Then Sings My Soul Saturday - And Can It Be?

Yes, it can be and it is time for TSMS! But that's actually the title of today's song. I discovered the hymn And Can It Be That I Should Gain? in college and absolutely fell in love with this wondrous testimony to the power of God's love and grace toward us.

I don't know why it wasn't in The Baptist Hymnal when I was growing up. A number of other Charles Wesley hymns were. But I guess since the man wrote approximately 6,000 hymns, not all of them could be included in any one book! Fortunately, it is in the 1991 version, as well as the new Baptist Hymnal and Worship Hymnal, both of which will be released later this summer.

Here is the story behind this majestic and wonderful hymn:

Charles Wesley had been raised in the church, attended Oxford, and was in "the ministry" with his brother John. However, he was not at peace. During a time in London, he came to realize that "salvation is by faith alone." His May 20, 1738 journal entry reads:

At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me above what I can ask or think.

He fervently began pouring out his soul in hymns. It is believed that And Can It Be was written 2 days after his conversion. He apparently even dictated a final hymn to his beloved wife from his deathbed.

Sources:
1. Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions; Kenneth Osbeck, 2002
2. songsandhymns.org

I love the joy evident on many of these folks' faces as they sing this great hymn at one of the Gaither Homecoming tapings. You'll catch a glimpse or two of George Beverly Shea to the pianist's right.

Unfortunately, they just sing the first and last verses. I love verses 3 and 4 as well, which are also typically seen in today's hymnals; I was not familiar with the 2nd and 5th verses. And I bet that last verse will make you smile all weekend!

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN?

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?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst 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.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

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!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

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;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.

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.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1738
MUSIC: Thomas Campbell, 1825

More songs can be found here at Amy's blog! Have a wonderful weekend!