This is one of the most honored gospel message songs ever.  The first four verses were penned by former slaver John Newton in 1779, and the last verse was added later.

 

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.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘tis grace has 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’ve first begun.

 

In the first verse, the wretch realizes his need for a savior and defines the saving transformation in two ways: was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see.  

The whole notion of the song is that I cannot do anything to save myself.  The grace of God, the Lord, and His Word do all the actions: saved, taught, relieved fears, brought me safely this far, will lead me to heaven, promised good, secures hope. 

The only thing we do is sing God’s praises forever.

Amen.