Amazing Grace

"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." Ephesians 2:8-9

The author of the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace", John Newton, was a slave trader. As a young, restless, marine he deserted his crew in the coast of West Africa. He was then taken aboard a slave trade boat and was forced to work for the slave trader captain. Ironically, when he got his freedom back in England, he became a slave trader himself. My question today is Am I any better than John Newton?

I'm not a slave trader by any means. I despise slavery in any form, place, or circumstance. I'm actually a good person... or am I?

I've been a Christian all my life, a preacher's kid. I attended church weekly, on Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I was baptized at 10. I attended Christian schools most of my life. My friends were Christian too. I toured with various musical ensembles, school bands and orchestras, choirs, quartets, and other singing groups, all within a religious setting. I've been a music director, a church treasurer, an elder, and even a preacher on a few occasions. But by carefully analyzing my life, I realize that I've been a slave to sin.

I like the way the apostle Paul puts it "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience" (1 Timothy 1:16). It may be true that I have done good deeds all my life, but I've been affected by a terrible sin, arrogance, and even worse, spiritual arrogance.

Arrogance is an offensive display of superiority or self-importance. Spiritual arrogance is based on our abilities and accomplishments rather than in the power of God. It's fostered and by an extreme need for recognition. It happens when I feel the need to tell you how much better I am than you.

I've been fighting a strong temptation to glory in my reputation, my talent, my works, and my knowledge. I have fed my own self-centeredness and that pride brought its own set of blinders. I can perceive arrogance in others with stomach churning disgust, but I cautiously rationalize and excuse my own. I have yielded to a sinful spirit when I speak with someone I think is in error. On more than one occasion, instead of showing love and respect for someone who made a mistake I've been proud about what I know and can do for him or her.

How many times have I categorized people by race, age, education, economics, and background? How many times have I preferred some groups over others with the excuse that I can get along better with this type of person as opposed to another? How many times have I judged people by the color of their skin and not by the content of their character?
Spiritual arrogance also tends to arise from my capacities. Very often my talent is my greatest liability because pride has ruined it. I compare my abilities to others and think I'm rather special. Or if someone is clearly better than me, I sink into the darkness of envy because I don't measure up.

Sometimes I begin to speak of 'my work for God' rather than His work through me. I forget that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Instead, I assume He has used me because I'm good. My faith, my commitment, and my ability make me strong enough to stand--without Him. The grace and power of God have become my right rather than a gift.

I hide my true condition, even from myself, and no longer rely on God's Word. I convince myself that I already know all I need to know in order to be saved. However, a careful examination of the Word of God has a way of getting the malice of my pride out into the light of day.

Have you found yourself in the same predicament I've been for many years? Do you suffer from spiritual arrogance too? There's good news for you and me, my friend.

The solution to our spiritual arrogance comes from humility learned at the feet of Jesus.
He demonstrated that greatness is not based on skills, knowledge, or reputation, but in having the simple and humble faith of a child.

First, we must repent of our sins because sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Second, we must confess our sin directly to God. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Third, we must share the gospel, tell others what God has done in our lives. And fourth, we must live a faithful and humble life. The humility it takes to enter the kingdom of God must be learned by the way we live in this world.

The story of John Newton doesn't end as a slave trader. Later in life he experienced a genuine conversion and abandoned slave trading. He became a powerful evangelical preacher and a passionate opponent of slavery. He established a strong relationship with William Wilberforce and other political leaders engaged in the crusade against slave trading. Newton died in 1807, the same year that the British Parliament finally abolished slavery throughout all of its domain. A short time before his death, Newton said "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: 'that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior.'"

I give thanks to God for his amazing grace and rejoice in his forgiveness every day. In this piano arrangement you will hear first the sad notes of slavery and a sinful life. Then you will hear a joyful expression of liberty, the victory over sin that only Jesus Christ can give you. Would you please sing with me?

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.

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.

3
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

4
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

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 first begun.

Words by John Newton