I went to a christian founded high school,and while at it i became a choir leader for the all girls' school.,this hymn would echo our hall amongst others from the golden bells hymnal.Blessings!
I have been singing this hymn in church since childhood, and didn’t know there was an additional stanza that I had never heard before. The doctrinal depth of the hymns of the faith are so rich. They truly are the legacy of the church.
The only thing I do is change the words in the last verse to say "and now I approach the Eternal Throne and bow before my Lord and King!" Any rewards I get will be cast before His Throne! I just want to be w/Him for eternity!!
Reminds me of happy days when just being reborn within the home church singing with the other saints and my children still young. Many years later and still happy in Christ and waiting for my Lord Jesus soon return
If I just read these hymns as beautiful poetry sonnets, ... they are so very lovely. Full of sweet fragrance. Just to read them out loud to God is a privilege. - Debbie
This is one of my favourite hymns of all time. We sing it a lot in my Seventh-day Adventist Church, and in a youth group, we have changed some of the melody in the chorus, and I really enjoy singing this song. This hymn has personally impacted my life, especially during moments when I was deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ. The lyrics, 'died He for me, who caused His pain!' express a profound love. THANK GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
And can it be "the chains fell off" Oh for a thousand tongues "He sets the prisoners free" all their Hymns have wonderful truths. Many thanks dear brother for sharing this beautiful truth. Jim from Australia.
I love this time. I know most of these songs, but not this one. My brother had dementia and couldn’t remember his sisters names. But when you played the hymns of old, you could sing along with them. He never forgot his God!
I desperately miss the days when my late mother [gone 52 years] played this hymn on our pipe organ and daddy was on the grand piano in the church where I accepted Jesus into my heart in 1959. I was 6 years old. In that magnificent, huge edifice where the accoustics were astounding, the sound of the congregation singing and worshiping God was as close to Heaven on earth as I have been. Praise You, Heavenly Father, for your unfathomable salvation and love to us in sending your only son Jesus to the Cross to redeem helpless mankind!!! ♥♥♥
This reminded me of my happy childhood years of going to Church. Oh, how I used to belt this out loud! I love it, I love it, I truly ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️love this song!
Yes!!!!!!!!! You are the first person I have found who thinks like I do about those first four words! I'm in tears through the rest of the song! The verse "Long my imprisoned..." is the day I got saved over 50 years ago! "Thine eye diffused a quickening ray." Oh my, what a miracle!!
My chains fell of my heart was freeing rose went forth and followed thee. I've been a Christian all my 74 years an d this hymn came true to me a few years ago . I. Divorced and had to go fora blood test and my ex husband was a pathologist in the local hospital where I had to go for the test He actually took the blood test which I was dreading but god was gracious that day he took me through it and on walking down the corridor out the hospital I was singing and an it be got to the line my chains fell off my heart was free. Yes I was free . The rest is history and a most blessed life. Thanks be to God
Thank you for this, Luke. I, too, live in Thailand and this is my father's favourite hymn - he's a big fan of the Wesley brothers. The song is poignant as my father and mother suffer from dementia. I have become a Christian fairly recently even though i was brought up in a Christian family. I still struggle with my old life but this song means so much more to me now that I'm saved. Even now it's hard to grasp how my Lord loves me - free grace indeed and what amazing love.
I love this hymn. When I was in college, my roommate and I had a poster with the lyrics to this hymn in the shape of a cross. We were not allowed to hang the poster on our dorm room walls, but could hang things on doors. We put it up in our bathroom . Many times I would reflect on the words of this song as I was doing my bathroom business.
My childhood was with the Methodist Church and And Can It Be was a very well sung song. It still very much apart of my memory. I am 68 years old turning 69. You are correct many of the good old hymns are not sung any more. This I think the Church has lost the richness in the old hymns.
Hello Luke I often listen to you on u tube. I love the way you explain the Start if the hymns. I'm in Norkem Park and sang that song in the early 70's when I was first aware how much Jesus loves me. My chains fell off, my heart was free... I sang it in the Baptist church where the Lord opened my heart. Thank you so much Luke I love listening to you and how you Play the piano. God bless your ministry.
This hymn captures my conversion experience over fifty years ago. I have already made it clear that I want people to sing this heartily at my funeral as a testimony to my faith and to my Savior.
Thanks Luke. This is the Methodists' Anthem! It's a gem! The hymn associated with the Wesley brothers' "conversation" has as its first line: "Where shall my wondering soul begin?" It's written by Charles Wesley.
Brought up hearing , singing and playing this beautiful hymn and still after 80 plus years it is still just so vibrant true and real. Experiencing the chains of sin falling off and accepting His love and Grace is and has such a real purpose.
So if that is the true meaning behind the song, then it is no wonder it is such a favourite with all of us who still sing it in our churches in Australia. It is always sung with such gusto & heartfelt joy!!
Great comments, Luke, on this unsurpassable classic!Wish you could've grown up singing these wonderful hymns you're learning. Thank you for keeping them alive.
Growing up In the Baptist church we often sang this hymn. The tune with up down singing always makes it a wonderful hymn to sing. The words also so meaningful.
This is, perhaps, one of my favorite hymns. I sang it first in a choir arrangement but heard it often on Christian radio growing up. I love the song. In my 7th decade, we sing really good new contemporary songs that I love but hymns are also a part of worship. Such a rich treasury of music and lyrics through the ages til now.
Being a Baptist we are supposed to request to be baptized. I couldn't do it as I was not convinced. It was the word's of And can it be. This was 40 years ago. This is my favorite hymn UpTo now and requested it to be sung at my funeral.
I'm a Ghanaian living in Thailand. I'm a Methodist and love hymns. I just chanced on your channel and I am virtually addicted and stuck to your videos. The tears from my eyes though. How I wish I would one day get to be with you in my Methodist church in Ghana to sing these wonderful hymns to the congregation. I know you would absolutely love it
We used to sing this hymn in Boksburg Mdthodist Chur h next to the lake when Tony Bethke was still our pastor. I love all these old Methodist hymns and miss singing them so much. Thanx, Luke, for sharing this beautiful hymn with us.❤
I love this hymn! I first learned of this hymn (sang it often at our non-denominational church) as a young Christian in the late 70s. Very powerful theology-such an amazing love that my God should die for me!
I fell in love with this song and it was the recessional hymn at my mother's funeral in October 2016 and my youngest brother's funeral in December 2019. It has become very popular at funerals in St Kitts. Every time I hear this song it reminds to be faithful to my God who gives me life and love.
Luke, when i got the notification that you were going to present this song, i got excited. This is one of my very favorite songs, having sung it many times in church. I love all the verses, but the line that stands out to me is "Amazing Love, How Can it be, that thou my God, shouldst die for me" . I don't feel worthy of His love, that He would go to the cross in my place. You sang it beautifully.
When I went to Nyack College I first learned this song. We sang it as a congregation. That's when it is so powerful as people's voices join together and God's Grace washes over you
I especially like the line your Grace found me because we can't find him. He hast to find us, give us his grace, give us the faith to receive his gift, open our eyes to see the truth, and recognize that none of this is of our own doing. Absolutely beautiful song, beautiful words, and beautifully sung. I could listen to you sing all day! Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
One of my two favorite hymns with "His Robes For Mine." This hymn was sung a lot in my Nazarene church, which is a conservative Methodist denomination. It never ceases to move my heart as I so relate to the progression of the lost sinner to the born again believer who is humbled by what the Savior has done, and done for ME personally. My favorite part of this hymn is "My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed thee." What a burden that was lifted! The last verse is also reassuring in that I will face no condemnation now that I am in Christ. Truly an incredible hymn!
Gave my heart and life to the Lord at an early age 70 years ago. We used to sing this song regularly at our Baptist church. Now I sing along with the TH-cam versions. How I miss the old sound of a full congregation singing! Someday soon perhaps!
I think of my deceased mother when I hear this song. She sang it often. She grew up Methodist but converted to Seventh-day Adventistism as an adult. I like the melody. I really like it. I also like the words "amazing love and can it be that Thou O God has died for me!" I agree wholeheartedly with your evaĺuation of this beautiful song. A
I was introduced to this hymn on my first day in Baptist seminary. As we sang it, when we came to the fourth verse and sang the words "my chains fell off, my heart was free . . .," someone yelled out "GLORY!!" My spirit was moved and I have never forgotten those words.
A Treasure for Sure.They are re emerging in the Church ..and there are some "new" hymn writers also writing theologically rich material Praise The Lord!
Went up at Billy Graham crusade when 14 and made a real commitment to God . Not really involved in a church for growth/fellowship. As young adult moved to London and became secretary in group called Moral Rearmament MRA which grew out of WW II chaos. Godly with many godly famous people totally committed to 4 absolutes Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness and Love. Brilliant dedicated people . Had deep inner struggle because I couldn't totally commit to MRA and didn't know why. Leaders within MRA knew I wasn't 100 committed and worked to get me committed or so I thought. Began to see that when one becomes a believer at a young age, there needs to be a commitment as an adult realizing what you are walking away from to follow Christ. People in MRA didn't go to church. I worked within leadership so was on inside with committed people. But I couldn't totally commit. Why! Found little Methodist church looking for answers. Went home to Richmond Virginia for visit . My big baptist church has been totally involved in MRA under former pastor. Noticed women wearing lipstick and poured out my heart to former girls leader. Why my struggles with MRA. Simple honey, there's no Jesus! Truth exploded in me . At the little Methodist church I had heard hymn "And can it be" verse about throwing off chains in dungeon as my heart was free became reality. I committed my life to Christ as a 24 year old woman . My way paid to huge MRA conference in Caux Switzerland when I returned to job in London. Loved my job and people I worked with but now had Christ on inside. Back in states got baptized in Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and went to small Bible school. Just because a group has strong moral principles, does NOT make it Christian. MRA today is called Initiative of Change and still global . In London working inside group, I met Gandi's grandson, king Michael of Romania they wanted to recruit. It looked good, smelled good, felt good but a creation of works....no Jesus. My chains fell off, my heart was free. Found meeting in basement of Spurgeon s Tabernacle of spirit filled folk with amazing speakers like Corrie ten Boom and Brother Andrew who smuggled Bibles into Russia. Amazing life I have had and much more to add
It is still alive and well in the Duchy of Cornwall but try the lovely Dan Forest arrangement tricky but so fitting the words th-cam.com/video/PUX_wutcV88/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=KeynoteVocalGroupCGS
Thank you Luke. I have grown up with this hymn. ( Methodist). 72 now. Got married and joined the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. ( previously Dutch Reformed Mission Church)
I grew up in a Methodist church which valued choral music and, when my voice broke, was very happy to join my dad singing the bass parts in the great hymns much loved by my parents. In my 76th year I really miss the musical and spiritual gravity of such hymns which are at a great distance from the skinny stuff currently popular.
If not the greatest hymn of all time. It's not just the art of composing words of eloquence but moreover, the meaningfullness each word and line expresses about the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
George Whitefield was the first member of Holy Club to be converted, followed by Charles & John. When George saw the effects of his preaching at the coal mine at Bristol in 1739 by the white lines on the blackened faces caused by their tears George told both of them, got John to take over the preaching, & he took ship to America where he became one of the main preachers of the Great Awakening. They all understood how ignorant their generation was of Genuine Christianity, just like they had been, so the lyrics they used had a great amount of correct doctrines to help instruct the people. Greatly love & respect the three of them.
l have sang this song for over 40 years. In the Bretthren Assemblies and Baptist Church now. Tomorrow l am using the hymn in my discipleship class at the university. We are looking at assurance of salvation. This is great hymn. Thanks so much. l love the song. l have memorised all the stanzas. Blessings 🎉😂
I can remember this song with such joy, my chains fell off indeed. It was in my early years of my Christian walk. We sang it quite a lot, I was so thrilled to be able to get to know this song then. I'm writing to you from Kempton park. God bless you and continue to do the work of the Lord. I listen to you and all your various programmes.
Ironically this is the first hymn I heard in an Anglican church noticing a younger couple In front of me would sing this with such joy My Chains fell off my heart was free I rose,went forth and followed Thee. Years later I still remember this and sing these words with joy
Thank you for posting this. My life, my conversion, my salvation is accurately described by verse 4. "Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's, Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light"
I love this hymn and have sung it counless times as a tenor in choirs in Methodist chuches over the years mainly in Welkom. I'm 72. Thank you Luke, for sharing the many gifts God has given you - your music and preaching! God bless you richly!
This song is the most powerful hymn in my life. We sang it at my grandmother’s funeral years ago and we will sing it at my father’s funeral on Friday. I cry every time I hear it or sing it.
I learned And Can It Be as a student at Asbury Theological Seminary. The student body loved both the theology of the lyrics and the amazing harmony of its tune. We sang it with exuberance. I love it to this day.
GOD Sovereignly Converted me to Believing in JESUS at age 19 at Ucla through Charles Wesley's Easter Hymn "Christ the Lord IS risen today" JESUS is More Precious today at 82 !!!
I love Charles Wesley hymns. Being a Catholic this hymn is not in our tradition, but it is in our latest hymnbook and it's great fun to sing. I also adore "Lo he comes" and "Love divine all loves excelling".
Oh yeah we have this hymn in our hymn book, it's an oldie but a goodie!! Thank the Lord that even though I still sin there is no condemnation because he took it all and I'm no longer under it.
Hallelujah Hallelujah glory to God Hallelujah. My chains truly fell off and my heart was freed. Hallelujah Hallelujah. I'm writing here with tears in my eyes . Just thinking of the words of this song.
Beautiful hymn and very well sung!! Great lyrics.Literally every sentence comes alive as you sing. ..Who can explore His strange design?.. Let angels minds inquire no more... For O my God,it found out me! These words were so precious. Thankyou so much for sharing the history of this song and singing this for His glory. God bless.
I thank you for all the hymns. ❤. I am a member of the Methodist Church in Singapore. And we sing this hymn during Aldersgate Service on May 24 every year. Brings tears whenever I sing this hymn.
And can it be is the most wonderful hymn…God lays down His salvation to us. The Holy Spirit converted me in 1982 in the Westminster Chapel London. Every time when I sang this song, my tears burst out like the river. Amazing Grace from Our Lord Jesus.❤🎉
I'm an American Episcopalian, but was raised Open Closed Gospel Hall Brethren, and sang this hymn many times through the years. I came to Christ at nearly 27 on 1988. Still love this hymn.
I’ve been a Christian 48! years and a preacher 39 years, and I just discovered this song about a year ago. My wife and I have been listening to it every Sunday morning for the last 6 months. I/we love it!!
Wow! Thoroughly beautiful!! ✨Glory to God Most High!✨ Thank you, Luke, for sharing this precious gift with us. I’ll be replaying it throughout the day. “Thank you, O Lord my God, for this refreshing! Great are you Lord, and greatly to be praised! Magnify the Lord, O my soul! Exalt His name forever!”
Luke: I was a member or Colonial Beach Baptist Church for over 50 years. However, I had never heard of this beautiful old hymn until we called a Pastor who had been educated at Cambridge England and who, at the time we called him was serving at Chaplain of Arlington National Cemetary in Washington D.C. He was surprised that none of us were familiar with it. What a beautiful rendition of the Gospel. You are so right it is God's Grace plus nothing! There is a beautiful acronym for it, God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God bless you and keep singing about "Amazing Grace. Howard M. Stine
I just recently discovered this hymn after praying to have more love in my life…love for God, felt love from God, love for others and from others. This hymn turns my hard old broken heart to mush ❤️❤️ and I was smitten when I heard it. It truly ministered to me and I thank God for it!
I too missed this song for a long time. It may surprise you that my whole thinking of the Methodist movement changed after this song and had sang too many times, over the years. This song has so much power to relate Christ in a personal way. It is a complete meal
God bless you brother for recalling the thoughts on this golden hymn What a song it’s, melts the stony heart brazen by sin. It’s a blessing for generations. Tears rolling down when singing this , it challenges in many ways . All these years I knew this song has only 5 parts today I came to know that original version got 6parts. Amazing love that gave holy blood and suffered agony in the cross to provide salvation for free for all who repent and reconcile with him
The two new lines (I've never heard them before) are a welcome addition! Truly AMAZING that the ETERNAL GOD would look on fallen man to offer Salvation freely through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE LAMB OF GOD, slain for all that believe and trust HIM who loves us!!
I went to a christian founded high school,and while at it i became a choir leader for the all girls' school.,this hymn would echo our hall amongst others from the golden bells hymnal.Blessings!
For oh my God, it found out me!
My chains fell off, how can it be that my Jesus should die for me. My Lord Jesus should die for me
I have been singing this hymn in church since childhood, and didn’t know there was an additional stanza that I had never heard before. The doctrinal depth of the hymns of the faith are so rich. They truly are the legacy of the church.
So true. It's sad that only a few churches still incorporate these into their worship service. 🙏🏻 ❤ ✝️ 📖 🕊 🎶 🙌🏼
My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee
The only thing I do is change the words in the last verse to say "and now I approach the Eternal Throne and bow before my Lord and King!" Any rewards I get will be cast before His Throne! I just want to be w/Him for eternity!!
Amen!
That's my favorite line as well. Having been to prison, this line hits the *nail* on the head, so to speak.
I still remember myself crying over this verse. May God bless all of us. The light is in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.
Preached a sermon today that used that line extensively: th-cam.com/video/pBlgkDrCuKI/w-d-xo.html
This is the greatest song of salvation/redemption that I know! I can sing this over and over again all the time.
Thank You Jesus. What an amazing Savior you are.
Amen 🙏🏻
Hallelujah Hallelujah praise the LORD AMEN 🙏🏻 ✝️🛐🌼🌹🌻
Reminds me of happy days when just being reborn within the home church singing with the other saints and my children still young. Many years later and still happy in Christ and waiting for my Lord Jesus soon return
If I just read these hymns as beautiful poetry sonnets, ... they are so very lovely. Full of sweet fragrance.
Just to read them out loud to God is a privilege.
- Debbie
This is one of my favourite hymns of all time. We sing it a lot in my Seventh-day Adventist Church, and in a youth group, we have changed some of the melody in the chorus, and I really enjoy singing this song.
This hymn has personally impacted my life, especially during moments when I was deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ. The lyrics, 'died He for me, who caused His pain!' express a profound love. THANK GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
Were you born a Seventh-Day Adventist?
Your founder Ellen G white imposed a works based righteousness which is false. It is 100% Grace.
And can it be "the chains fell off" Oh for a thousand tongues "He sets the prisoners free" all their Hymns have wonderful truths. Many thanks dear brother for sharing this beautiful truth. Jim from Australia.
What a free grace
He loved me and He saved me
Glory to Jesus
Hallelujah😢😢😢😢
I love this time. I know most of these songs, but not this one. My brother had dementia and couldn’t remember his sisters names. But when you played the hymns of old, you could sing along with them. He never forgot his God!
Beautiful words. Only after becoming a Christian...these words now mean so much more
One of the great hymns ,word full of truth, saved by Grace ,we will see him in Glory soon ,Thank you for this channel .
I desperately miss the days when my late mother [gone 52 years] played this hymn on our pipe organ and daddy was on the grand piano in the church where I accepted Jesus into my heart in 1959. I was 6 years old. In that magnificent, huge edifice where the accoustics were astounding, the sound of the congregation singing and worshiping God was as close to Heaven on earth as I have been. Praise You, Heavenly Father, for your unfathomable salvation and love to us in sending your only son Jesus to the Cross to redeem helpless mankind!!! ♥♥♥
This reminded me of my happy childhood years of going to Church.
Oh, how I used to belt this out loud!
I love it, I love it, I truly ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️love this song!
Nothing bring tears to my eyes like “and can it be” . Looking forward to this thanks 🙏🏼
Yes!!!!!!!!! You are the first person I have found who thinks like I do about those first four words! I'm in tears through the rest of the song! The verse "Long my imprisoned..." is the day I got saved over 50 years ago! "Thine eye diffused a quickening ray." Oh my, what a miracle!!
My chains fell of my heart was freeing rose went forth and followed thee.
I've been a Christian all my 74 years an d this hymn came true to me a few years ago .
I. Divorced and had to go fora blood test and my ex husband was a pathologist in the local hospital where I had to go for the test
He actually took the blood test which I was dreading but god was gracious that day he took me through it and on walking down the corridor out the hospital I was singing and an it be got to the line my chains fell off my heart was free.
Yes I was free . The rest is history and a most blessed life. Thanks be to God
Thank you for this, Luke. I, too, live in Thailand and this is my father's favourite hymn - he's a big fan of the Wesley brothers. The song is poignant as my father and mother suffer from dementia. I have become a Christian fairly recently even though i was brought up in a Christian family. I still struggle with my old life but this song means so much more to me now that I'm saved. Even now it's hard to grasp how my Lord loves me - free grace indeed and what amazing love.
I love this hymn. When I was in college, my roommate and I had a poster with the lyrics to this hymn in the shape of a cross. We were not allowed to hang the poster on our dorm room walls, but could hang things on doors. We put it up in our bathroom . Many times I would reflect on the words of this song as I was doing my bathroom business.
My childhood was with the Methodist Church and And Can It Be was a very well sung song. It still very much apart of my memory. I am 68 years old turning 69. You are correct many of the good old hymns are not sung any more. This I think the Church has lost the richness in the old hymns.
Hello Luke I often listen to you on u tube. I love the way you explain the Start if the hymns. I'm in Norkem Park and sang that song in the early 70's when I was first aware how much Jesus loves me. My chains fell off, my heart was free... I sang it in the Baptist church where the Lord opened my heart. Thank you so much Luke I love listening to you and how you Play the piano. God bless your ministry.
It's a very meaningful hymn, it touches every of your life.😢
I love love love this song! Thine eye diffused a quickening ray. I woke! My chains fell off, my heart was free! I rose went forth and followed thee!
Cry cry! So true. ❤
This hymn captures my conversion experience over fifty years ago. I have already made it clear that I want people to sing this heartily at my funeral as a testimony to my faith and to my Savior.
Thanks Luke.
This is the Methodists' Anthem! It's a gem!
The hymn associated with the Wesley brothers' "conversation" has as its first line: "Where shall my wondering soul begin?" It's written by Charles Wesley.
Wonderful hymn. My favorite hymn. Thank you for the video. Cecil ( India)
Brought up hearing , singing and playing this beautiful hymn and still after 80 plus years it is still just so vibrant true and real. Experiencing the chains of sin falling off and accepting His love and Grace is and has such a real purpose.
So if that is the true meaning behind the song, then it is no wonder it is such a favourite with all of us who still sing it in our churches in Australia. It is always sung with such gusto & heartfelt joy!!
Great comments, Luke, on this unsurpassable classic!Wish you could've grown up singing these wonderful hymns you're learning. Thank you for keeping them alive.
Growing up
In the Baptist church we often sang this hymn. The tune with up down singing always makes it a wonderful hymn to sing. The words also so meaningful.
I love the whole song. Gods love is boundless, & unfathomable. I am so thankful & grateful for His great love of grace .
This is, perhaps, one of my favorite hymns. I sang it first in a choir arrangement but heard it often on Christian radio growing up. I love the song.
In my 7th decade, we sing really good new contemporary songs that I love but hymns are also a part of worship.
Such a rich treasury of music and lyrics through the ages til now.
Being a Baptist we are supposed to request to be baptized. I couldn't do it as I was not convinced. It was the word's of And can it be. This was 40 years ago. This is my favorite hymn UpTo now and requested it to be sung at my funeral.
I'm a Ghanaian living in Thailand. I'm a Methodist and love hymns. I just chanced on your channel and I am virtually addicted and stuck to your videos. The tears from my eyes though. How I wish I would one day get to be with you in my Methodist church in Ghana to sing these wonderful hymns to the congregation. I know you would absolutely love it
I am just as hooked on this program.
Hoping to pay a visit to Luke sometime. His church is 20 mins drive from me. I am in Brakpan South Africa.
Nov2023 also GOD, JESUS and HOLY SPIRIT also LOVE IT! GOD inhabits the praises of HIS people!
We used to sing this hymn in Boksburg Mdthodist Chur h next to the lake when Tony Bethke was still our pastor. I love all these old Methodist hymns and miss singing them so much. Thanx, Luke, for sharing this beautiful hymn with us.❤
Beautiful what a wonderful way to tell people of God’s Grace
I love this hymn! I first learned of this hymn (sang it often at our non-denominational church) as a young Christian in the late 70s. Very powerful theology-such an amazing love that my God should die for me!
I fell in love with this song and it was the recessional hymn at my mother's funeral in October 2016 and my youngest brother's funeral in December 2019. It has become very popular at funerals in St Kitts. Every time I hear this song it reminds to be faithful to my God who gives me life and love.
Grew up in a conservative Lutheran church and did not know this hymn until my twenties. It is truly a beautiful hymn of God’s grace!
Luke, when i got the notification that you were going to present this song, i got excited. This is one of my very favorite songs, having sung it many times in church. I love all the verses, but the line that stands out to me is "Amazing Love, How Can it be, that thou my God, shouldst die for me" . I don't feel worthy of His love, that He would go to the cross in my place. You sang it beautifully.
When I went to Nyack College I first learned this song. We sang it as a congregation. That's when it is so powerful as people's voices join together and God's Grace washes over you
I especially like the line your Grace found me because we can't find him. He hast to find us, give us his grace, give us the faith to receive his gift, open our eyes to see the truth, and recognize that none of this is of our own doing. Absolutely beautiful song, beautiful words, and beautifully sung. I could listen to you sing all day! Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Yes! All grace!
One of my two favorite hymns with "His Robes For Mine." This hymn was sung a lot in my Nazarene church, which is a conservative Methodist denomination. It never ceases to move my heart as I so relate to the progression of the lost sinner to the born again believer who is humbled by what the Savior has done, and done for ME personally. My favorite part of this hymn is "My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed thee." What a burden that was lifted! The last verse is also reassuring in that I will face no condemnation now that I am in Christ. Truly an incredible hymn!
What doctrine in these old hymns of the faith. No wish washy in it. POWErful. Thrills my soul. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST 🎉
They are written from Bible Theology😍😍😍
Sang this hymn at church since childhood. What a testimony and I like the original title - Free Gace
Amazing love, He died for me
My chains fell off, my heart was free! I rose, went forth, and followed thee!
Gave my heart and life to the Lord at an early age 70 years ago. We used to sing this song regularly at our Baptist church. Now I sing along with the TH-cam versions.
How I miss the old sound of a full congregation singing! Someday soon perhaps!
It is my favorite of all the hymns. Thanks for sharing the story behind those great words.
My favourite too
Oh me too! Nothing comes close! See you in heaven!!
I think of my deceased mother when I hear this song. She sang it often. She grew up Methodist but converted to Seventh-day Adventistism as an adult. I like the melody. I really like it. I also like the words "amazing love and can it be that Thou O God has died for me!" I agree wholeheartedly with your evaĺuation of this beautiful song.
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I love this hymn! We sang it when I was growing up. I wish churches would bring back hymns. There is so much truth taught through them.
64 here loved that hymn as a child. The scale was always so pretty.
I was introduced to this hymn on my first day in Baptist seminary. As we sang it, when we came to the fourth verse and sang the words "my chains fell off, my heart was free . . .," someone yelled out "GLORY!!" My spirit was moved and I have never forgotten those words.
This is ageless. I wish the modern church haven't lost the art of singing Hymns
This is a product of the radio: radio songs are meant to be listened to passively, whereas hymns were meant to be sung by the people.
A Treasure for Sure.They are re emerging in the Church ..and there are some "new" hymn writers also writing theologically rich material Praise The Lord!
@tonkatruck1968 yes, but the new ones are very rare. "In Christ Alone" comes to mind, but hard to think of any others
Went up at Billy Graham crusade when 14 and made a real commitment to God . Not really involved in a church for growth/fellowship. As young adult moved to London and became secretary in group called Moral Rearmament MRA which grew out of WW II chaos. Godly with many godly famous people totally committed to 4 absolutes Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness and Love. Brilliant dedicated people . Had deep inner struggle because I couldn't totally commit to MRA and didn't know why. Leaders within MRA knew I wasn't 100 committed and worked to get me committed or so I thought. Began to see that when one becomes a believer at a young age, there needs to be a commitment as an adult realizing what you are walking away from to follow Christ. People in MRA didn't go to church. I worked within leadership so was on inside with committed people. But I couldn't totally commit. Why! Found little Methodist church looking for answers. Went home to Richmond Virginia for visit . My big baptist church has been totally involved in MRA under former pastor. Noticed women wearing lipstick and poured out my heart to former girls leader. Why my struggles with MRA. Simple honey, there's no Jesus! Truth exploded in me . At the little Methodist church I had heard hymn "And can it be" verse about throwing off chains in dungeon as my heart was free became reality. I committed my life to Christ as a 24 year old woman . My way paid to huge MRA conference in Caux Switzerland when I returned to job in London. Loved my job and people I worked with but now had Christ on inside. Back in states got baptized in Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and went to small Bible school. Just because a group has strong moral principles, does NOT make it Christian. MRA today is called Initiative of Change and still global . In London working inside group, I met Gandi's grandson, king Michael of Romania they wanted to recruit. It looked good, smelled good, felt good but a creation of works....no Jesus. My chains fell off, my heart was free. Found meeting in basement of Spurgeon s Tabernacle of spirit filled folk with amazing speakers like Corrie ten Boom and Brother Andrew who smuggled Bibles into Russia. Amazing life I have had and much more to add
It is still alive and well in the Duchy of Cornwall but try the lovely Dan Forest arrangement tricky but so fitting the words th-cam.com/video/PUX_wutcV88/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=KeynoteVocalGroupCGS
Thank you Luke. I have grown up with this hymn. ( Methodist). 72 now. Got married and joined the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. ( previously Dutch Reformed Mission Church)
This hymn cuts to my core and always brings tears as I sing it. It is the beauty of the gospel and His amazing love.
I grew up in a Methodist church which valued choral music and, when my voice broke, was very happy to join my dad singing the bass parts in the great hymns much loved by my parents. In my 76th year I really miss the musical and spiritual gravity of such hymns which are at a great distance from the skinny stuff currently popular.
I coundnt get through listening to this beautiful hymn without tears- overwhelming love joy and grace. Thank you!
If not the greatest hymn of all time.
It's not just the art of composing words of eloquence but moreover, the meaningfullness each word and line expresses about the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
George Whitefield was the first member of Holy Club to be converted, followed by Charles & John. When George saw the effects of his preaching at the coal mine at Bristol in 1739 by the white lines on the blackened faces caused by their tears George told both of them, got John to take over the preaching, & he took ship to America where he became one of the main preachers of the Great Awakening. They all understood how ignorant their generation was of Genuine Christianity, just like they had been, so the lyrics they used had a great amount of correct doctrines to help instruct the people. Greatly love & respect the three of them.
l have sang this song for over 40 years. In the Bretthren Assemblies and Baptist Church now. Tomorrow l am using the hymn in my discipleship class at the university. We are looking at assurance of salvation. This is great hymn. Thanks so much. l love the song. l have memorised all the stanzas. Blessings 🎉😂
Just heardthis for thefirst time, profound ,touching, i pray all christian denominations drop their differences and unite through the trinity.
I can remember this song with such joy, my chains fell off indeed. It was in my early years of my Christian walk. We sang it quite a lot, I was so thrilled to be able to get to know this song then. I'm writing to you from Kempton park. God bless you and continue to do the work of the Lord. I listen to you and all your various programmes.
Yes dr Vernon McGee mentioned in his bible study so many time about John Wesley!
Ironically this is the first hymn I heard in an Anglican church noticing a younger couple In front of me would sing this with such joy My Chains fell off my heart was free I rose,went forth and followed Thee. Years later I still remember this and sing these words with joy
Thank you for posting this. My life, my conversion, my salvation is accurately described by verse 4. "Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's, Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light"
Beautiful hymn by Charles Wesley. Makes the soul realize the Love of GOD & makes you respond in worship 🙏🙌🔥
I love this hymn and have sung it counless times as a tenor in choirs in Methodist chuches over the years mainly in Welkom. I'm 72. Thank you Luke, for sharing the many gifts God has given you - your music and preaching! God bless you richly!
This song is the most powerful hymn in my life. We sang it at my grandmother’s funeral years ago and we will sing it at my father’s funeral on Friday. I cry every time I hear it or sing it.
This song blesses me every time I hear it. You did a wonderful job singing it!!❤
I learned And Can It Be as a student at Asbury Theological Seminary. The student body loved both the theology of the lyrics and the amazing harmony of its tune. We sang it with exuberance. I love it to this day.
This was a favorite hymn of the pastor at the church my husband and I first attended as newlyweds, and we sang it quite often. I love it so much!
My Chains Fell off and I was free , went forth and Followed Thee THANK YOU LORD
...my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus!!!
GOD Sovereignly Converted me to Believing in JESUS at age 19 at Ucla through Charles Wesley's Easter Hymn "Christ the Lord IS risen today" JESUS is More Precious today at 82 !!!
I love Charles Wesley hymns. Being a Catholic this hymn is not in our tradition, but it is in our latest hymnbook and it's great fun to sing. I also adore "Lo he comes" and "Love divine all loves excelling".
Oh yeah we have this hymn in our hymn book, it's an oldie but a goodie!! Thank the Lord that even though I still sin there is no condemnation because he took it all and I'm no longer under it.
Amen to that!
Hallelujah Hallelujah glory to God Hallelujah.
My chains truly fell off and my heart was freed. Hallelujah Hallelujah. I'm writing here with tears in my eyes . Just thinking of the words of this song.
Beautiful hymn and very well sung!! Great lyrics.Literally every sentence comes alive as you sing.
..Who can explore His strange design?..
Let angels minds inquire no more...
For O my God,it found out me!
These words were so precious.
Thankyou so much for sharing the history of this song and singing this for His glory. God bless.
Can't find the words to describe this song. Beyond beautiful...can imagine singing it in heaven with the church triumphant.
I thank you for all the hymns. ❤. I am a member of the Methodist Church in Singapore. And we sing this hymn during Aldersgate Service on May 24 every year. Brings tears whenever I sing this hymn.
And can it be is the most wonderful hymn…God lays down His salvation to us. The Holy Spirit converted me in 1982 in the Westminster Chapel London. Every time when I sang this song, my tears burst out like the river. Amazing Grace from Our Lord Jesus.❤🎉
And can it be.Such a joyful reflection of the Savior's Love and what becoming looks like and meant.Thanks.
Love the chorus
I'm an American Episcopalian, but was raised Open Closed Gospel Hall Brethren, and sang this hymn many times through the years. I came to Christ at nearly 27 on 1988. Still love this hymn.
Thank you! This hymn is my absolute favorite.
I’ve been a Christian 48! years and a preacher 39 years, and I just discovered this song about a year ago. My wife and I have been listening to it every Sunday morning for the last 6 months. I/we love it!!
So incredibly good!! I grew up singing this. Such sweet and (I would say) inspired lyrics. Thanks for sharing it!!
Wow! Thoroughly beautiful!! ✨Glory to God Most High!✨ Thank you, Luke, for sharing this precious gift with us. I’ll be replaying it throughout the day. “Thank you, O Lord my God, for this refreshing! Great are you Lord, and greatly to be praised! Magnify the Lord, O my soul! Exalt His name forever!”
Expresses how Jesus sets us gracefully free after magnificently breaks the chains of sin
So, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
And can it be... was a favourite of my mother.. a faithful Methodist all her life..
Great Job! This is such a great hymn that depicts the sovereign salvation from an Almighty God that He freely bestows upon us wretches!
Luke: I was a member or Colonial Beach Baptist Church for over 50 years. However, I had never heard of this beautiful old hymn until we called a Pastor who had been educated at Cambridge England and who, at the time we called him was serving at Chaplain of Arlington National Cemetary in Washington D.C. He was surprised that none of us were familiar with it. What a beautiful rendition of the Gospel. You are so right it is God's Grace plus nothing! There is a beautiful acronym for it, God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God bless you and keep singing about "Amazing Grace. Howard M. Stine
I just recently discovered this hymn after praying to have more love in my life…love for God, felt love from God, love for others and from others. This hymn turns my hard old broken heart to mush ❤️❤️ and I was smitten when I heard it. It truly ministered to me and I thank God for it!
Thank you Mr. Powell. I just recorded you and I singing a duet. It was awesome.
I too missed this song for a long time. It may surprise you that my whole thinking of the Methodist movement changed after this song and had sang too many times, over the years.
This song has so much power to relate Christ in a personal way. It is a complete meal
God bless you brother for recalling the thoughts on this golden hymn
What a song it’s, melts the stony heart brazen by sin.
It’s a blessing for generations.
Tears rolling down when singing this , it challenges in many ways .
All these years I knew this song has only 5 parts today I came to know that original version got 6parts.
Amazing love that gave holy blood and suffered agony in the cross to provide salvation for free for all who repent and reconcile with him
The two new lines (I've never heard them before) are a welcome addition! Truly AMAZING that the ETERNAL GOD would look on fallen man to offer Salvation freely through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE LAMB OF GOD, slain for all that believe and trust HIM who loves us!!