The words to this hymn by Charles Wesley are just so beautiful. I decided to throw together an arrangement with guitar, oboe and piano so sing along by clicking the play button below or feel free to download the track and enjoy and give away for others to enjoy. Blessed be our Great God to give us the wonderful gift of music and song to bring Him glory!
[audio:http://www.jaywingard.com/mp3/assets/SoliDeoGloria/can.mp3]
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— Humbled 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.
Soli Deo Gloria indeed!
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I love some of the old hymns, but some I an not able to sing. This is one of those unless the words “Emptied Himself of all but love” is changed. When he left His Father’s throne, He did not give up any of his divine nature even though he acquired a human nature. The Trinity Hymnal changed the words to “humbled himself, so great his love.” One of my mentors, Dr. Gerstner, taught me to read hymns carefully before singing them and it was one part of the reformation in my life that lead me to a clearer understanding of worship.
I can see where you are coming from. I believe it’s the kenosis theory that teaches that Christ emptied Himself of some of His deity in the incarnation. I believe this is a heretical teaching. I would venture that Wesley simply wanted to share Scripture (Philippians 2:7) and I doubt if Wesley held to the kenosis theory. If anyone knows otherwise please comment. I’ll update the lyrics to reflect what some of the hymnals have done to help to protect the important doctrine of the hypostatic union.
Thanks so much for posting and visiting!
Soli Deo Gloria!