If Christianity ever had a national anthem Amazing Grace would be a strong contender.

“Amazing Grace” is one of the most well-known hymns in the world, but many people don’t know the powerful story behind it. The hymn was written by John Newton, a man whose life changed in a dramatic way.

John Newton was born in England in 1725. His childhood was difficult, and after his mother died, he eventually ended up working on ships. For several years, he was involved in the slave trade, helping transport enslaved Africans across the Atlantic. Newton later admitted that during this time he lived far from God and made many sinful choices.

Everything began to change during a terrifying event at sea on March 21, 1748. Newton was on a ship called the Greyhound when a violent storm hit. The waves were so strong that the crew thought the ship would sink and they would all die. In fear and desperation, Newton cried out to God for help—even though he had not cared about God before. The ship survived the storm, and Newton saw this as the start of God working in his life.

Over the next years, Newton slowly grew in his Christian faith. He eventually left the slave trade completely and later became a minister. He also became a strong supporter of ending slavery and encouraged William Wilberforce, a leader who helped abolish the slave trade in the British Empire.

In 1772, Newton wrote “Amazing Grace” for a church service. The words of the hymn describe his own experience of being forgiven and changed by God. Lines like “I once was lost, but now am found” point back to the storm that opened his eyes spiritually. Other lines about dangers and troubles remind us of his difficult life at sea.

“Amazing Grace” has remained popular for hundreds of years because its message is universal. It reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s grace, and that forgiveness and transformation are possible for anyone.