Scripture meditations

Isaiah 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Acts 16:26  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

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.
 

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.

 

lyrics by Charles Wesley 1739

music "Sagina" by Thomas Campbell 1835

   

This song, though infrequently used by congregations, possesses a depth of theological understanding as well as poetic form, that is difficult to equal.  This hymn can be heard frequently at Asbury Theological Seminary where it is regarded as the unofficial "Asbury Anthem."  Charles Wesley is in an elite group when it comes to hymn lyricists.  While an ordained minister, Charles Wesley was considered depressed, demanding, and generally a failure, until Sunday, May 21, 1738, at the age of 31.  On that day he recorded in his journal, "I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ.  I saw that by faith I stood."  His May 23, 1738 journal entry indicates that he began writing a hymn.  He does not tell us which hymn it was.  Some scholars speculate that "And Can It Be" is a likely candidate because of the profound words of verse four where he alludes to Acts 16:26.