# Man Honoured Above Angels explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This hymn celebrates the unique privilege of fallen humanity to be saved and honoured by Christ, who passed by angels to take on human flesh. It contrasts the angels' praise with the deeper gratitude of redeemed sinners, and looks forward to the glorious hour when believers will see God and praise Him more than angels can.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Mercy formed a wondrous plan to save and honour fallen man, highlighting unmerited favour.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The glorious hour when believers will be freed from sin and darkness and see God.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The Lamb who was slain, who passed by angels to assume human flesh and now fills the throne of God as man.

### The Saints

Redeemed sinners who can sing songs angels cannot sing, and who will praise God more than angels can.

### Angels

They praise the Lamb but cannot add the personal note of 'He suffered all for us'; they bow to Christ as man.

### Satan

Implied as the leader of the angels who fell by transgression and were consigned to hell.

## Key lines

> They praise the Lamb who once was slain; But we can add a higher strain— Not only say 'He suffer'd thus, But that 'He suffer'd all for us.'

Angels praise Christ for his sacrificial death, but believers can add a deeper note: that his suffering was specifically for them.

_Emphasizes the personal application of Christ's atonement._

> Jesus, who pass'd the angels by, Assumed our flesh to bleed and die; And still he makes it his abode— As man he fills the throne of God.

Christ did not take on angelic nature but became human, and even now, as the God-man, he occupies the heavenly throne.

_Highlights the incarnation and the ongoing humanity of Christ._

> Oh glorious hour! it comes with speed, When we from sin and darkness freed, Shall see the God who died for man, And praise him more than angels can.

Soon the time will come when believers, liberated from sin and darkness, will behold God and offer praise that surpasses even that of angels.

_Expresses eschatological hope and the superior worship of the redeemed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/39-man-honoured-above-angels
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters