Through the Hymns: And Can It Be

Welcome back to my ongoing (though not always consistent!) Through the Hymns series, where I take time to reflect on timeless lyrics that have anchored generations of believers in truth-rich worship. In past posts, we’ve looked at:

The Love of God
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Blessed Assurance

Today, I’m thrilled to reflect on another one of my absolute favorites: And Can It Be. I’m not sure how many times I’ve sung this with tears welling up in my eyes but it never gets old. This hymn is saturated with the gospel, with wonder, and with deep, biblical theology. Even just the opening question: “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” It’s enough to stop me in my tracks.

A Brief History of the Hymn

Written in 1738 by Charles Wesley, And Can It Be was one of the first hymns he penned after his conversion. Wesley, who alongside his brother John, played a pivotal role in the Methodist revival. He went from a life of religious formality to one of vibrant faith in Christ. This hymn captures that transformation. The language of chains falling off, hearts set free, and boldly approaching the throne mirrors both Wesley’s personal spiritual awakening and the truth of the gospel he finally understood by grace.

Amazing Love, Indeed: A Reflection on the Lyrics

Let’s walk through the hymn in light of scripture. We won’t go through every single line but each verse is like a theological feast. So, we will touch on the highlights.

And can it be that I should gain an int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Right out of the gate, this hymn asks the unthinkable: Why me? It echoes the humility of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” It invites us to marvel at grace. Not to understand it fully, but to stand in awe that it’s even extended to us.

Died He for me, who caused His pain…
Here, we’re reminded that our sin is what nailed Christ to the cross. Romans 5:8 comes to mind: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We didn’t clean ourselves up first. He died for me, while I was still His enemy. That’s a love we can’t manufacture or explain.

‘Tis myst’ry all: th’ Immortal dies…
This line pulls us into the depths of the incarnation and crucifixion. God the Son – eternal, holy, and immortal – took on flesh and died. It’s a paradox, and yet completely true. See Philippians 2:6-8.

He left His Father’s throne above… Emptied Himself of all but love…
This verse continues the thought from Philippians 2, showing Christ’s willing descent from glory to rescue fallen man. It’s a portrait of mercy. Not just immense but free. Ephesians 2:4-5 describes it this way: “But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.”

Long my imprisoned spirit lay… I woke, the dungeon flamed with light…
This is personal testimony wrapped in poetic fire. It’s Colossians 1:13: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” And John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The imagery of chains falling off and a heart set free mirrors not just Charles Wesley’s story – but every Christian’s!

No condemnation now I dread… Clothed in righteousness divine…
If you’re not hearing Romans 8:1, you should be: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This final verse wraps the gospel in assurance. We’re not crawling to the throne in fear… we’re boldly approaching in Christ. Our righteousness is not our own, but His (see 2 Corinthians 5:21), and our inheritance is secure.

The Power of Doctrinal Worship

What I love about hymns like And Can It Be is that they don’t merely stir our emotions—they teach us. They’re sermons in song. They ask us to consider not just what Christ did but who we were and who we are now in Him. In a time when so many modern songs center on us, this hymn glorifies God’s mercy, God’s grace, God’s love, and God’s action.

And in doing so, it invites our hearts to respond in worship. Not just with our lips, but with our lives.

Final Thoughts

Even though we don’t always sing all the verses at church (especially verse 2), every line adds richness to the whole. I hope this hymn encourages you today as much as it has encouraged me again while writing this.

Let us never get over the fact that the God of all creation would die for us.

Amazing love, how can it be?

I invite you to listen and worship with one of my favorite arrangements of this hymn: