Fueled by modern self-esteem philosophy, the song Amazing Grace has been criticized because it says God “saved a wretch like me.”
Many Christians insist we must have kinder views of ourselves.
But Scripture supports the lyrics, describing the unsaved in this way:
"All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:12
Nor does Jesus emphasize our self-esteem after we’re saved. Jesus said obedient Christians should say, “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.” Luke 17:7-10
Jesus didn’t rebuke the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 who said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home.” Jesus said this centurion had an amazing understanding of Jesus’ authority.
Paul repeatedly talked about his wretchedness and God’s undeserved grace (1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).
We will never understand God’s amazing grace until we understand how wretched we are without Him.
Let’s focus on His honor, not ours.
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I love the old hymns Gail, thanks for sharing this. I DO see myself as a wretch and am thankful for Jesus' death that saved me from despair. My daughter in law taught this hymn to her little ones. She wasn't sure her youngest was getting the words right when after a few days she said to her mother "what are toils and snares"? Children are listening, even if they aren't verbalizing it back. It's sinking in. Thank you for your ministry.
ReplyDeleteI love the old hymns too, Gail! thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt really does make me wonder how many of these who want to change the Bible to be 'kinder' truly know the Lord. I know before I knew the Lord, I didn't understand how wretched I was. Now, I feel more like an ant upside the Lord. I know I'm not worthy of the grace He has extended.
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