Lyrics: Charles Wesley, 1739.

Music: SAGINA by Thomas Campbell, 1835.

Theme: There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2.

Although I like this hymn very much, I’m rather surprised that it came in at number nine on this list. I don’t think I even heard of it until we came to the church we now attend, an Evangelical Free church. Maybe it’s not a Baptist hymn.

Some of the people who listed or wrote about this hymn had the following comments:
Jawan McGinnis: “Why did he die for me? I deserve nothing! I turned against him and went my own way but he chased and wooed me. I was helpless but he found me. I long for a life that lives in with the purpose of glorifying him in all things.”
Jennifer Donovan: This hymn rivals any praise chorus in my mind for evoking emotion (especially if it’s sung at a nice brisk tempo).
Sharon: An old pastor used to say, sing the exclamation points!
Subversive Influence: “This is one of those hymns which brims with wonder and resounds with gospel truth. They don’t write them much like that anymore. Boldly approaching the throne, mercy immense and free. These are lyrics upon which one can — and should — spend time feasting and meditating.”

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.

Enjoy the congregational singing in the video embedded above. One of the best side benefits of being a Christian and a church member is that we get to sing our hearts out every Sunday, no matter whether you’re a trained vocalist or a tuneless wonder. Everybody gets to sing, all together, unison or parts, loud or soft, as you will, to the Lord. Where do nonChristians go to sing like that? Singing along with the radio is all very well, but it’s not the same as singing out all of the emotions and worship in one’s heart along with a group in full voice. And I get to do this every single week, sometimes more frequently than once a week!

And I have something to sing about!