Volume 32

A grace note is something extra added to a musical piece to enhance it, even though it’s not essential to the song. In the story of John Newton, composer of the beloved Amazing Grace, there are many such embellishments. But the true tale of his life and faith is even more powerful without the biographical grace notes.

Though it’s widely known Newton was a slave-trader who later became a minister, many accounts of his personal transformation are highly exaggerated. Stories tell of a tumultuous storm during which the slaver is so afraid for his life that he’s driven to his knees and makes a desperate pact with God, then — when saved from death — sets his human cargo free and, in a burst of inspiration, composes Amazing Grace. The truth isn’t quite so neat and tidy.

According to many sources, Newton began his career as a slave buyer in Africa before becoming a captain on several ships trafficking in the trade. A violent storm at sea in 1748 did hasten his conversion to Christianity but that was only one of several I’ll-do-better bargains he tried to strike with God, each one prompted by a close call. Despite his near-death, new-life experiences, Newton didn’t free the slaves he was transporting and he continued to work as a slaver. In fact, less than a year after giving his life to Christ, he was back in Africa buying men and women and taking yet another African “wife” while there.

Even when Newton left the slave trade in 1754 or 1755, it was only because his wife insisted he settle down in England. When he became a quasi-Customs Officer whose job was to search for smuggled cargo,

he was paid with half of whatever he confiscated from others. But bythat time, Newton’s faith was starting to make a difference and, a decade later, he was ordained in the Anglican church.

It’s thought Newton wrote Amazing Grace in 1772 during an informal hymn-writing competition he was having with William Cowper, another noted hymnist. It wasn’t until eight years after writing his anthem to grace that he began to express regrets about his involvement in the slave trade — 32 years after his conversion. He then began to fight openly against slavery and did so until he died in 1807.

Though some would prefer the insta-saint version of Newton’s life, the reality is much closer to our own experience and the true nature of the spiritual concept his life has become synonymous with. Grace — receiving mercy and forgiveness from God, even though we don’t deserve it — is not just a once-and-for-all wonder reserved for those who commit to Christ and never look back.

Yes, grace was at the crux of the crucifixion where Jesus willingly took the punishment we deserve because of our many sins. Christ exemplified grace by taking our place on the cross and offering pardon to all who will accept that free gift of forgiveness. As Paul told the Christians in Ephesus, “God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so very much, that ... He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.

“It’s only by God’s special favour (grace) that you’ve been saved! And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favour and kindness as shown in all He’s done for us through Christ Jesus. God saved you by his special favour (grace) when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this — it’s a gift from God! Salvation isn’t a reward for the good things we’ve done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph. 2:4,5,7-9)

But we don’t do good things to be saved. We do good things because we’ve been saved by asking God for his grace and pledging to live in relationship with Christ. Like Newton, we’ll need a lifetime of that grace to cover our false starts and constant failures. We’ll need time and our Father’s limitless, illogical patience to grow into our faith and become the loving, enlightened and enlivened people He wants.

But through the power of the Holy Spirit we will be transformed, one tiny, tentative step at a time. And no matter how long it takes, God will cover us with mercy, love and passionate, irrepressible persistence. Now that’s what I call amazing.

By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this free weekly article, send an email to sgamble@bfree.on.ca