That was a Wonder-Working Word by John Newton
The work is a lyrical meditation on the supreme potency of a divine command that brings forth creation and, by extension, has the power to redeem and renew the fallen human soul. It opens by proclaiming a specific word as wonder-working—capable of inspiring not only the earthly realm but also heavenly beings, whose admiration and praise underline its sublime efficacy. The subsequent verses recount a creation narrative reminiscent of the biblical account: from a formless, chaotic mass, the utterance of this word initiates the emergence of light, celestial bodies, and the earthly elements of land and sea, all responding instantly to the command. Following the vivid portrayal of nature’s inception, the poem shifts focus to the creation of living beings. The word is depicted as the force that not only brings forth plants, trees, birds, and beasts but also establishes man as the pinnacle of creation. However, the tone becomes reflective as it contrasts man’s hallowed beginning with his subsequent moral decay after a catastrophic fall. Man’s heart, once noble and reflective of divine light, becomes dark, deformed, and empty—a symbol of spiritual ruin and disarray. Yet, the narrative advances with an assertion of hope embedded in the same creative power that once fashioned the cosmos. There is a transition from the physical act of creation to the internal, transformative process of spiritual rebirth. The work posits that the same divine word that orchestrated the formation of the universe possesses the inherent ability to mend the wreckage of human existence. It calls attention to the possibility of a new creation within the soul, where the corrupt nature can be regenerated and restored through the restorative influence of the divine command. Ultimately, the poem presents a dual vision: one of overwhelming creative power that spans from the genesis of the universe to the intimate renewal of the human spirit, and another of redemption that affirms even in a state of self-destruction, the potential for profound transformation remains.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Christian Literature, Inspirational Poetry · 241 words
First lines
I: That was a wonder-working word / Which could the vast creation raise!
Angels, attendant on their Lord / Admired the plan, and sung his praise.
II: From what a dark and shapeless mass / All nature sprang at his command!
Let there be light! and light there was, / And sun and stars and sea and land.
Genres
- Religious Poetry — Blends a poetic structure with a biblical creation narrative, emphasizing divine acts and spiritual themes.
- Christian Literature — Centers on Christian theology and scripture, reflecting on divine power, the fall of man, and redemption.
- Inspirational Poetry — Intends to inspire awe and renewal by portraying the transformative power of the divine word.
- Theological Literature — Engages with themes of creation, fall, and salvation within a framework that examines divine intervention.
Tags
spiritual · inspirational · miraculous · worship · redemption · divine grace · conversion · faith · Christian · hymn · biblical · devotion
What this Textopian page supports
That was a Wonder-Working Word 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 Poetry, Christian Literature, Inspirational Poetry, Theological Literature, Didactic Poetry
- Length: 241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for That was a Wonder-Working Word by John Newton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph