Charles Wesley was one of the most influential hymn writers in Christian history and a co-founder of the Methodist movement. He wrote over 6,000 hymns in his lifetime, many of which are still sung today in churches across the world.
He was the younger brother of John Wesley, the famous preacher, and together they played a key role in the rise of Methodism in the 18th century.
Charles Wesley’s hymns blend heartfelt emotion with strong biblical doctrine, making his work both moving and meaningful for worshippers across generations.
About the Song
And Can It Be That I Should Gain is one of Charles Wesley’s most celebrated and widely sung hymns. The hymn expresses the wonder of salvation and the love of Christ.
The lyrics focus on the personal amazement of being loved and redeemed by God, using rich imagery and theological depth.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1738 |
| Writer | Charles Wesley |
| Notable Recordings | Wesley Choir, King’s College Choir, Selah |
Complete Lyrics of And Can It Be That, I Should Gain
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, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’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.
’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
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 the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Similar Songs Like And Can It Be That, I Should Gain
These hymns tells a story of faith and hope. If you loved And Can It Be That, I Should Gain, these songs share that same deep beauty:
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Famous during Christmas, this hymn celebrates Jesus’ birth with bold, joyful words. It mixes strong theology with a cheerful, singable melody.
- O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing: Written as a praise anthem, this hymn expresses deep joy in salvation. It invites all people to worship God with grateful hearts.
- Jesus, Lover of My Soul: Gentle and comforting, this hymn is a cry for help in times of trouble. Its lyrics are full of peace and trust.
Similar Hymn Writers Like Charles Wesley
If you love the hymns of Charles Wesley, you’ll likely enjoy the work of other writers who helped bring faith to song:
- Isaac Watts
Genre: Sacred Hymns / Christian Worship
Top albums: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts (1719), Joy to the World and Other Hymns (1995), When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (2003 collection) - Fanny J. Crosby
Genre: Gospel / Christian Hymns
Top albums: Blessed Assurance: Hymns of Fanny Crosby (1993), To God Be the Glory (1875), Safe in the Arms of Jesus (1868) - Horatius Bonar
Genre: Devotional Hymns / Christian Poetry
Top albums: Hymns of Peace and Hope (1860), I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (2001 recording), Everlasting Love: Hymns by Bonar (2010) - John Newton
Genre: Hymn Writing / Christian Worship
Top albums: Amazing Grace and Other Hymns (1779), Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (1990 collection), Olney Hymns (with William Cowper, 1779) - Anne Steele
Genre: Hymns & Religious Poetry
Top albums: Hymns for the Heart (1760), Songs of Grace by Anne Steele (2005 tribute), Devotional Hymns and Poems (1808 edition)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired And Can It Be That, I Should Gains?
It draws on themes from Psalm 145, Romans 8, and Isaiah 40, focusing on grace and assurance.
What is the Theme of And Can It Be That, I Should Gains?
It celebrates salvation, God’s amazing love, and the believer’s awe at Christ’s sacrifice.
What Tune is Used For And Can It Be That, I Should Gains?
It is most often sung to the tune Sagina by Thomas Campbell.
