For a change, let’s have a look at hymn, a hymn very close to my heart for reasons I won’t bore you with, except to say, that when I hear it, my chest aches, my throat finds the lump that’s happy to be there, and my eyes well up.
“And Can It Be” is a hymn penned by Charles Wesley, renowned for its profound theological depth and emotional resonance. The hymn is a contemplation on the themes of grace, redemption, and the incomprehensible love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Grace and Redemption: The hymn opens with a rhetorical question pondering the possibility of the speaker, a sinner, benefiting from the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It underscores the central Christian belief in redemption through Christ’s bloodshed on the cross.
Mystery of Divine Love: Wesley explores the mysterious nature of God’s plan for salvation, portraying it as beyond human understanding. The imagery of even angels unable to grasp the depth of God’s love underscores its unfathomable nature.
The Incarnation and Sacrifice: The hymn reflects on the profound act of God becoming human and willingly sacrificing Himself out of love for humanity. This act is depicted as an expression of God’s boundless mercy and grace toward sinful humanity.
Personal Testimony: Wesley infuses the hymn with personal testimony, describing a transformative experience from spiritual bondage to freedom through encountering God’s grace. The imagery of chains falling off (the verse that gets me every time) and the heart being set free vividly portrays the liberation found in faith in Christ.
Assurance of Salvation: The hymn concludes with a declaration of the believer’s assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. It emphasises the believer’s union with Christ, being clothed in His righteousness, and the confidence to approach God’s throne boldly—a reflection of the biblical concept of justification by faith.
Refrain of Wonder: Throughout the hymn, there’s a recurring sense of wonder and amazement at the love and grace of God. The refrain “Amazing love! How can it be” encapsulates the awe-inspiring nature of God’s redemptive love, which lies at the heart of the hymn’s message.
In essence, “And Can It Be” serves not only as a hymn of praise but also as a theological reflection on the foundational beliefs of Christianity. Its enduring popularity stems from its timeless message and emotional impact, resonating deeply with believers across generations.
I won’t bother typing out the words to this hymn, but I encourage you to find it perhaps on Youtube. Find a traditionally sung one accompanied by an organ, and not a rubbishy modern cover.
Wording 