“The Cross” A Poem by John Newton

Author of the hymn Amazing Grace, a former slave ship captain converted to Christ turned preacher and poet for Jesus’ fame wrote a reflection on the cross in the poem below. In light of the three baptisms that we’re about to witness as a church in the coming weeks, “The Cross” from Newton may bring to remembrance when we first beheld Jesus, crucified, buried, and raised for us.

THE CROSS

In evil long I took delight, 
Unawed by shame or fear, 
Till a new object struck my sight, 
And stopped my wild career.

I saw One hanging on a tree, 
In agonies and blood; 
He fixed His languid eyes on me, 
    As near His cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath, 
Shall I forget that look! 
It seemed to charge me with His death, 
    Though not a word He spoke.

A second look He gave, which said, 
“I freely all forgive; 
This blood is for thy ransom paid; 
    I die that thou mayest live.”

Thus while His death my sin displays 
In all its blackest hue, 
Such is the mystery of grace, 
    It seals my pardon too!