grace

salvation

assurance

Amazing Grace

John Newton 1779 Tune: New Britain (C.M. (8.6.8.6))

John Newton's testimony hymn of free grace that saved a wretch.

Quick Answer

John Newton's testimony hymn of free grace that saved a wretch. Written by John Newton (1779), sung to the tune "New Britain".

Suggested pairing scripture

Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Read Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Amazing Grace." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing in personal devotion, at bedside prayers, and in services of healing or quiet reflection.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

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.

Stanza 2

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.

Stanza 3

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

Stanza 4

The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.

Stanza 5

When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun.

History & Background

Written by former slave-trader John Newton for his New Year's Day sermon of 1773, first published in the Olney Hymns of 1779. The familiar 'New Britain' tune was paired with the text in 1835.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Read in context

Luke 15:24

"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."

Read in context

1 Chronicles 17:16-17

"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?"

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote Amazing Grace?

John Newton, an Anglican curate and former slave trader, wrote the words in 1772 for use with his sermon on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. They were first published in 1779 in the Olney Hymns.

What scripture inspired Amazing Grace?

Newton's primary text was 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, but the hymn echoes Ephesians 2:8 and the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Amazing Grace.

Jesus Paid It All

Elvina M. Hall · 1865

Just As I Am

Charlotte Elliott · 1835

And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Charles Wesley · 1738

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Amazing Grace

John Newton • 1779

Bible Verses About Assurance of Salvation

10 curated KJV verses

John 6:37 Commentary

In-depth study • Assurance of Salvation

Spiritual Warfare

Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

The helmet of salvation guards the mind with the unshakeable assurance of what G

Blessed Assurance

Fanny J. Crosby • 1873

Ephesians 2:8-9 Commentary

In-depth study • Salvation & Grace

Where to go next

Enjoyed "Amazing Grace"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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