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.
'Twas 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 has brought me safe thus far
And it is grace that will lead me home.
Yeah!... how amazing!...
How wonderful you are!...
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've first begun.
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.
Uuh yeah!...
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Darlene Zschech’s rendition of the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace," released on August 22, 2021, arrives not just as another cover, but as a profound echo of a foundational truth in the Christian journey. This song carries the weight of centuries of faith, originally penned by John Newton, a former slave trader whose own life was a living testament to the radical, unmerited favor of God that saves the "wretch." The enduring story behind the words is the transformative power of grace – the undeserved kindness of God extended to broken, sinful humanity, bringing forgiveness, liberation, and new life. Zschech steps into this legacy, offering an interpretation that feels deeply personal yet universally accessible, focusing on the sheer wonder and security found in this divine grace.
This musical expression serves as a powerful reminder of the gospel message itself, starting from the stark reality of our lostness and blindness before encountering Christ. The Bible is clear about this state: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and Ephesians 2:1 describes us as being "dead in the trespasses and sins" in which we once walked. This self-awareness of our need is the starting point, the "wretch like me" acknowledged in the hymn. But the incredible turning point, captured so vividly in the song and Scripture, is the moment grace breaks through. Just as 2 Corinthians 4:6 speaks of God commanding light to shine out of darkness, illuminating "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," this grace brings sight to the blind, leading the formerly lost soul to find its way.
The song moves from this initial transformation to the ongoing security and permanence of salvation. When the lines speak of fear being relieved and chains falling off, it resonates deeply with biblical promises of freedom and peace. Romans 8:2 declares that "the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death," and Philippians 4:7 assures us that the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Zschech’s performance seems to build with this confidence, reflecting the enduring power of grace not just to save, but to sustain. The promise that grace appeared "precious" and "set my spirit free" points to the incredible value placed on our redemption, a theme central to verses like 1 Peter 1:18-19, which reminds us that we were ransomed "not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ."
Furthermore, the latter verses of the hymn, included in this arrangement, bravely look towards the future, acknowledging the eventual decline of earthly life but asserting the ultimate triumph of a life with God. This echoes the hope held out in Scripture for all believers. Even when "this flesh and heart shall fail," Psalm 73:26 reassures us that "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The vision of a world passing away while God remains forever our own aligns with the glorious promise in Revelation 21:3-4, where God will dwell with His people, and they will be His people, and He will wipe away every tear. Darlene Zschech’s presentation of this timeless hymn captures its profound theological depth and its capacity to stir genuine faith, reminding all who hear it of the unwavering power and stunning beauty of God's amazing grace that sustains us from conversion through eternity.
