1 I CALL, the world's Redeemer mine;
He lives who died for me, I know;
Who bought my soul with blood divine,
Jesus, shall re-appear below,
Stand in that dreadful day unknown,
And fix on earth his heavenly throne.
2 Then the last judgment-day shall come;
And though the worms this skin devour,
The Judge shall call me from the tomb,
Shall bid the greedy grave restore,
And raise this individual me,
God in the flesh, my God, to see.
3 In this identic body I,
With eyes of flesh refined, restored,
Shall see that self-same Saviour nigh.
See for myself my smiling Lord,
See with ineffable delight;
Nor faint to hear the glorious sight.
4 Then let the worms demand their prey,
The greedy grave my reins consume;
With joy I drop my mouldering clay,
And rest till my Redeemer come;
On Christ, my Life, in death rely,
Secure that I can never die.
And Can it be That I should Gain
I Call, The World's Redeemer Mine Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"And Can It Be That I Should Gain?", though perhaps brought to contemporary attention through a recording released on May 6, 2008, is a hymn rooted centuries deep in the rich soil of Christian experience and theological truth, penned by the prolific Charles Wesley in 1738. This classic work transcends time, speaking powerfully about the core mystery of faith: how a flawed human being can be reconciled to a holy God. The 2008 release date likely represents a modern arrangement or performance, highlighting the enduring power and adaptability of Wesley's words, making them accessible to new generations and demonstrating that the foundational truths of Christianity remain vibrant and relevant.
The heart of this hymn lies in its opening question, born from a place of profound astonishment and humility. It doesn't recount a complex narrative but rather explores the spiritual journey of realizing one's own sinfulness and then being confronted with the overwhelming, undeserved grace of God. Wesley channels the universal human condition – the awareness of falling short – and contrasts it sharply with the divine act of redemption. The underlying story is not a historical event outside of Christ's work, but the internal transformation that occurs when an individual grasps that Christ's sacrifice was for *them*, despite their unworthiness. It is the personal wrestling with the magnitude of salvation.
Analyzing the hymn reveals its profound theological depth, grounded in Scripture. The central miracle pondered is Christ's willingness to die for sinners. This echoes Romans 5:8, which declares, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The hymn contemplates the "chains" of sin and unbelief being broken, a liberation vividly described in passages like John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." It speaks of Christ leaving the glory of heaven, aligning with Philippians 2:6-8, which speaks of Jesus not considering equality with God something to be grasped but emptying himself, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross. This descent from the divine to the human, specifically to suffer and die, is the staggering act that fuels Wesley's wonder.
Furthermore, the hymn articulates the outcome of this divine sacrifice for the believer: justification and reconciliation. The phrase "my God is reconciled" captures the essence of peace with God achieved through Christ, as explained in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The concept of being "alive" after being "dead" in sin reflects Ephesians 2:4-5: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." The hymn doesn't just state these facts; it expresses the *feeling* of receiving them – the melting of the heart, the dropping of burdens, the dawning of hope.
The emotional resonance of "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" is what makes it so enduringly powerful. It invites the worshiper to step into Wesley's shoes and ask the same question of their own salvation experience. It compels reflection on our own state before Christ, our need for redemption, and the incredible, almost unbelievable, reality of God's love extended to us. This contemplation should naturally lead to awe, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living in light of such an extraordinary gift. The hymn serves as a perpetual reminder that salvation is not earned but received, a truth that humbles and inspires simultaneously.
Ultimately, "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" stands as a masterclass in hymn writing, combining profound personal reflection with solid biblical doctrine. Its continued presence in modern worship, highlighted perhaps by recent recordings, is a testament to the timeless nature of the Christian message it so eloquently conveys. It challenges anyone who sings or hears it to confront the immensity of God's grace and to live in grateful response to the One who paid such a price for reconciliation. It is a hymn that doesn't just inform the mind but aims to ignite the soul with wonder and adoration for the World's Redeemer.
