Lyrics
Verse 1
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
Verse 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
Chorus
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
Verse 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
Chorus (x2)
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
Verse 4
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
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Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Chords
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Meaning & Inspiration
Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” keeps John Newton’s familiar verses and adds a new chorus. The first verses tell of being lost and blind, then found and able to see, and of grace that taught the heart to fear and then relieved those fears. The wording is the hymn people know, so the tune carries the old words into a newer setting.
The added chorus turns from testimony to release: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, My God, my Savior has ransomed me.” It adds that His mercy reigns like a flood and calls His love unending. The third verse rests hope on God’s promise, and the last verse says that even when the earth dissolves and the sun stops shining, God will be forever the singer’s own.
The themes recall Ephesians 2:8, John 8:36 and Psalm 73:26, on salvation by grace, being set free by the Son, and God as a lasting portion. The song joins an old hymn and a modern chorus for congregational singing.
Related Scripture
- Ephesians 2:8 Saved by grace through faith
- John 8:36 Free indeed through the Son
- Psalm 73:26 God is the strength and portion of my heart