# How does Olney Hymns develop the theme of Grace and Unmerited Favor?

> Olney Hymns by John Newton

## Answer

Olney Hymns by John Newton develops Grace and Unmerited Favor across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Salvation and all spiritual blessings are attributed to God's sovereign, unmerited grace, which transforms sinners, sustains believers, and is the foundation of all hope.

The believer's salvation and ongoing strength are attributed to God's grace, not human merit.

God's grace forgives Adam's guilt without being asked, and enables faith.

Contrasts Cain's self-righteousness with the grace of God, which alone can change the heart and is typified by the Redeemer's blood.

## Evidence

- [book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture.md): The believer's salvation and ongoing strength are attributed to God's grace, not human merit.
- [1-adam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/1-adam.md): God's grace forgives Adam's guilt without being asked, and enables faith.
- [2-cain-and-abel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/2-cain-and-abel.md): Contrasts Cain's self-righteousness with the grace of God, which alone can change the heart and is typified by the Redeemer's blood.
- [5-lot-in-sodom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/5-lot-in-sodom.md): Mercy plucked Lot by the hand, showing God's grace in saving him despite his lingering.
- [8-esau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/8-esau.md): The speaker acknowledges being no better than Esau, yet receives pardon and heaven, attributing all praise to the Saviour.
- [9-jacob-s-ladder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/9-jacob-s-ladder.md): The gospel throne of grace accessible to believers, and the unmerited favor of God in claiming Jacob and believers as his own.
- [10-my-name-is-jacob](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-my-name-is-jacob.md): The speaker acknowledges his past rebellion and sin, yet relies on God's mercy and grace to sustain him.
- [11-plenty-in-the-time-of-dearth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/11-plenty-in-the-time-of-dearth.md): The poem emphasizes the abundance of grace available in Christ, who provides for the needy despite their unworthiness.

## Links

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