The HIStories Behind the Hymns

Join DoNotDepart.com during the month of June as we delve into the history behind the great hymns and/or hymnwriters of our Christian faith. These are the stories of God’s working in the hearts and minds of his people— they are HIStories.

In the United States of America we are confronting the sin and strife of racial injustice. John Newton’s hymn, Amazing Grace, is a testimony to the transforming power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. I leave you with the lyrics of the great hymn and look forward to sharing more with you next week.

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 hath 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.

Yea, 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.

—John Newton, 1779