newton?

Newton was a slave-ship captain who was saved by God’s “amazing grace.” He was an Anglican minister. He wrote hymns with his friend, William Cowper. He joined his friend William Wilberforce in his campaign to abolish the slave trade.

What is significant about the hymn “Amazing Grace”?

It is probably the most well-known Christian hymn in the world.

Stanza 1

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.

What is grace?

Grace is kindness from God that I do not deserve.

Why is God’s grace “amazing”?

God’s grace is amazing because through it he saves wretches.

What is a wretch?

A wretch is a miserable, wicked and vile person.

Are you a wretch?

Yes, the Bible tells me that I am born a sinner, dead in trespasses and sin. Left to myself, I will not love God or my neighbor as I ought.

What does such a wretch deserve?

A wretch deserves to go to hell, a place of where unrepentant sinners are punished forever by God.

What does God give to rescue us from his wrath?

God gave his Son, Jesus Christ.

What did Jesus Christ do?

He lived a life of perfect love and obedience to God. He died on the cross in the place of sinners. He rose from the dead. He now sits at God’s right hand in glory.

How does Jesus Christ rescue us from the wrath of God?

When a sinner repents of his sin and trusts in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, God forgives all his sin and considers him to be as righteous as Jesus.

How does a sinner come to believe in Jesus Christ?

God must find him and give him sight.

How is a sinner “lost”?

Before salvation, a sinner walks away from the Lord and his paths, like a sheep that is not part of a flock.

How is a sinner “found”?

Through the Gospel, Jesus Christ speaks like a shepherd calling his sheep. By God’s power, when we hear his voice we are drawn to him. We turn away from our sin because we trust the voice of our shepherd.

How is a sinner “blind”?

Both Satan and our sin blind our eyes to the Gospel so that we may not see Christ as precious and powerful to save.

How does a sinner “see”?

God, through the working of the Holy Spirit, unveils our faces so that we can see Christ’s glory. He does this through “regeneration,” which is a big word that means to give something life a second time.

Stanza 2

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

What does it mean that grace “taught my heart to fear”?

It means that the Holy Spirit convicts a sinner of his sinful nature, of God’s righteous character and demands, and of the judgment that is coming upon all God’s enemies. The convicted sinner begins to fear God and the coming judgment and desires to be saved.

Why is that gracious?

It is “grace” because I do not deserve to know of my wretched condition. I deserve to go immediately to hell.

Does grace leave a sinner in this fear?

No. After teaching a heart to fear, grace relieves its fears.

How does grace relieve fears?

It teaches the believer about what God gives to him in Jesus Christ. Jesus was judged for sins on the cross. Therefore, the believer need not fear God’s judgment. Christ’s righteousness is given to him as a gift through

faith. Therefore, he need not fear falling short of the righteousness that God requires.

What does this grace appear “precious” at the hour of believing?

It relieves all the sinner’s fears of God’s judgment. It assures him of a right standing before God. Therefore, it is

the most valuable thing in all the world.

Stanza 3

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

’Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Through what “dangers, toils, and snares” must a sinner come?

Even though we will be saved, Jesus did not promise us that we would be safe in this world. Paul told the early Christians that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Christians will be hated by many people because they love Jesus. Some Christians will be put in prison or killed. Satan tempts and afflicts. False teachers will try to get them to follow different gospels. Their own hearts will be tempted by the world and its enticements.

How does the Christian escape these dangers?

The Christian perseveres by grace. God preserves his faith, corrects his sin, and encourages his heart. The

Holy Spirit causes the Christian’s heart to desire his heavenly Father. God uses his word, the Bible, and his

church to help believers continue following Jesus.

What do these experiences teach the believer?

Past deliverances give us assurance that “grace will lead me home.” The good work that God began in his

people he will bring to completion. Amazing grace promises that God will never, ever forsake his people.

Stanza 4

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

How can we be certain that “grace will lead me home,” as the end of stanza 3 says?

As a Christian, I can be certain because the Lord has promised good to me.

What good has he promised to his people?

He has promised to be their shield and portion.

How is God a “shield”?

Through Christ, believers are shielded from the wrath of God. Neither Satan nor the world can harm God’s people, unless God allows it for their good.

How is God a “portion”?

God is a believer’s life, his hope and his great reward. What God gives us in Jesus is more satisfying that all

the world can offer.

For how long will God be the “shield and portion” of his people?

God will be the “shield and portion” of his people for as long as life endures.

For how long will life endure?

For eternity.

Where do we find such promises of hope?

In God’s Word.

How does his Word secure our hope?

God is truth and in him there is no falsehood. What he says, he will do. He cannot lie.

What is God’s Word?

God’s Word is his Bible, in which is found the story of redemption.

God’s Word is also his Son, Jesus the Messiah, who is the Word made flesh. In him we see all that God has done to redeem sinners. His presence before the throne of God makes a believer secure forever.

Stanza 5

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.

What is meant by “this flesh and heart shall fail and mortal life shall cease”?

Death.

Will you die?

Yes. Scripture says that “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb 9:27).

What does the believer expect after death?

The believer has certainty of “a life of joy and peace.” He will live in paradise, which is the presence of God.

Where will the believer have this life?

“Within the veil.”

What does that mean?

After Adam and Eve fell, they were cut off from the presence of God, being cast out of the Garden of Eden.

This was symbolized in the temple by a veil that hung before the Most Holy Place, where God’s glory dwelt.

For a sinner to enter God’s presence is certain death.

How does the believer then have life “within the veil”?

At Christ’s death, the veil was torn into, symbolizing that Christ had made a way for us to enter into the presence of God. Since the believer’s sin was placed on Christ, and God’s wrath satisfied in his death, the believer need not fear the wrath of God. His conscience is cleansed with Christ’s blood so that he may go before the throne of grace with boldness.

Stanza 6

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

What will happen to this present world?

“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine”?

What does that mean?

One day, the Lord will destroy the present heavens and earth.

What will then happen to all one’s earthly possessions?

All our earthly possessions, such as houses and toys and cars and money, will be destroyed too.

Does that cause sadness to the believer?

No! According to God’s promise, his people are waiting for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

What will the believer have in that new world?

The believer will have the best possession anyone could ever have—God. As the hymn says, “God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.” If I believe the promises of the Gospel, God is ours, now and forever.

What should we think of God being ours?

It is kindness that we do not deserve. It is grace—amazing grace, how sweet the sound!