# Hatred of Sin explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem expresses a deep hatred of sin and a longing for deliverance from its presence, even while acknowledging the believer's love for God's truth. It portrays sin as a poison and a chain, and looks forward to the moment when death or the sight of Christ will forever destroy it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Sinfulness and Depravity

The poem vividly describes sin as a poison and a chain, emphasizing its pervasive and corrupting influence.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The believer hopes for deliverance from sin through death and the glorious sight of Christ, anticipating the bliss of heaven.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord

Addresses God as 'Holy Lord God' and expresses love for His truth.

### Jesus Christ

The final vision of Jesus as He is will strike all sin dead.

### Death

Death is seen as the means to set the believer free from sin.

### Sin

Sin is personified as a serpent's tooth and a poison, the only thing hated.

## Key lines

> Yet pierced by sin, the serpent’s tooth, I mourn the anguish of the bite.

Even though I love God's truth, I am wounded by sin, which stings like a serpent, and I grieve over the pain it causes.

_The poet uses the metaphor of a serpent's bite to illustrate the painful and poisonous effect of sin._

> But oh! no foe invades the bliss When glory crowns the Christian’s head; One view of Jesus as he is Will strike all sin for ever dead.

When a Christian is glorified in heaven, no enemy can disturb that joy; just seeing Jesus as He truly is will permanently destroy all sin.

_The final stanza expresses the ultimate victory over sin through the beatific vision of Christ._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/64-hatred-of-sin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters