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?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
'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.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
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!
'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.
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.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
And Can it be that I should gain Video
And Can it be that I should gain Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"And Can it Be That I Should Gain?" is a powerful and moving hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1738, with music composed later by Thomas Campbell. This hymn is a profound expression of awe and gratitude for the unmerited grace and love of Jesus Christ towards humanity, especially as experienced by Wesley himself. The hymn is deeply rooted in Wesley's personal conversion experience and theological insights, mirroring the journey from despair to assurance in Christ.
### Verse 1: The Wonder of Christ's Sacrifice
The opening verse marvels at the incredible thought that Christ would die for humanity, highlighting the personal nature of Jesus's sacrifice. Wesley expresses astonishment and gratitude that Christ would shed His blood for him, a sinner who pursued Christ's death through sin. This reflects the biblical teaching of Christ's atoning death for sinners, as seen in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
### Verse 2: The Mystery of Divine Love
Wesley delves into the mystery of God's love, pondering how the immortal, all-powerful God could choose to die for His creation. This verse reflects on the depths of God's love and mercy, which surpass human understanding. The reference to the "firstborn seraph" attempting to "sound the depths of love divine" may echo scriptures like Ephesians 3:18-19, where Paul prays that the Ephesians may "have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."
### Verse 3: The Humility of Christ
This verse celebrates the incarnation and humility of Christ, who left His heavenly throne to become human, live among us, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for humanity's redemption. It echoes Philippians 2:6-8, which speaks of Christ, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
### Verse 4: Liberation through Christ
Wesley shares his personal testimony of liberation from sin and death, metaphorically describing his awakening to faith as moving from darkness to light, and from bondage to freedom. This transformation mirrors Ephesians 5:14, "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." It is a testament to the life-changing power of encountering Christ.
### Verse 5: Assurance and Boldness in Christ
The final verse expresses a confident assurance in the salvation and righteousness that comes from union with Christ. Wesley celebrates his new identity in Christ, free from condemnation and clothed in righteousness. This assurance allows him to boldly approach God, reflecting Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," and Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence."
In summary, "And Can it Be That I Should Gain?" is a rich theological tapestry woven with personal experience, scriptural truths, and profound gratitude for the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Each verse takes the believer on a journey from wonderment at Christ's sacrifice to the joyous freedom found in His saving grace, culminating in the bold assurance of our place in God's eternal kingdom. This hymn not only reflects Wesley's own spiritual awakening but serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of Christ's love and sacrifice.
