Amazing Grace

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.

We've sung these words many times, but does God's grace truly amaze us? It should. The word "amazing" implies "that which causes a strong emotional reaction; causing astonishment, that which enthralls." (Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary). What is it about grace that should cause astonishment that enthralls the emotions? What is so amazing about grace?

Consider the inspired statement from Paul found in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. " Grace is a gift. When it comes to your soul's salvation, you have no purchase power. Salvation is a "gift," paid for in full by the blood of Jesus and freely given to those who through faith accept it in obedience. What an astonishing truth! Grace becomes even more amazing when one considers the spiritual security it provides. There are few things in this life upon which one can safely rely, but God's gift of grace brings the assurance that eternity in heaven can be ours.

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.

What a splendid thought! It's incredible to think about what eternity with God will be like. One thing for sure it will be amazing! We can depend on what God has said it will be like. It will be a place that is sorrow free, evil free, dark free, pain free, and free from the bounds of time. This stands in contrast to this life where there is uncertainty with so many things. Will I be employed next year? Will gasoline be as affordable as it is today? Will the homeowner mortgage problems pass, or will it worsen? Will my health remain good? Much about the future is unknown. God's promises, however, are sure. As people who have accepted the will of the Father in obedience to the gospel, we are able to live "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" (Titus 1:2).

Amazing grace! God's grace fills life with sweetness and brings joy beyond what the world can provide. Praise to God will echo in eternity because He, astonishing as it is, provided for our salvation at the cost of His own Son. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Amazing! Eric