Charles wesley wrote this song in 1739 (I think). It conveys a truth that became my personal experience and ongoing reality on August 4th, 1994. I weep just about every time I sing it. He still fills dungeons with light and He still leads any who will follow Him from those cells. Praise be to my King, Jesus Christ the Lord.
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?
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.
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.
Sorry for the duplication of kudos.
We too are so grateful for not only that date but what He did in and through you, for us who sit under your ministry,
I am so grateful that happened 20 years ago, and that led to your maturing into the Pastor we honor and appreciate all that God has done in and through you!
That was a very good day, 20 years ago!