And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? -- Hymn Lyrics

1 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!


2 '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]


3 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]


4 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]


5 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]

"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" is a beloved Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1738. It is one of his most famous works, reflecting his deep personal experience of salvation and the transformative power of God's grace. Here’s an in-depth look at the hymn:

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Background

• Author: Charles Wesley, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history, composed this hymn shortly after his conversion to Christianity on May 21, 1738.
• Theme: The hymn is a profound expression of awe and gratitude for God’s mercy, focusing on the mystery of Christ's love and sacrifice.
• Style: It combines rich theological depth with personal reflection, making it both doctrinal and devotional.

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Themes and Biblical References

Each stanza explores a facet of God's redemptive work, accompanied by biblical truths.

Verse 1: And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood?

• Key Biblical References:
  • Romans 5:8 (KJV): "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

This opening verse marvels at the grace extended to unworthy sinners, capturing the mystery of salvation.

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Verse 2: 'Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design?

• Key Biblical References:
  • 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..."
  • Philippians 2:7-8 (KJV): "...he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

This verse reflects the paradox of the eternal God taking on mortality and dying for humanity, a central truth of the Christian faith.

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Verse 3: He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace

• Key Biblical References:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV): "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor..."
  • John 3:16 (KJV): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..."

This verse emphasizes Christ's willingness to leave heaven’s glory and humble Himself for humanity’s redemption.

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Verse 4: Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night

• Key Biblical References:
  • Ephesians 2:1 (KJV): "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
  • Acts 12:7 (KJV): "And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself... And his chains fell off from his hands."

This verse captures the imagery of spiritual liberation, likening salvation to the release from a dark prison of sin.

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Verse 5: No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine

• Key Biblical References:
  • Romans 8:1 (KJV): "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..."
  • Colossians 2:10 (KJV): "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power."

This triumphant verse celebrates the believer’s assurance of salvation and union with Christ.

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Refrain: Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

• Key Biblical Reference:
  • 1 John 4:10 (KJV): "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

The refrain encapsulates the hymn’s central theme: the overwhelming, incomprehensible love of God revealed in Christ’s sacrifice.

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Musical Setting

• The hymn is most commonly sung to the tune SAGINA, composed by Thomas Campbell in 1825. The powerful and majestic melody complements the hymn’s triumphant tone.

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Significance in Worship

• It is a popular hymn in Methodist and evangelical traditions, often sung during communion, Easter, or services emphasizing grace and salvation.
• The hymn's combination of theological richness and personal testimony makes it timeless and impactful for congregational singing.