The story of Anglican minister John Newton’s conversion is one of the most widely retold in the church today, and with good reason. In his testimony, which so many associate with his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, believers from every tribe and tongue hear echoes of their own salvation.

But one critique brought against this nigh-ubiquitous song might surprise you: In a song about God’s saving grace, there is no explicit mention of Jesus Christ. Thus, one might even ask if the absence of the stone of stumbling and rock of offense from this hymn may even contribute to this song’s popularity.

If one were to examine the life and writings of John Newton, however, he would find that Newton made no such distinction. For the former slave trader, Jesus Christ was the grace of God personified.

Thus, when he wrote, “I once was lost, but now am found/Was blind, but now I see,” Newton was aware that Christ was the Good Shepherd who found him. As he penned the lines, “‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear/And grace my fears relieved,” Newton had Christ in mind as a Prophet and Priest.

As such, it is no surprise that Newton writes this way about death:

“You have nothing to fear from death; for Jesus, by dying, has disarmed it of its sting, has perfumed the grave, and opened the gates of glory for his believing people!”

May we, like John Newton, remember that the amazing grace found only in Christ has removed the sting of death.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Amen.