I just love this old hymn by Charles Wesley and you rarely hear it sung anymore, even when hymns are sung. It's definitely one that needs all the verses sung to get the full impact, since it contains the entire gospel and testimony of a believer's salvation. This choir and orchestra's rendition is especially beautiful.
AND CAN IT BE
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?
REFRAIN:
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
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!
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.
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.
WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1738
MUSIC: Thomas Campbell, 1825
I'm linking up at Amy's - join me there for more songs!
We sing this one all the time at my church, and I get chill bumps and tears every, single time!
ReplyDeleteLong 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.
Amen and amen!!!!!
Xandra
I'd never heard this one before. Thanks so much for posting it :)
ReplyDeleteHere's my TSMSS:
http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2012/04/tsmss-today-is-day-by-lincoln-brewster.html
Colletta
Thanks for sharing this powerful hymn! Amazing love, indeed!
ReplyDeleteCharles could preach AND write songs!!
ReplyDeletelove 'em