Olney Hymns · Chapter
It Is Good to Be Here explained
The speaker reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, expressing deep sorrow for sin and gratitude for the pardon and freedom purchased by Christ's blood.
What happens
The speaker reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, expressing deep sorrow for sin and gratitude for the pardon and freedom purchased by Christ's blood. The poem emphasizes the believer's renunciation of worldly values and total surrender to the Lord's will.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The speaker marvels at the grace revealed in Christ's pardon, freely given to the sinner.
The Vanity of Worldly Things
The speaker bids farewell to the world, declaring its gold to be dross in light of the cross.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The crucified Savior whose blood atones for sin and whose dying word brings forgiveness.
- God
The Father to whom Christ prays for the sinner's forgiveness.
- Sin
Personified as the force that slew the Lamb of God and from which the believer is freed.
- The Lord
The one who accepts the believer's surrendered life and claims the whole soul.
Key passages
“Let me dwell on Golgotha, Weep and love my life away, While I see Him on the tree Weep and bleed and die for me!”
May I remain at the place of crucifixion, weeping and loving until death, as I behold Jesus suffering and dying for my sake.
The speaker desires to stay focused on the cross, moved by Christ's sacrificial death.
“That dear blood for sinners spilt Shows my sin in all its guilt; Ah! my soul, He bore thy load— Thou hast slain the Lamb of God.”
The precious blood shed for sinners reveals the full extent of my guilt; my soul, He carried your burden—you are the one who killed the Lamb of God.
The speaker acknowledges personal responsibility for Christ's death while recognizing the atoning nature of that blood.
“Farewell, world, thy gold is dross, Now I see the bleeding cross; Jesus died to set me free From the law and sin and thee!”
Goodbye, world, your wealth is worthless; now that I see the cross, I realize Jesus died to liberate me from the law, sin, and you.
The speaker renounces worldly treasures and embraces the freedom purchased by Christ.