And Can It Be?
How much does God love those who are His children?
1 And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest[1] in the Savior's blood?[2]
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?
[1] interest = ownership
[2] this is a question one can ponder a lifetime over: how can it be that we have an interest in the Savior’s blood?
2 He left His Father's throne above;
So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love[3],
And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me[4]. [Refrain]
[3] Philippians 2:7 “He [Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” Jesus voluntarily laid aside the exercise of His divine power. And love was the driving motivation behind the entire mission.
[4] even though we were running from God, hiding our sin or feeling ashamed about it, His grace tracked us down—the word picture is like a wave of water that just overtakes you.
3 Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night[5];
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[6]. [Refrain]
[5] nature’s night = the sinful, unregenerate human condition. Referring to how people are spiritually dead, held captive by the power and habit of sin.
[6] the songwriter wrote this within days after he came to Christ, giving this even more meaning.
4 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, thro' Christ, my own[7]. [Refrain]
[7] that we can boldly approach God’s throne with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace, is amazing. Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The believer is declared “not guilty” forever, and there is only one right response as an overflow of gratitude to that.
Author: Charles Wesley
Composer: Thomas Campbell
Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8 with refrain
Tune name: SAGINA