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.
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.
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.
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
This song is Copyright © 2025 by Robert K. Lewis. Lyrics are by Charles Wesley and are in the Public Domain. Samplings are Copyrighted by their respective creators. The completed song is A.I. generated by MusicHero.ai and is Licensed to Robert K. Lewis. You may link to this song, but not embed or reproduce this song elsewhere on the internet.
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Google AI Overview:
"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" by Charles Wesley tells the story of his own profound spiritual awakening and conversion in May 1738, capturing the amazement that someone who caused Christ's suffering could receive His saving grace, moving from spiritual bondage to freedom through Jesus's "amazing love". It's a hymn of joyous discovery, expressing the wonder of salvation and personal transformation from being "fast bound in sin" to being clothed in Christ's righteousness.
The Context of Conversion:
Spiritual Struggle: Charles Wesley, along with his brother John, had been seeking a deeper faith, but struggled with deep spiritual doubt and turmoil.
The Event: On May 21, 1738, at a house in Little Britain, London, Charles experienced a powerful, evangelical conversion, marking his personal faith in Christ.
Immediate Inspiration: Just two days after this life-changing event, Wesley began writing this hymn, pouring out his newfound joy and understanding of God's grace.
Key Themes in the Hymn:
Unmerited Favor: The opening lines question how he, who caused Christ's pain, could possibly gain interest in His blood ("Died He for me, who caused His pain— / For me, who Him to death pursued?").
Amazing Love: The core message is the "amazing love" of God, a mystery where the Immortal God died for sinful humanity.
Freedom from Sin: The hymn describes his release from spiritual darkness, with chains falling off and his heart becoming free to follow Christ.
Righteousness and Boldness: The final verses speak of being "clothed in righteousness divine," allowing him to approach God's throne boldly, claiming salvation not by works, but by Christ's sacrifice.
Significance:
This hymn is a cornerstone of Methodist hymnody and Christian worship, celebrated for its personal testimony and powerful expression of salvation.
It reflects the emotional and experiential focus Wesley brought to worship, emphasizing a personal, passionate relationship with God.
