Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. These are the lyrics that belong to the beloved hymn written by an Evangelical Anglican Clergyman by the name of John Newton. Before his days as a devoted priest he lived a life filled with terrible offences, sorrow and pain. What liberated him from these sad circumstances was what he described as “amazing grace.” John encountered the transforming power of God’s grace, which was able to save him from his sins.
The grace of God can be defined as God’s unmerited favour towards mankind, but it can carry an even deeper meaning. The bible says in the book of John chapter 1 verse 17, “For the law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace and truth are embodied in a person and this person is Jesus Christ Himself. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith….” This faith is in His Son, Jesus Christ.
God sent His Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Eternal life is the very life of God. Life that is no longer condemned. Life that is full of God’s goodness. When John Newton came to realize that he could have a life that was no longer condemned by his sins, it not only gave him hope but changed him forever. John saw how God’s grace was able to transform him from a wretched man into a new and better person. The bible says in Corinthians 5:17 “… anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” What great news to John, who had had a terrible past!
That is what the gospel message is all about. It is good news to the one who is hopeless and in despair. It is good news to the one who is heartbroken. It is good news to the one who is lost. It is good news to the one who needs a second chance. The gospel message of Jesus Christ saves, heals, delivers and gives hope to whoever will believe in Him. The good news is about God’s love, mercy and grace for all.
If you have never participated in this amazing grace that God offers, why not give it a chance today? Right now? All you need to do is say, “God, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me. Wash me clean. I make Jesus Lord over my life. I thank you for your provision of grace for me. I thank you that your grace is empowering me to be the person you want me to be. Because of this I will no longer be the same in Jesus’ name. Amen.” If you prayed that prayer with all sincerity, I believe God heard it and answered it. May you see the impact of God’s amazing grace in your life from today and going forward in Jesus’ name. Amen.
