The hymn “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” was written by Charles Wesley in 1738 to celebrate his conversion, which he took place on 21 May of that year.
The hymn celebrates personal salvation through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and is one of the most popular Methodist hymns today.
1) And can it be, that I should gain
An interest in the Saviours 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?
2) Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel-minds inquire no more.
3) He left his Fathers throne above,
(So free, so infinite his grace!)
Emptied himself of all but love,
And bled for Adams helpless race:
Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!
4) Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and natures 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.
5) 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 the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
