Lord, what is Man? by John Newton
The work examines the dual nature of humanity by contrasting the mortal, corruptible flesh with the immortal, divine soul. It opens with an inquiry into man’s essence, highlighting that while man's body is destined for decay, his soul possesses an inherent, sacred origin—a divine spark infused by the Creator. Initially, humanity is portrayed as holy and radiant, but the onset of sin tarnishes this purity, burdening the soul with darkness, conflict, and death. A central theme is the redemptive intervention of Christ, who, by assuming human nature and enduring suffering, offers a means for spiritual restoration. Through His sacrifice, believers receive grace that rekindles their divine essence. This act transforms the individual, enabling a return to a life imbued with holiness and a conscious detachment from the mundane and corruptible aspects of earthly existence. The narrative then shifts to a vision of the eternal state of the redeemed. In this future realm, transformed humanity is characterized by honor, purity, and love, elevated to a position that allows for direct communion with the divine presence. The redeemed soul, now restored to its original glory, is destined to lead celestial worship with angels, symbolizing the ultimate reunion with the divine order. In this exalted state, man transcends his fallen condition, fully embracing the grace that has renewed his inner nature and secured his place within the eternal, divine fellowship.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Religious/Spiritual, Poetry, Christian Hymnody · 241 words
First lines
I: Lord, what is man? extremes how wide / In this mysterious nature join!
The flesh to worms and dust allied, / The soul immortal and divine!
II: Divine at first, a holy flame / Kindled by the Almighty's breath; / Till, stain'd by sin, it soon became / The seat of darkness, strife, and death.
III: But Jesus, O amazing grace!
What this Textopian page supports
Lord, what is Man? is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Newton, dated 1779 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Newton
- Date: 1779 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious/Spiritual, Poetry, Christian Hymnody, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Lord, what is Man? by John Newton
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Genres
- Religious/Spiritual — The work centers on divine grace, redemption, and theological themes emblematic of Christian spiritual literature.
- Poetry — The text employs structured verse, rhythm, and rhyme to convey its themes, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Christian Hymnody — The work reflects traditional hymn structure and content, highlighting aspects of worship and doctrinal reflection common in hymn texts.
- Inspirational Literature — Its focus on grace, transformation, and the human connection to the divine aims to uplift and inspire readers.
Tags
theology · human condition · spiritual reflection · divinity · faith · salvation · redemption · mortality · sin · mercy · repentance · humility