It’s Still Amazing Grace, Isn’t It?

I once got an eMail from a friend titled: Hymns for the Lukewarm Church. Some of the songs were by title only. Instead of, Oh, How I Love Jesus, it was, Oh, How I Like Jesus. Instead of, Standing on the Promises, it was, Sitting on the Premises. 

Some of the songs had “nearly inspired words.” For example, there was Amazing Grace … 

Amazing grace, how OK the sound

that saved a pretty good guy like me.

I once was directionally challenged, but now I’m found.

I needed corrective lenses, but now I see.

I say, “Baloney,” (from the Greek - balongna)! Grace has always been amazing in every sense of the word. The knowledge of God’s amazing grace should leave us shaking our heads in absolute wonder, and raising our hands in unadulterated praise. 

But, why? Because I was lost, not directionally challenged. I wasn’t just a little off track, I was completely and utterly in ignorance. My eye site wasn’t just a little fuzzy, I was totally blind. That is, until I was touched by His amazing grace. Now I can see. 

2 Timothy 2.1 reads, “You therefore, my son, be continually strengthened by means of the grace, which comes through your relationship with Christ Jesus” [my expanded translation].

By the way, “be strengthened” is a Greek imperative so, own it. Live in it. Bask in the strength, which comes by means of the amazing grace. Think about it. Ponder it. Meditate on it. If you do, I think you’ll never cease to be amazed that a holy God loves you because it is His nature, and joy, to do so.  

Amazing Grace (written in 1772, published in 1779, John Newton)

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.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.