And Can It Be

I must admit, I'm not always a fan of 'modern' rearrangements or new hymn tunes. Give me the originals every day! I love the old hymn 'And Can It Be' and the traditional tune, Sagina. So I very nearly skipped straight past this video when it came up on Youtube. I had just watched Dan Forrest's beautiful arrangement of 'The Church's One Foundation' when this version started to play. And I have to say. I'm a fan. The music just seems to capture the tone of the hymn; the writer's amazement "that Thou, my God, should'st die for me!". And whenever I play this now, whether just listening or, more often, belting it out while I conduct an imaginary choir and orchestra, I am filled with the same wonder and amazement at the depths of God's love.

The new tune was sung at Proms in the Park, Belfast in 2019:

My only wish would be that this arrangement included all five verses, rather than just three. This glorious hymn speaks of the wonderful redemptive love of Jesus in becoming a man, entering into this world and dying for our sins so that we can now approach the eternal throne.

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, should die for me?

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

2 '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]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]