Wesley Week: And Can It Be?

When the President of the Untied States is introduced no one brings out a dossier of family background, past achievements or awards. The one privileged to make tghe introduction simply states, "Ladies and gentlemen, The President of the United States." No more is expected, nothing is added.

This morning I offer the final installment of my personal "Wesley Week" featuring the contributions of John and Charles Wesley to church music literature . . . without comment, and with the hope that you sing along with others today.

Ladies and gentlemen, "And Can it Be?"

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?

Refrain
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

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.

Amen!