Which of Charles Wesley’s hymns is your personal favourite? If a number of Christians, all of whom regularly sing traditional hymns in their churches, were asked this question, there would be a wide variety of answers.
O for a thousand tongues,’ would undoubtedly come high in any list of favourites. So would Jesus, Lover of my soul,’ Love divine, all loves excelling,’ Christ the Lord is risen today,’ Rejoice, the Lord is King,’ all Charles Wesley hymns. One of his hymns, however, has established itself as a very firm favourite since it was first published in 1739. It’s the hymn beginning:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood?
Charles entitled it Free Grace’ and it represented both the New Testament teaching on the sacrificial death of Christ and Charles’ own personal pilgrimage. On the morning of his conversion day, Pentecost Sunday, 1738, he had read Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians 2. When he came to v. 20 he was particularly struck with the words, the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.’ In his commentary Luther advised, Reader, put your name there’. So Charles did, and read, He loved me Charles Wesley and gave himself for me Charles Wesley.’ In that moment the Spirit illuminated the great scripture doctrine of Christ’s atoning death, and in that moment Charles, in his own words, found himself at peace with God.’
Charles’ Moravian friends had counselled him that true saving faith is not just a general belief in Christ, rather it is faith in his death and resurrection. This Pauline theology, especially as found in the letter to the Galatians, comes out in this hymn. In the months following his conversion, Charles had witnessed the crowds that flocked to hear his brother John and himself preaching Christ crucified. Charles captures Paul’s amazement in the words, He loved me and gave himself for me.’ 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?
Charles then follows with some wonderful descriptions of Christ’s Incarnation and Atonement. He left his Father’s throne above.’ Emptied himself of all but love.’ Tis mystery all, the Immortal dies.’ [He] bled for Adam’s helpless race.’ Tis mercy all, immense and free.’ Free grace indeed! as Charles entitled the hymn. And it is personal, For, O my God, it found out me’!! Then follows the marvellous account of his own hour of spiritual birth in words that multitudes of Christians can identify with. Using the account of Peter’s imprisonment recorded in Acts 4, Charles describes the sinner as bound in sin and nature’s night.’ But Christ comes by His Spirit and the miracle happens! 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.
Free grace indeed! For the whole world! For every sinner! For you! For me! For all who believe in Christ!
Charles Wesley which of his hymns is your favourite?