# Alarm explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter issues a stern warning to sinners, urging them to stop and consider the consequences of their actions before it is too late. It vividly describes the danger of falling into eternal punishment, the inevitability of death and judgment, and the futility of attempting to oppose God. Yet, it concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing that Jesus died for sinners and invites them to come, promising that none who come will be denied.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Affliction

The chapter vividly portrays the eternal suffering awaiting sinners in the burning lake, emphasizing the severity of divine judgment.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Despite the warning, the chapter highlights God's mercy and the offer of grace through Jesus Christ, who invites sinners to come and promises that none will be denied.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Mentioned as the one who died for sinners and invites them to come, offering mercy and room for all.

### God

Depicted as the almighty judge who will break his foes with an iron rod and whose arm is lifted up in judgment, yet still forbears the blow.

### Death

Personified as pale-faced death who will quickly come to drag sinners to his bar.

### Sin

Personified as sins of a blood-crimson dye that will crowd around the sinner, each crying for vengeance.

### The Narrator

The speaker who charges the sinner to stop and think, warning of the danger and then offering hope.

## Key lines

> Stop, poor sinner! stop and think, Before you farther go!

Pause, wretched sinner, and reflect before you continue on your current path.

_The opening call to halt and consider the consequences of one's actions._

> Will you sport upon the brink Of everlasting woe?

Are you so reckless as to play near the edge of eternal misery?

_A rhetorical question highlighting the danger of flirting with sin._

> Pale-faced death will quickly come To drag you to his bar;

Death, with a pale face, will soon arrive to force you to stand before his judgment seat.

_Personification of death as an inevitable and terrifying judge._

> All your sins will round you crowd, Sins of a blood-crimson dye; Each for vengeance crying loud, And what can you reply?

Your sins, deeply stained like crimson blood, will surround you, each demanding punishment, leaving you speechless.

_The overwhelming accusation of sin at the moment of judgment._

> But as yet there is a hope You may his mercy know;

However, there is still a chance for you to experience his mercy.

_A turn toward hope, emphasizing that it is not too late._

> ’Twas for sinners Jesus died, Sinners he invites to come; None who come shall be denied⁠— He says⁠—“There still is room.”

Jesus died for sinners and invites them to come; no one who comes will be turned away, for he says there is still space.

_The central gospel message of grace and invitation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/2-alarm
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters