Still My Favorite

In 2008, during a time of spiritual turmoil, I attended Together for the Gospel. I don't really remember much from the talks, although they were excellent. What I do remember is the thunder of thousands of brothers in Christ singing. That comes from someone who hates and is very self-conscious when singing. My favorite hymn of that time was "And can it be that I should gain", a deeply theological and glorious hymn. This is what it sounded like when it was sung:



If you don't know the words, they are below:

1. 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, shouldst die for me?
   • Refrain:
     Amazing love! How can it be,
     That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2. ’Tis myst’ry 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.
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!
4. 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.
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 th’ eternal throne,
   And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

A hymn should be great theology first, a good song second. Give it a play and glory in the redeeming and loving sacrifice of Christ Jesus the Lord.