“And Can It Be” by Charles Wesley: Exploring the Depths of Divine Love

And Can It Be is a lovely hymn by Charles Wesley. The concept of a divine savior who loves us so much that he died to liberate us is a concept unique to Christianity and worthy of a song!

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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?
Verse 1: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

This first verse explores the concept that the blood that was poured out of Jesus body on the cross was given to save a sinful human like me. Every time we sin, we are declaring our rejection of God, and yet, God pursues us to the point of willingly dying for us. How amazing is that?!?

Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
Refrain: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

The refrain of this hymn reinforces just how cool this notion is. Sometimes we seem to take it for granted that God will forgive all of our sins, and we forget to internalize the fact that Jesus went through intense suffering on the cross. If you struggle with this concept, consider watching Mel Gipson’s The Passion of the Christ. One viewing will have you crying and you will walk away with a whole new appreciation of what it means that Jesus gave his life on the cross for us.

‘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.
Verse 2: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

The second stanza explores the mystery of how an immortal, divine being can die at all. How is it possible that God can experience death? Very strange indeed! In any case, we should have so much respect for this type of love that the only natural response is adoration of Jesus.

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.
Verse 3: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

The hymn then explores the separation of Jesus from the Father. For all time, Jesus has been in close communion with the Father, but he leaves this fellowship to come to earth. He is born to a poor family and suffers quite a bit of hardship. As a baby, he is quite helpless and dependent on Mary and Joseph for care and protection. Fortunately for us, he chose this life out of love, mercy, and grace; he did it for me! Let’s sing the refrain again!

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.
Verse 4: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

Since conception, we have been bound to sin. We come out of the womb selfish and in the chains that result from our transgressions. We are children of darkness and fear having our true nature being exposed with light. Fortunately, God doesn’t leave us there. He shines the light in our darkest places, cleanses us, removes our bonds, and asks us to follow him. Are we going to heed the call or wallow in sin?

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.
Verse 5: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley

I choose to accept this gift! With Jesus, I can be free from the dread and fear of condemnation. All I have to do to accept life is to make Jesus my lord and king. Of course, every person has the right to reject this gift, but without it, there is no way to approach the eternal throne. Right now the kingdoms of heaven and hell exist in one place, but someday, these will separate and each person will have a choice of where they wish to reside. Do you want to live in a kingdom that has Jesus as its king, or do you want to live in a kingdom that is completely cut off from God? What would a world without God’s touch look like? I fear the answer and choose to joyfully accept a king that loves me so much that he died in my place!