Lyrics
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, 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.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
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Meaning & Inspiration
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” contrasts unanswered questions with settled confidence in Christ. Each verse admits a limit of understanding: the singer cannot fully explain grace, saving faith, the Spirit’s work, future circumstances, or the timing of Christ’s return. The refrain answers every uncertainty with words drawn closely from Paul’s declaration in 2 Timothy. Knowledge of every detail is unnecessary because trust rests in the person and keeping power of Christ.
The hymn traces several dimensions of Christian belief. Grace brings redemption, Scripture awakens faith, the Spirit exposes sin and reveals Jesus, and hope endures through both hardship and gladness. Its final verse looks toward Christ’s return, whether the believer passes through death or is alive to meet him. The song’s assurance is therefore not confidence in a predictable life. It is confidence that Christ is able to guard what has been entrusted to him until the promised day.
Related Scripture
- 2 Timothy 1:12 The refrain closely quotes Paul’s confidence that Christ can guard what is entrusted to him.
- John 16:8 Jesus says the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Paul describes Christ’s return and believers meeting the Lord in the air.