And Can It Be

Friday, July 7, 2017

When I was a teenager, I went to Christian camp every summer in Georgia. (I'd love to see that place now because I'm sure it isn't nearly as HUGE as I thought it was back then.) It had a "lake" where I learned to canoe, horseback riding, archery, crafts, etc.  My oldest sister, Lynne, was even a counselor there one summer. 

We had vespers every night in a big screened in pavilion where we would sing hymns and hear a message. One of the favorite camp hymns was, "And Can It Be." Everybody would sing it with such gusto. 

If you're unfamiliar with it, I'd say it's a pretty typical Charles Wesley hymn -- scripturally sound and full of strange "sentence" structure. 

The second verse is based on Philippians 2:7-8, the 3rd verse on Acts 12:6-8 and Acts 16:25-26 and the 4th verse on Romans 8:1 and Hebrews 4:16. 

And Can It Be

By Charles Wesley 

Published 1873

And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest 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?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

'Tis mystery all! Th'Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
'Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more. [Refrain]

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;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]

Lord, How wonderful that we can confidently approach your throne because of Jesus Christ. Our sins are forgiven, our chains released, and our hearts set free. Thank you for your love!