# The Old and New Creation explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This poem contrasts the original creation of the world with the new creation of the soul. It celebrates God's powerful word that brought light and life out of darkness and chaos, and laments how humanity's sin defaced the divine image. The poem then affirms that the same power that created the universe is at work in the new creation of the believer's heart, repairing the ruin caused by sin and making all things new.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and Guidance

God's sovereign power is displayed both in the original creation and in the new creation of the soul, showing His ongoing providential work.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The new creation is an act of divine grace, repairing the ruin that humanity brought upon itself.

## Character check-ins

### God

The Creator who speaks the world into existence and whose word can repair the ruined soul.

### Adam

Representative of humanity, whose sin defaced the honor of the crown of creation.

### The Narrator

The speaker who reflects on the old and new creation, acknowledging human self-destruction and pleading for God's restorative power.

## Key lines

> That was a wonder-working word Which could the vast creation raise!

The word of God is powerful and miraculous, capable of bringing the entire universe into existence.

_Highlights the creative power of God's spoken word._

> But man, the lord and crown of all, By sin his honour soon defaced, His heart (how alter'd since the fall!) Is dark, deform'd, and void and waste.

Humanity, originally the pinnacle of creation, quickly lost its glory through sin; the human heart is now as dark and chaotic as the pre-creation void.

_Draws a parallel between the original chaos and the fallen human heart._

> The new creation of the soul Does now no less his power display, Than when he form'd the mighty whole, And kindled darkness into day.

God's power in regenerating a soul is just as great as His power in the original creation, turning spiritual darkness into light.

_Emphasizes the miraculous nature of spiritual regeneration._

> Though self-destroy'd, O Lord, we are, Yet let us feel what thou canst do; Thy word the ruin can repair, And all our hearts create anew.

Even though we have brought ruin upon ourselves, we ask God to demonstrate His power by restoring and recreating our hearts.

_A prayer for personal renewal and restoration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/80-the-old-and-new-creation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters