“Amazing Grace” was written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave trader whose life changed after surviving a violent storm at sea. Believing God had spared his life, Newton later became a minister and devoted himself to faith and repentance.
The hymn reflects his personal transformation—from guilt and blindness to redemption and grace. Lines like “was blind, but now I see” were not poetic exaggerations, but a confession of his moral awakening.
Over time, “Amazing Grace” became one of the most recognized Christian hymns in the world, sung in churches, at funerals, during national tragedies, and in moments of deep personal grief. Its power lies not in perfection, but in mercy—the belief that no one is beyond God’s grace.
