Everybody who knows me knows that I love the old hymns. One of my (many) favorites is the Charles Wesley work, “And Can it be that I Should Gain.” Wesley had a wonderful way of weaving classic Biblical truth and personal struggle throughout his lyrics.

In the hymn, phrases such as “my chains fell off, my heart was free” and “I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown through Christ my own” speak of Wesley’s reverential hope in forgiveness through Christ. The powerful words found in the final stanza sum up Wesley’s feelings as a tribute to his redeeming Christ. Wesley penned these lyrics, “Still the small inward voice I hear, that whispers all my sins forgiven…I feel the life His wounds impart, I feel the Savior in my heart.”

I am not the only one who loves the soaring phrases used by the classic hymnists. Popular contemporary Christian praise and worship singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin used the chorus of the hymn’s first stanza to create the anthem “Amazing Love.” Chris’ iconic verse is “Amazing love, how can it be that You, my King should die for me? Amazing love, I know it’s true, it’s my joy to honor You, in all I do I honor You.”

Yes, the old hymns can inspire on many levels. Find yourself a hymnal and read the lyrics of many of the classic masters. Read of His amazing love and be moved to honor Him in all you do.