And Can It Be? | story behind the hymn | lyrics study | performance

[@leejoyner262]

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.

[@sheralyngoddard]

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.

[@charlespapineau5428]

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!

[@emelliomorris4789]

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.

[@marieaudibert5692]

Just heardthis for thefirst time, profound ,touching, i pray all christian denominations drop their differences and unite through the trinity.

[@michaelgribbons2162]

My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee

[@christiansaint716]

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!!

[@susanh1447]

Amen!

[@ShadrachGoodtree]

That's my favorite line as well. Having been to prison, this line hits the *nail* on the head, so to speak.

[@hayleysmid9554]

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.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Preached a sermon today that used that line extensively: ruclips.net/video/pBlgkDrCuKI/видео.html

[@margotmaines7427]

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!!! ♥♥♥

[@terryhemingway6983]

One of the joys of the Christian faith is the singing of the great hymns, and this is among the greatest. The salvation that comes from receiving by faith the Amazing Love of the Living God leads to liberation that we previously could not imagine. "If the Son has set you free, you shall be free indeed."

[@robinandjohnvendelin229]

My chains fell off, my heart was free! I rose, went forth, and followed thee!

[@user-cw9uk1he4j]

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 🎉😂

[@MartyMorehouse]

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 !!!

[@tipsanders]

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!!

[@advocate38]

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

[@deonvanrhyn934]

I am just as hooked on this program.

[@deonvanrhyn934]

Hoping to pay a visit to Luke sometime. His church is 20 mins drive from me. I am in Brakpan South Africa.

[@dr.k.eliassummerel8143]

Nov2023 also GOD, JESUS and HOLY SPIRIT also LOVE IT! GOD inhabits the praises of HIS people!

[@paulawastel8315]

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.❤

[@suegie821]

Beautiful words. Only after becoming a Christian...these words now mean so much more

[@deannemiller891]

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!

[@happinessinheart5340]

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!

[@aylaneeameresekere6904]

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.

[@adebodundoyle3726]

My chains fell off, how can it be that my Jesus should die for me. My Lord Jesus should die for me

[@susanleadbetter8639]

Just started reading about Susanna Wesley, John and Charles Wesley's mother. (August 2024. ) An amazing woman. She had 19 children, only 10 survived.

[@jamesnicholson3313]

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.

[@millicentclarke9422]

Hallelujah Hallelujah praise the LORD AMEN 🙏🏻 ✝️🛐🌼🌹🌻

[@ac3414]

Nothing bring tears to my eyes like “and can it be” . Looking forward to this thanks 🙏🏼

[@ellie123hymes]

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!!

[@edithofmo3171]

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.

[@ellzcreationz]

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.

[@johannahowardtripp8907]

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.

[@inasmal3996]

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

[@johndonner5830]

Thank You Jesus. What an amazing Savior you are.

[@Lynnda86]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@Rayblondie]

A great hymn. Some say it is too old but it is worth singing just for the words. Thankyou.

[@traceyferreira8042]

For oh my God, it found out me!

[@stanelder3523]

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!

[@glenturrell4485]

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.

[@geoffmaxwell7442]

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.

[@michelleverner7481]

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

[@edwardhart5466]

One of the great hymns ,word full of truth, saved by Grace ,we will see him in Glory soon ,Thank you for this channel .

[@julieellis6793]

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.

[@irennebii9848]

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!

[@deannaburris8649]

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.

[@maureenburchell7451]

My mother was the organist at church. All of these hymns remind me of growing up in church and of her.

[@ddsu1]

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

[@doreenmcalpine8869]

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.

[@debbieardinger8015]

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!

[@terrimobley6067]

Cry cry! So true. ❤

[@emanuelameh5722]

...my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

[@melisaeslinger6247]

Amazing love! How can it be that thou shouldst die for me? It makes me so grateful to Jesus because if not for His sacrifice I would be on my way to hell.

[@kcmuanpuia]

This is the greatest song of salvation/redemption that I know! I can sing this over and over again all the time.

[@miltonkhemis4900]

Beautiful song I first heard this back in 1995 when I was a kid. My uncle had a cassette that had that song and whenever it played I would love to sing as it flowed. I love the song to this this day.

[@elainevassel7600]

And can it be.Such a joyful reflection of the Savior's Love and what becoming looks like and meant.Thanks.

[@DanielAtkinson1]

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.

[@veemcee]

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!

[@louisebrislane6607]

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!!

[@susanleadbetter8639]

First heard this song during the Billy Graham crusades in the 60's in the UK.

[@lailakassardjian3035]

Yes dr Vernon McGee mentioned in his bible study so many time about John Wesley!

[@evbyers4708]

This hymn is very stirring. One cannot sing it without feeling.

[@lindakinzer6698]

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.

[@zaj6425]

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.

[@dr.amalarathna570]

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.

[@wesleybushor3863]

Currently my favorite song, thank you for sharing this and taking time to go through it. Since my name is Wesley I love when people say this is Wesley's song😊

[@user-vj5kk8hq4t]

This song blesses me every time I hear it. You did a wonderful job singing it!!❤

[@amywebster8370]

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.

[@yvonneengelbrecht7490]

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.

[@patriciahamilton352]

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!

[@howardstine228]

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

[@lindafowler6068]

What doctrine in these old hymns of the faith. No wish washy in it. POWErful. Thrills my soul. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST 🎉

[@alphonsotate2982]

They are written from Bible Theology😍😍😍

[@olivergoodness7694]

This is ageless. I wish the modern church haven't lost the art of singing Hymns

[@TheJZackT]

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.

[@tonkatruck1968]

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!

[@kthoennes]

@tonkatruck1968 yes, but the new ones are very rare. "In Christ Alone" comes to mind, but hard to think of any others

[@carolyndaly9368]

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

[@TheLeshere]

It is still alive and well in the Duchy of Cornwall but try the lovely Dan Forest arrangement tricky but so fitting the words ruclips.net/video/PUX_wutcV88/видео.html&ab_channel=KeynoteVocalGroupCGS

[@gloryyembe4323]

My chains ⛓️ ⛓️ ⛓️ fell of and I am free, I rose up and followed him. Oh Lord Jesus Christ, the chains that the enemies tight me down have been broken and I am free by the blood of Jesus Christ 🙏. Thank you Jesus

[@ShadrachGoodtree]

This is my favorite hymn, but I have never heard the 6th verse. Beautiful. Thank you for the upload.

[@HopeMay7]

It is my favorite of all the hymns. Thanks for sharing the story behind those great words.

[@geoffvictor9368]

My favourite too

[@ellie123hymes]

Oh me too! Nothing comes close! See you in heaven!!

[@christinekoester2050]

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!”

[@toddngina]

I coundnt get through listening to this beautiful hymn without tears- overwhelming love joy and grace. Thank you!

[@sarahgarnett7613]

This is a song that goes straight to your heart. It tells the story of Love. A love so great that at times you stop to wonder how someone can love you so much that he was willing to be bare so much pain for me a It's one of my favorite song to sing How wonderful ,How amazing Thank you Jesus for enduring such a painful sacrifice 🙏

[@bmbinney9613]

Great Job! This is such a great hymn that depicts the sovereign salvation from an Almighty God that He freely bestows upon us wretches!

[@user-bq7qs6ry9j]

Sang this hymn at church since childhood. What a testimony and I like the original title - Free Gace
Amazing love, He died for me

[@abi3494]

I first heard this hymn in high in Lagos Nigeria (Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, Lagos). This hymn always feels me with so much joy and it's a lot to me. I tend to sings hymns in the morning and evening, or at least once a day. The lyrics of the old hymns are powerful and are prayerful too. Thank you

[@mariankingsley4812]

We learnt this week that our residential aged care is closing we need in 2 months to find another I plan to sing this with some residents at breakfast this morning to give them comfort

[@2LittleDachshunds]

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.

[@edithdotson7603]

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

[@Salay3]

I just knew this song from my Chaplain here in long term care about a month ago and I really love this song. When I heard this song I’m so amazed how beautiful this song and the story of this song. I will share this song to my unsaved family. Thank you brother for sharing, Good bless you richly.

[@cap-lock9432]

I can't wait to meet Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley to thank them for their work.

[@kityeung6492]

This song reminds me heavenly and eternal blessings Christ Jesus had won on the cross for us to claim through faith by grace

[@noonatonga225]

Thank you Mr. Powell. I just recorded you and I singing a duet. It was awesome.

[@regipaulraj7620]

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

[@rickmarosi4546]

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.

[@samuelingalls5424]

So incredibly good!! I grew up singing this. Such sweet and (I would say) inspired lyrics. Thanks for sharing it!!

[@davidedwinhoneywill2611]

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!

[@theafricanphilosopherqueen3032]

This beautiful hymn reminds me of my childhood days when the Kenyan Police band olayed this song as president moi inspected the guard of honor, I later started singing it in our local church in Nairobi under our late music director( God bless his sou.l❤() Roy.

[@heidibrown997]

God has used this hymñ and many others of Charles Wesley in my life. Always drawing me to my Father in live and worship.

[@leoloff]

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)

[@philiphumphrey1548]

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".

[@stephaniestewart2880]

YES!! One of my all time favorites!! It is so powerful and anointed by the Lord. It blesses my soul so much!! Thank you for sharing❤

[@joanhoare6813]

My Chains Fell off and I was free , went forth and Followed Thee THANK YOU LORD

[@dianaphilip3600]

Can't find the words to describe this song. Beyond beautiful...can imagine singing it in heaven with the church triumphant.

[@marcrogers1741]

Upstate New York Deerfoot lodge a Christian boys camp where I was the assistant chef.
A counselor c9mes in and is belting this out, I joined in it was a great mome t of spontanious praise. to hear 60 plus men sing with various levels of talent but sounding like a mens choir was a sight to see.

[@danplaysgames2666]

Great song full of divine love! I was absolutely shaken by the words in this song when I first heard it. It is a very powerful song. I still cannot fathom God's love for mankind, especially for me! I love Him so much for loving me so unconditionally 💗. This is the effect the song has had on me. I have a living hope in Christ. Thanks to God!🎉🎉🎉

[@cathydemarest3572]

64 here loved that hymn as a child. The scale was always so pretty.

[@maryanngames9353]

Yes, as a teenager we sang this in church and I loved it, still do.

[@debcarroll8192]

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!

[@onimiayara6002]

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke the dungeon flamed with light ❤

[@johnkerr1953]

This Hymn is one of my favourites, sometimes l sing this great Hymn into my self.

[@RayHeck-un6nz]

And Can It Be is my number one favorite hymn of all times. The words are so powerful, I have trouble singing it. It always brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving us the background. Blessings, Ray

[@ParsonJohnMaggie]

Thank you! This hymn is my absolute favorite.

[@deandavis8280]

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.