Amazing Grace

John Newton, who lived from 1725-1807, is best known for writing the hymn, Amazing Grace. John Newton was not a well-known songwriter. The song is written as a testimony of the work that God had done in Newton’s life. Here is how he described himself on his tombstone: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

John Newton was the captain of a slave ship when he came to know Christ as his savior. The change in Newton’s life was dramatic and profound. No one was more surprised and in disbelief of the change than John Newton himself. He could not believe that God would show him, a hard, evil and rebellious man, such mercy and grace. His humble attitude toward God continued throughout his life. Near the end of his life, Newton wrote, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great savior.”

“You will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.”

Oswald Chambers

1874-1917

Author

I can relate to this as I know many other success-minded people can. No one knows the depth of sin and depravity in your heart better than you. Success-minded people also know the power that is in the mercy and grace of Christ. The fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, would die for us, even when we did not care about Him or appreciated what He did is amazing to me. It was out of His great love for us; He willingly paid the price for our sin so we could be with Him forever.

If you do not know this power of forgiveness, I invite you to come to know Him now. You only need to confess that you are a sinner, and you need His grace. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and you too can understand the words and meaning of “Amazing Grace / How sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me / I once was lost / But now I’m found / Was blind but now I see.”

Success-minded people know that there is never a full realization of success in our lives unless we have that personal relationship with God. Never be satisfied with a success that lasts only today when you can have one that lasts for eternity.

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.