Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Sovereign grace has pow'r alone

John Newton

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Source: Olney Hymns

Sovereign grace has pow'r alone
To subdue a heart of stone;
And the moment grace is felt,
Then the hardest heart will melt.
When the Lord was crucified,
Two transgressors with him died;
One with vile blaspheming tongue,
Scoffed at JESUS as he hung.
Thus he spent his wicked breath,
In the very jaws of death
Perished, as too many do,
With the Savior in his view.
But the other, touched with grace,
Saw the danger of his case;
Faith received to own the LORD,
Whom the scribes and priests abhorred.
"Lord, he prayed, remember me;
When in glory thou shalt be:"
"Soon with me, the Lord replies,
Thou shalt rest in paradise."
This was wondrous grace indeed,
Grace vouchsafed in time of need!
Sinners trust in Jesu's name,
You shall find him still the same.
But beware of unbelief,
Think upon the hardened thief;
If the gospel you disdain,
CHRIST, to you, will die in vain.