The theme of the song is consistent with the theme of the Bible: repentance, gratitude, atonement and rebirth. The lyrics are concise and full of confession of piety and gratitude, which is also the testimony of john newton's life.
John newton was a slave captain, who did many evils and was later exiled to Africa. In a stormy sea, he was saved by God, so he decided to repent thoroughly, devoted his life to spreading the gospel of God, and became a preacher in the19th century. Before he died, he wrote an epitaph for himself: "Pastor John Newton was once a man who had committed a crime and didn't believe in God. He used to be a slave in Africa. But through the abundant mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, he was kept, reconciled with God, forgiven his sins, and was appointed to preach the gospel. " This poem bears witness to his life's salvation. This song is full of his remorse for the past slave trade and gratitude to God. Nevertheless, God still bless him.
-Author: John Newton.