And Can It Be That We Should Lose?

I have been reminded recently of the hymn And Can It Be That I Should Gain? This is one of Wesley’s finest, but imagine my surprise to discover another verse which has clearly been deleted by some cessationist conspiracy to silence the doctrine of the sealing with the Spirit. (The previous sentance is intended to be read with a tongue in cheek tone!)

I have long argued for the experiential reality of true Christian faith and stated that it was not the habit of the great preachers of the past to lock us into a purely intellectual relationship with the bible rather than a knowledge of the living God.

I hope you can say Amen to the fith verse of this hymn whether you label yourself as a charismatic or a cessationist. Once our chains fall off (what a wealth in that phrase!) God continues to wisper in us that our sins are forgiven adn we FEEL the effects of our saviour in us. Is that the experience of all true believers? Do some find such a “subjective” verse uncomfortable? For me, reading that verse makes me long for a greater touch from the Holy Spirit that testifies to us that we are the Children of God.

I cannot help but fear that with the loss of this verse, we may have also lost something of the experience that lay behind it.

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.