And Can It Be Lyrics
By Charles Wesley
Tune Name: SAGINA
Composer: Thomas Campbell
Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8
Hymnbook Source: Methodist hymnals
Verse 1
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
An interest in the Savior's blood
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Verse 2
He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
Tis mercy all, immense and free
For O my God, it found out me!
For O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be,That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Verse 3
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light
Fast bound in sin and nature's night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off, my heart was free
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God should die for me?
That Thou, my God should die for me?
Verse 4
No condemnation now I dread
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine
Alive in Him, my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine
Alive in Him, my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach the eternal throne
And claim the crown, through Christ my own
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou my God, should die for me?
And claim the crown, through Christ my own
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou my God, should die for me?
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley authored the hymn, emphasizing amazement at Christ’s love and salvation. He highlights how Wesley often explored themes of grace and redemption. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes its popularity in English hymnals. He observes that Julian emphasizes its theological depth and emotional appeal. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton underscores the marvel of God’s mercy in the hymn. He highlights Newton’s view that it fosters heartfelt devotion. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint remarks on the hymn’s lyrical elegance. He emphasizes Pierpoint’s appreciation for its congregational and devotional use. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlights its musical strength and accessibility. He observes how Rees valued its devotional clarity. |
| Philip P. Bliss, American Composer & Evangelist, 1838–1876 | Bliss admired its melodic simplicity and spiritual impact. He emphasizes Bliss’s recognition of its revivalist power. |
| Fanny J. Crosby, American Hymn Writer, 1820–1915 | Crosby often celebrated God’s love and grace in her hymns. She highlights how this hymn exemplifies trust and wonder at salvation. |
Prayer: Thank You, Father that You have given us the victory through faith in your Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, and that this victory is our faith. Thank You Lord that You are a Mighty Man of War and that You have triumphed over sin, the devil and death and hae given us the victory in You. We stand in awe of Your majesty and thank you for the great love that You have lavished upon us that we should be called Your Children. Thank You, King of glory for all that you have done, are doing and will do on behalf of your purchased possession, Your people, in Jesus' Name. Amen! See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
