# 109: Father, Forgive Them explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The hymn reflects on Christ's prayer of forgiveness from the cross, acknowledging human ignorance and sinfulness, and celebrating the atonement that reconciles sinners to God.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Christ's prayer for forgiveness despite human sinfulness highlights unmerited divine grace.

### Human Sinfulness and Depravity

The hymn confesses human ignorance and sinfulness, acknowledging that we 'knew not what we did.'

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The Saviour who prays for forgiveness for his crucifiers, demonstrating divine love and atonement.

### The Jews

Those who abused and crucified Christ, symbolizing humanity's rejection of him.

### Satan

The tempter who influences sinful actions.

### The Narrator

The speaker who confesses personal guilt and ignorance, and acknowledges Christ's prayer for him.

## Key lines

> Father, forgive,” the Saviour said, “They know not what they do:”

The Saviour prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they are ignorant of their actions.'

_Direct reference to Christ's prayer on the cross._

> But Jesus all our guilt foresaw, And shed his precious blood, To satisfy the holy law, And make our peace with God.

Jesus knew all our sins beforehand and died to fulfill the law's demands, reconciling us to God.

_Summary of the atonement's purpose._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/109-father-forgive-them
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters