"And Can It Be?" by Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

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Wesley was a leader of the Methodist movement, son of Susanna and Samuel Wesley, an Anglican clergyman. Charles was the youngest, save one (Kezia) of 19 children of whom only ten survived their infancy - 7 daughters and 3 sons (Samuel, John and Charles). Despite their closeness, Charles and his brother John, an Anglican clergyman, did not always agree on questions relating to their beliefs. In particular, Charles was strongly opposed to the idea of a breach with the Church of England into which they had been ordained.

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Charles Wesley is chiefly remembered for the many hymns he wrote. Some of the more familiar hymns are: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Love Divine, All Loves Excelling and O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing. Mr. Wesley was a prolific writer.

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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?

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’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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Doctrine: Salvation

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Salvation - The general meaning of the several Hebrew and Greek words translated into English as "salvation" is "safety and "deliverance." In the Old Testament salvation refers to deliverance, both physically (Ps 37:40) and spiritually (Ps 51:12). Old Testament prophecies focus on the complete salvation of God's people by the coming Messiah (Job 19:25-27); the New Testament teaches that these prophecies are fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Jesus brought salvation through forgiveness of sins (Mt 1:21) and the gift of eternal life (He 5:9).

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Scripture - Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:12-14; Hebrews 9:11, 12; I Peter 1:18,19; Revelation 5:9

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Think about this - Live in the joy and freedom of being "alive in Him" and free of all condemnation. Carry this musical truth with you this week. Also, be willing to share the good news of the gospel with those that you encounter. If given the opportunity, share Christ by using the Romans Road to Salvation:

1. Romans 3:10

2. Romans 3:23

3. Romans 5:12

4. Romans 5:8

5. Romans 6:23

6. Romans 10:13

7. Romans 10:9,10