Amazing Grace theologically corrected

 Amazing Grace theologically corrected

The first two verses have very calvinistic overtones but I was surprised to find out that it was written by an Anglican who should have known better. Lets break down what the problems are and then fix it.

Verse 1

"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."

If you are an adult and had no faith prior to your conversion then this is true. If however you were born in the faith established by Jesus then the normal mode of operation is you were baptized as an infant. At baptism you are born again, washed in the laver of regeneration, and you receive sanctifying grace incorporating you in the family of God. Nothing in this verse works if you are following the ordinary means of salvation set up by Jesus. This next verse is a much better alternative:

Verse 1 alternate

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

That draws us close to Thee.

Through sacrament Thy love abounds,

And sets the sinner free.

Verse 2 original

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

If you are an adult and had no faith prior to your conversion then this is close to being correct. These lyrics don't specify that there are different kinds of grace. It says grace taught the heart to fear which lead to conversion and does not differentiate that this is prevenient grace which is different from sanctifying grace after believing. Okay this is a song and not a dogmatic declaration but it still has the same problem as the first verse. It is about a convert and not the normal mode of action for the Christian. Here is a better version:

Verse 2

’Twas grace that formed me in the font,

And keeps me in Thy care;

Through Church and saints, Thy gifts I seek,

Thy mercy everywhere.

Verse 3-5  are fine

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures

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’d first begun.