The United Methodist Hymnal

363

And Can It Be that I Should Gain

1.	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?

2.	'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.

3.	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!

4.	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.

5.	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.

WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1739
MUSIC: Thomas Campbell, 1835
Scripture: Acts 16:26
Theme: Aldersgate; Christian Experience; Forgiveness; Freedom and Liberation; Jesus Christ: Blood; Jesus Christ: Love of; Justifying Grace: Pardon; Pardon; Service Music: Confession and Pardon Prayer