to me is daily shown,
nor why, with mercy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.
Refrain:
But “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.”
2 I know not how this saving faith
to me he did impart,
nor how believing in his word
wrought peace within my heart. [Refrain]
3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing us of sin,
revealing Jesus through the Word,
creating faith in him. [Refrain]
4. I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noon-day fair,
nor if I’ll walk the vale with him,
or meet him in the air. [Refrain]
The hymn "I Know Whom I Have Believed"—often referred to by its opening line, "I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace"—was written by Major Daniel Webster Whittle in 1883. The story behind the hymn is deeply rooted in Whittle’s own spiritual journey and his experiences as a Civil War officer and evangelist.
Background of the Author:
Daniel W. Whittle (1840–1901) was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He was wounded in battle and spent time in a Confederate prison camp. During his convalescence, Whittle began reading a New Testament that his mother had given him. One night, a guard asked him to come pray for a dying soldier, which moved Whittle deeply. Though he didn’t yet consider himself a Christian, that experience led to his conversion. After the war, he left a successful career in business to work full-time in Christian ministry.
He eventually became a well-known evangelist and hymn writer. Whittle wrote under the pseudonym "El Nathan" and often collaborated with musicians like James McGranahan, who composed the music for this hymn.
The Hymn’s Message:
The lyrics reflect a deep trust in God despite not fully understanding His ways—a hallmark of Christian faith. It draws directly from 2 Timothy 1:12, which says:
"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
Each verse begins with a phrase like "I know not why..." or "I know not how...", acknowledging human limitation in understanding divine grace, but it always returns to the firm assurance of faith: "I know whom I have believed."
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