I am once again putting together an order of service for a chapel attendee who passed away on Feb 9th. One of the items is always what hymns to choose. Families are in the habit of choosing Amazing Grace. This hymn is very commonly used on many occasions and at many services for people who have passed away. Society tends to use it at many events when I’m not sure they are really understanding what it says.
The opening words speak volumes from a Christian Standpoint.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me”
We know the story behind the words from the writer’s perspective but far too often the song is used with little or no understanding of what it says. The dictionary describes “Grace” Among other things, but from a Christian perspective as “The unmerited favour of God” If we merit something we should deserve whatever we get. If we received something ‘unmerited’ means we didn’t earn it. It came to us as a free gift. So our Faith in God and the Salvation it provides we had nothing to do with earning it. We only had to accept it and take it. God’s grace has given us blessing after blessing after the primary gift of Salvation. I and my family will tell you that there are things in our lives that we did not plan or cause to happen but God gave them to us as blessings undeserved and unearned.
Ephesians 2: 8 & 9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.
A gift, a free gift.
When I think of the life of John Newton who at the age of 47 began writing the hymn “Amazing Grace” there is no doubt that God’s Grace extends to one and all. The problem seems to be that so many have difficulty accepting that gift. Even the world uses the word grace in wonderful ways. Grace of movement, grace from a debt or feeling gracious towards someone or something. We know, however, that God’s Grace supersedes it all. We as Christians have received a gift that cannot be valued in human or worldly terms.
2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness …..
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Grace provides salvation and grace is available all through our life to deal with whatever comes our way.
Romans 6: 14
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Think about this. Jeff Bezos has again been declared the richest man on earth at $195.2 Billion USD. Is Jeff any richer than you and I as Christians. Jeff came into this world as a naked baby and he will leave as a lifeless corpse. The only difference from you and I is our Standing in Christ. The Grace that God bestows on any and all that receive his gift of Free Salvation makes each and every born again Christian the wealthiest people both on the earth and beyond.
Titus 2 :11
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
There is no excuse. The Salvation by grace through the death of Jesus Christ is available to all men. One only has to accept. I trust each one of us has, by Grace, received that free Gift.
