"My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour." -John Newton at age 82, shortly before he died
John Newton, the writer of the magnificent hymn, "Amazing Grace," knew what grace meant. Did you ever hear his story about how he had been a former slave trader? They said of him that he could curse for an hour without repeating any of the same expletives. No one could stand his company for long. He became a slave in Africa and, even then, continued his reprobate living. Eventually, God saved him and made him into a fearless gospel minister. In salvation, Newton was shown that grace was undeserved, unmerited and unearned favour freely given by his sovereign Lord. He was made aware that God owed him nothing. He was forced to face the awfulness of his sin and his wretched nature. He was shown by the Holy Spirit that even though God was not obliged to save and forgive him, he had been saved anyway, by God's divine Grace, and he was amazed. He recognised through many dangers, toils and snares that Grace had caused him to endure. He saw that Grace could not fail, and in this knowledge, he boldly declared that grace would bring him home. To Newton, Grace was amazing!
However, in this day and age, diminishing numbers of professed believers really believe that salvation is by amazing grace. They argue, that salvation has its root in the free will of man. In other words, it's a do it yourself kit! If, however, salvation is a do it yourself kit, how then can we be amazed by grace? Indeed, if a man is by his free will responsible for his salvation, or if he becomes a necessary co-worker with God in redemption, then he is not saved by grace. Mind you, he might still sing "Amazing Grace" with gusto, being ignorant of its meaning. Unfortunately, "Amazing Grace" is the most sung, yet most disbelieved, song ever.
In this book, you will examine just how amazing grace really is.
