And Can It Be (that thou my God shouldst die for me?)

I'm adding And Can it Be to my blog because the internet failed to preserve a previous link I had in this post. Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit from 2017. This is my favorite hymn that shares the good news in a personal way that makes my cup overflow with joy. 

Written by Charles Wesley, pub.1738

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, shouldst die for me?

Refrain:

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis myst’ry 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.

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!

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.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near, 

That quenched the wrath of hostile heaven.

I feel the life his wounds impart;

I feel the savior in my heart!

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.

Wonderful explanation, And Can It Be? | story behind the hymn | lyrics study | performance by Luke Powell