# Invitation explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem extends a heartfelt invitation from the Savior to sinners, urging them to respond to His call. It emphasizes His willingness to pardon, His sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross, and His desire for their salvation rather than their death. The poem encourages believers to overcome unbelief and approach His throne with confidence, assured that there is still room for them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The poem highlights the free pardon and grace offered to sinners despite their unworthiness, emphasizing that salvation is a gift.

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The call to come to Christ and live by faith is central, urging sinners to trust in His finished work rather than their own merit.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The Savior who calls sinners, offers pardon, and shed His blood on the cross for their salvation.

### The Narrator

The speaker who delivers the invitation and encourages sinners to respond to Christ's call.

### Sin

The condition from which sinners are called to turn, and which Christ hates yet provides deliverance from.

## Key lines

> Sinners, hear the Saviour’s call, He now is passing by; He has seen thy grievous thrall, And heard thy mournful cry.

Listen, sinners, to the Savior's invitation; He is near and aware of your bondage and sorrow.

_The opening lines establish the urgency and compassion of Christ's call._

> Think how on the cross he hung, Pierced with a thousand wounds! Hark from each, as with a tongue The voice of pardon sounds!

Consider His crucifixion, where every wound speaks of forgiveness.

_The poem emphasizes the atoning death of Christ as the source of pardon._

> By himself the Lord has sworn, He delights not in thy death; But invites thee to return, That thou may’st live by faith.

God has solemnly declared that He takes no pleasure in your death, but calls you to turn to Him so you may live through faith.

_This highlights God's desire for repentance and life, not judgment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/5-invitation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters