And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Charles Wesley's astonished hymn of the prison-breaking grace that saved him.
Download PDFCharles Wesley's astonished hymn of the prison-breaking grace that saved him. Written by Charles Wesley (1738), set to the tune "Sagina" by Thomas Campbell.
Suggested pairing scripture
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Read Romans 8:1 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "And Can It Be That I Should Gain." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Good Friday, during Holy Week reflections, and at the Lord's Supper as the congregation contemplates the cross.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Saviour'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?
Stanza 2
'Tis mystery all! The 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.
Stanza 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.
Stanza 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.
Stanza 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 the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
History & Background
Written by Charles Wesley within days of his evangelical conversion on 21 May 1738. The hymn's third stanza ('Long my imprisoned spirit lay... my chains fell off, my heart was free') reflects his own experience of release from spiritual bondage. The tune 'Sagina' was composed by Thomas Campbell in 1825.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."Read in context
Acts 12:7
"And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands."Read in context
Philippians 2:7
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Charles Wesley write this hymn?
Within days of his conversion on May 21, 1738. The fourth verse ('My chains fell off, my heart was free') is a direct reference to Peter's prison release in Acts 12 and to Wesley's own spiritual release.
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "And Can It Be That I Should Gain"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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