"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, etc"..a beautiful and meaningful hymn..a poem composed  in the 18th Century by a "sinner", a slave trader, who realized the error of his ways, and became a  God-fearing man, a minister, seeking redemption.

Originally a poem, that was set to music through the years. The tunes were often different, depending upon the era and the group singing it.  In the 19th Century, the tune that we associate with it now, became standard.

It is a stirring song..more  like an anthem.

It's just a shame that so few people really understand the significance of the song and its meaning.  

Read the definition of "Grace" and it says "unmerited divine assistance..a virtue coming from God".  The key to understanding is the word "unmerited".  You could also say "undeserved".  But, basically it means that you receive His grace, through nothing that you do, or will have done.  It's a "reward" freely given by our Father.  

Why?

Because  of the Righteousness of His Son who was faithful unto death.

Nothing that you may set out to do, or feel the need to qualify for means a thing.  He has done it all, and we merely accept if with graciousness, you might say, and certainly with thanksgiving.  

But, if you read the "biblical" definition, or if you will, that usually associated with traditional churches, there is a caveat..something on the order, if you will "yield" to Him, "give" yourself to Him.."pledge yourself"..you get the idea.  In other words, it's frreely given to those that are "deserving".

BUT that is not what God does.  We receive His grace, irregardless of who we are  or what we do.  Only because He wills it.  You don't have to do anything!

God knows I haven't EARNED it!

This will be understood, after you've received His grace to understand, and when you do understand, "it" becomes truly "amazing"..paulnbob