We were in the middle of a service several weeks ago when a fine young man leaned over and asked me, “Do you have a favorite hymn?” I did not know that he was scheduled to play the offertory or that in a matter of moments this gifted young man would play one of the most beautiful arrangements of my favorite hymn.
My answer was, “Yes, I have a favorite, but people don’t sing it much today. My favorite hymn is And Can It Be?” Charles Wesley wrote more than 6,000 hymns but many people believe this is the greatest. Perhaps it is because it was written to celebrate his own salvation. It is a testimony song!
Yet this testimony is not rooted in mere emotion or experience – it is rooted in Scripture! Few songs are filled with more truth. These lines are both devotional and doctrinal.
Relax…I’m not going to sing it for you. I want you to love the hymn as I do. But I would like to ask you to take the time to read this great hymn slowly. Meditate on each line. It will do your soul good…
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?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should 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.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
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.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
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.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
A dear friend of mine has for many years used his social media to share a few lines of a great song each day. I would encourage you to incorporate hymns into your own daily time with God. Use them in personal worship.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
I have shared my favorite hymn with you, now do you have a favorite hymn? Share it in the comments below or better yet share it with someone else today.
Picking a favorite hymn can be almost like picking a favorite passage of scripture. Today though I would say “it is well”!
A song with a great history! Thanks.
“And Can it Be” is also my favorite hymn. Thank you for the encouragement to share!
Thank you friend. God bless you and your work!
I have two most favorite hymns, one of which is also And Can It Be the other being Master the Tempest is Raging. I have listened to both countless times – the words never get old.
Hope all is well – thank you for your ministry.
Bob Thomson – Nova Scotia Canada
Thank you sir. God bless.
I have two favorites! Day by Day and Be Still, My Soul!
Both powerful hymns. Thanks for sharing.
Almost on a daily basis the Lord puts a hymn on my heart which I sing throughout the day. My most favourite hymn is “In the Garden” written by C. Austin Miles, 1868 – 1946. My favourite hymn writers though are P.B. Bliss & Fanny Crosby.
Wonderful!
One of our favorite hymns that we sang in India. We’re surprised to find out that many churches we went in USA 48 years ago did not know this. Very profound in meaning as well as convicting
Amen. Hope you and Grace are well!
ROCK OF AGES is my fav. All of the verses are exceptional, but the last stanza always gets me.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace.
Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee
A great one!
“Constantly Abiding” is my favorite! It’s a constant reminder that Jesus Christ gives a peace that passeth all understanding, and His assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Powerful song!
It Is Well is probably my favorite. Although I love many hymns from Fannie Crosby.
Amazing grace is my favorite, every word fits my life perfectly
Thank God for grace!
And Can It Be is one of my favorites also. Nearer, Still Nearer and When I Survey are the others in my top three.
Great songs!