He was an orphan at age seven. His mother was a godly woman who exerted as much Christian influence on him during his formative years as she possibly could. But in 1732 that devout mother realized she was going to die, leaving her seven-year-old to be reared by others.
After the mother’s death, the young son began to turn from his mother’s strong Christian teaching. In time he went off to sea and eventually became the captain of a slave trading ship. There seemed to be no limit to his corruption and degradation. One day his crew became so repelled by the depravity of his actions that when he fell overboard while in a drunken stupor, they retrieved him by thrusting a whaler’s harpoon into his side. From that day on, John Newton walked with a limp.
It was only by God’s far-reaching grace that John Newton later became a Christian — studied for the ministry — developed into an outstanding English preacher and revivalist — and shared from his prolific pen many poems and hymns. But throughout his lifetime, every limp was a reminder to Newton of what he once was, and how far he had come by God’s matchless grace. Thus, it was from experience that John Newton could write:
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.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
Grace is unquestionably the most significant single word in the entire Bible! It’s the scarlet thread that encompasses every book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. And fortunately, God’s grace even today is extended to the vilest of sinners. With a renewed emphasis on evangelism and soul-winning in the Church of the Brethren, may each of us be burdened to share our faith with others, and to extend to them God’s Amazing Grace.
July/August 1985
