John Newton was engaged in slave trading while rebelling against the faith of his mother. By his own admission he was consumed with all forms of wickedness. Yet, God called to him in mercy and grace and Newton surrendered to God. Newton then wrote the iconic hymn, “Amazing Grace”. This song speaks of a wretched man saved by God’s grace and has been sung by church congregations and recorded by Christian and secular artists for decades.
Saul was a man driven by his religion. So much so that he pursued and arrested Christians. These Christians were then put to death for their faith. Then, on the road to Damascus, God stopped Saul in blinding light and spoke to Saul. God, in His grace, called Saul to be His voice and witness to the Gentiles. Now called Paul, because he had been transformed by God’s grace, he went on to write much of the New Testament and witness to most of the known world at the time.
I did not grow up in the church. My family did not speak of any God, lovingly or otherwise. During my first year of college I heard several fellow students talking about their relationship with Jesus. I had never heard of such a thing. Through a series of events and searchings, I came to know this personal and loving God. By His grace He called me into His family and offered me forgiveness of my sins. Since then He has used me to tell the story of what He has done for me in several countries and in books.
Like Newton and Paul, I don’t deserve the forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life I have been given by Jesus. It has all come through His grace and mercy. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The same grace is offered to you. What will you do with this gift?
Reluctant Retiree 