Yes, it CAN Be!

One of the great hymns of the church, written by Charles Wesley begins with a profound question.  Not of doubt, but of intense amazement and awe.

“And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?”

It is, indeed, a thing of wonder that the shed blood of Jesus would have any interest quotient for me nearly 2000 years after it was shed.  What is the likelihood that God Incarnate would die for me.  Why would He stoop to the earth, in the body of a man, to save Adam’s “helpless” … and rebellious race.

The historians tell us that Wesley wrote this hymn not long after coming to Christ.  His conversion experience took place on May 20, 1738 after a period of physical sickness and spiritual searching.  The following is taken from his journal:

 “At midnight I gave myself up to Christ:  assured I was safe, sleeping or waking.  I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think.”

With rich imagery, Wesley paints the canvas of the mind with the extent of his fathomless appreciation and wonder in response to the mercy and grace of God displayed in His salvation.  Wesley wrote six stanzas, only four of which (1,3,4 & 6) we are familiar with from most church hymnals.

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.

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.

Praise the Lord!  Oh, praise the Lord!

Can I get an Amen?

T