And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Introduction

Thank you for joining me today as we continue our journey through the great hymns of the Christian faith. This week’s offering is one of Charles Wesley’s most theologically rich and personally moving hymns: And Can It Be That I Should Gain. Written shortly after Wesley’s conversion, this hymn marvels at the wonder of salvation, a sinner gaining everything because of the sacrifice of Christ. With soaring language and deep truth, Wesley leads us to the heart of the Gospel: God’s amazing love poured out for undeserving sinners. As we reflect on these lyrics, may you rediscover the awe of grace and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.

Opening Prayer

Gracious and merciful God, how can it be that you, our holy and eternal King, would give your Son to die for us? We come before you amazed at your love, overwhelmed by your mercy, and grateful for the freedom you offer through Christ. Open our hearts today as we consider the mystery and glory of the Gospel. May we respond with praise, obedience, and lives fully surrendered to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

And Can It Be That I Should Gain
By Charles Wesley

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, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

‘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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

Key Principles from this Hymn

1. The Gospel is deeply personal and profoundly astonishing. Salvation isn’t abstract; it’s for me, the sinner who caused Christ’s pain.
2. God’s grace is immeasurable and transformative. Christ emptied himself to redeem us, and his love breaks every chain.
3. Justification leads to bold assurance. In Christ, we aren’t condemned but clothed in righteousness and granted confident access to God.

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. How does the question “And can it be that I should gain…?” shape your sense of humility and gratitude?
2. What about God’s love for you feels “amazing” today?
3. Why do you think Wesley emphasizes the mystery of the Gospel so strongly?
4. What chains has Christ broken in your life, and how have you experienced spiritual freedom?
5. How does being “clothed in righteousness divine” affect your view of yourself and your standing before God?
6. In what ways are you living boldly because of your identity in Christ?
7. How can you cultivate a regular sense of awe at the mercy and love of God?

Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon

• Romans 5:8 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Ephesians 2:4-5 – But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ.
• Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 2:6-8 – [Christ] emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
• Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Action Steps

1. Take time to reflect personally on the cross. Journal about how Christ’s sacrifice has changed your life and how it continues to shape your daily walk.
2. Memorize Romans 8:1. Let this verse remind you of the freedom and assurance you have in Christ.
3. Share the Gospel with someone this week. Use your testimony to explain the wonder of God’s grace and the reality of Christ’s redeeming love.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord Jesus, we’re overwhelmed by your love, so amazing, so divine. Thank you for dying for us, for rising again, and for setting us free. Thank you for breaking the chains of sin and for opening our eyes to the light of your truth. Thank you for giving us your righteousness, for making us alive in you, and for giving us bold access to the Father’s throne. May we live each day with joy, courage, and reverent gratitude. All glory be to you, our Redeemer and King. Amen.

Prayer Prompts

Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.

Petition – prayers for yourself

• Help me to grow in wisdom and become who you created and redeemed me to be.
• Renew my mind and enable me to cultivate a godly perspective and attitude regarding the various spheres and circumstances of my life.
• Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
• Other needs

Intercession – prayers for others

• My family, immediate and extended
• Those struggling with sin, illness, or difficulties in their workplace
• Other needs

Quotation from Church History

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” (St. Augustine)

Closing Thoughts

And Can It Be That I Should Gain leads us to stand in awe of the Gospel, God’s mercy for the undeserving, his love for the lost, and his power to save. It reminds us that salvation is not earned but received by grace, and that through Christ, we’re freed, forgiven, and made alive. Let this hymn stir your soul today. Rest in his amazing love. Walk in freedom. And live boldly, knowing that through Christ, you may draw near and claim the crown of life.

May the grace that found you and the love that freed you continue to shape every step you take.

Thank you again for joining me today. I pray this reflection has encouraged and blessed you. If it has, consider sharing it and inviting others to subscribe. New resources come out each week; discover more by clicking here: Walking Points.