A
certain man was a slave owner in the 18th century in England. He spent several
years of his life in this profession, buying and selling slaves. He was
likewise known as a drunk and rebellious/law breaking man. He was a man who was
clearly far from God. However, God was not far from him.
On a voyage back to England
from Africa, it appeared that all would be lost as the ship encountered a very
severe storm. During this time, this man decided to read a book called Imitation of Christ (by Thomas Kempis). As a
result of his experience and the message which he read, this man’s life was
changed! This man’s name was John Newton.
John Newton realized the awesomeness
of God’s grace which is exactly why he penned these words: “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.” Shortly before his death, John said, “My memory is
nearly gone, but I remember two things: ‘That I am a great sinner, and that
Christ is a great Savior!’”
John was never able to get over the
fact that no matter what he had done in the past, God’s grace was greater!
The story of God’s amazing grace
could be summarized with the acrostic G.R.A.C.E.: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That is, Jesus died
on the cross to pay the wages of our sins which were owed to our Righteous
Judge, God the Father. Thus, Jesus bought our freedom by taking our place. We
are now able to be forgiven!
Psalm 103:12 states, “As far as the
east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Why
does God tell us that He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the
west? He does because when one begins traveling east around the earth they will
always be headed in the same direction (unlike one traveling north or south,
when they reach the North or South Pole they will begin to travel in the
opposite direction). The point which God is making is that our sins have been
removed forever. When one fully understands this their lives will never be the
same. That was clearly the case with John Newton.
Even though John was far from God
for much of his life, he didn’t stay there. There was a new name written down
in Glory on account of him receiving the gift of eternal life, and it was John
Newton His life was transformed by God’s amazing grace. As a result of this,
God gave him a new purpose. Therefore, for the rest of John’s life, he fought,
year after year, to end the practice of slavery throughout the British domain.
And in the same year that he passed away, his mission was completed.
I don’t know what great purpose God
has in store for you personally. However, I do know that His grace is available
for you. And this amazing grace will transform your life, offering purpose,
peace, and prosperity. Even though the prosperity may not come in this life, it
will come, when the roll is called Up yonder.
Because of God’s amazing grace,
Matt
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