And Can It Be?

Thursday - February 3rd

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 2:1-10

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God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6

Not many hymns, choruses, or praise and worship songs begin with a question. Charles Wesley's 1738 hymn "And Can It Be?" is one such hymn. However, the hymn's titular question is not an expression of doubt but of wonder and awe.

How can it be that the shedding of Jesus' blood two thousand years ago impacts my life today? How was it possible for the Son of God to have died for me? Why should our Lord empty Himself of all His divine glory and become a man to save "Adam's helpless race?"

Evidence points to this hymn being written by Charles Wesley soon after his conversion to Christ. Wesley came to a spiritual crisis on May 20, 1738. Soon after that day, he would pen the great hymn, "And Can It Be?" Wesley had been physically sick and discouraged in spirit. He wrestled with his standing before God as he lay ill and weak. According to his personal journal, Wesley's deep soul-searching took place after reading the Bible for some time.

Here is Wesley's account from his journal of the final moment when he turned to Jesus:

"At midnight I gave myself up to Christ: assured I was safe, sleeping or waking. I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think."

Charles Wesley credited that day in 1738 as the day He came to genuine faith in Christ. After that, he penned the words to "And Can It Be?"

As we ask with Wesley, "And Can It Be?" we join in expressing awe and wonder, not doubt, in our Savior!

CLICK HERE for the lyrics to the hymn.

CLICK HERE for a bright rendition of the hymn.