John Newton lived a wicked life until he met Christ as Savior. After his salvation he spent the rest of his days promoting and living by the grace of God.  Those famous words in the iconic hymn reveal the attitude and disposition Newton had toward God’s unmerited favor: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”

     Those words would summarize the entire scope of his life.  On his death bed Newton told his loved ones, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

     Indeed, we are all great sinners.  Our nature, our decisions, our birth, our attitudes, our mind, and our flesh are sinful to the core.  We may think we are “good” and “decent” beings, but the Bible says no one is good, not one.  All have gone astray; there is not one person who is righteous enough to be accepted of God.  We are great sinners.

     But in the same breath, we delightfully see that Christ is a great Savior.  His nature, His decisions, His birth, His attitude, His mind, and His flesh was holy, righteous, and acceptable unto God.  His death secures our birth.  His cross secures our life.  His resurrection secures our glory. 

     No wonder Newton died with those words upon his lips; we are all great sinners, but thankfully, we have a great Savior!