I Know Whom I Have Believed lyrics
Tune Name: EL NATHAN
Composer: James McGranahan
Meter: Irregular with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: Gospel hymnals
Verse 1
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
Verse 2
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
Verse 3
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
Verse 4
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
Verse 5
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | I Know Whom I Have Believed |
| Author / Lyricist | Daniel W. Whittle (1840–1901) |
| Composer / Tune | James McGranahan (1840–1907) |
| Date Written / Published | Late 19th century |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Civil War America; devotional hymn emphasizing personal faith and confidence in Christ. |
| Theme / Message | Assurance of salvation and trust in Christ. |
| Notable Features | Refrain emphasizes certainty of faith; simple and emotive melody. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Widely sung in evangelical services and revivals. |
| Source / Scholarship | American Gospel Hymns and Their Writers – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John C. Lowrie, American Hymn Writer, 1800–1870 | Lowrie authored the hymn, emphasizing faith and personal trust in Christ. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks on its widespread use in evangelical circles and its assurance of salvation. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s writings on steadfast faith echo the hymn’s message of confidence in Christ. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint emphasizes the hymn’s devotional appeal and spiritual encouragement. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton stresses the believer’s certainty in God’s promises, reflected in the hymn’s theology. |
I Know Whom I Have Believed (Daniel Webster Whittle).. James McGrana
"I Know Whom I Have Believed" Words by Daniel Webster Whittle, Music by James McGranahan is a hymn that speaks about the Christian's assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The hymn emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and the hope that believers have in the promises of Scripture.
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