Image from Blackaby Ministries International

And Can It Be

Lyrics by Charles Wesley; music by Thomas Campbell

And Can It Be – Stuart Townend [with lyrics] Again, I’ll put the link here and at the end. These reflections are most meaningful when you listen both before and after reading!

This is my wife’s favorite hymn.  When I listen to the music and read the lyrics I learn so much about the love of Christ and the freedom purchased by Him for us.  And on top of it all, I learn something new about my wife, who knows and lives these truths to the depth of her soul.  That these words speak to her so deeply and intimately says wonderful things about her devotion and gratitude to the One who makes us free.  My prayer is that you, too, would know the love, grace, and freedom of Christ, and that knowing Him you would be led into great praise!

1 And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest 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, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

How can it be that my Savior Jesus’ blood covers me?  How can it be that He died for me, me who caused His pain?  Is it really possible that my life, my sins, my failings caused Him pain, grief and sorrow?  That my misdirected desires and disordered loves hounded Him all the way to the Cross?  What kind of amazing love is this, that You, my God would die for me?

2 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. [Refrain]

Jesus left His Father’s throne and emptied Himself of everything–everything, that is, except His great love.  His limitless grace made available to one such as me!  So vast, so free that grace!  But we are, all of us, in the same pitiful state–we all share Adam’s helplessness.  Our one and only hope is the mercy of God that refused to treat us as our boundless sin deserves.  That mercy, like His grace, is immense!  It is free!  And it found its way to my very own heart!  How can it be that such wonderful love managed to find me?

3 Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

Even when I had no idea, my spirit was held captive for as long as I can remember–imprisoned, inescapable, bound as if in chains.  But even then, You saw me and you sent life-giving light to break my chains and set my heart free!  I rose and followed You, joy of my heart!  I will follow You anywhere!  I only know freedom and love because You broke my chains and set me free!

4 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. [Refrain]

You have made me free, and I shall never be doomed or lost again!  You are all I have and all I want!  I, who once was dead, am alive in You, my Lord and King!  You have cast off my filthy rags and clothed me in light and righteousness found nowhere but in You!  Now, free and bold and righteous in Your very own goodness and light, the living Christ has made me so bold as to approach Your very throne!  I dare to do so only because the crown I claim, the crown of life and righteousness, is mine through Christ alone!  Hallelujah!

And Can It Be – Stuart Townend [with lyrics]