Olney Hymns · Chapter
Salvation explained
This hymn celebrates the divine plan of salvation, emphasizing the roles of God's attributes—Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Power, and Love—in the redemption of fallen humanity through Jesus Christ.
What happens
This hymn celebrates the divine plan of salvation, emphasizing the roles of God's attributes—Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Power, and Love—in the redemption of fallen humanity through Jesus Christ. It highlights the grace that raises sinners, the justice satisfied in the covenant, and the ongoing work of Christ as Advocate and Head, affirming that believers live by faith and approach God boldly.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The hymn celebrates the grace that raises fallen man, highlighting the unmerited favor of God in salvation.
Redemption and Salvation
The entire hymn focuses on the glorious plan of salvation, from its design to its fulfillment in Christ's death and ongoing advocacy.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Left the courts above and died to save his own; now reigns enthroned as Advocate and Head.
- God
The grace that raises fallen man; the designer of the vast plan of salvation.
- Sin
Deserving death, most hateful and abhorred, yet the sinner lives by faith.
- Faith
The means by which the sinner lives and dares approach the Lord.
Key passages
“Salvation! what a glorious plan! How suited to our need!”
Salvation is a magnificent and perfectly fitting solution to our desperate condition.
The opening exclamation sets the tone of awe and gratitude for God's provision.
“The grace that raises fallen man Is wonderful indeed!”
The unmerited favor that lifts up sinful humanity is truly astonishing.
Emphasizes the wonder of grace in contrast to human unworthiness.
“’Twas Wisdom form’d the vast design, To ransom us when lost;”
It was divine Wisdom that conceived the immense plan to buy our freedom when we were lost.
Attributes the origin of salvation to God's wisdom.
“And Love’s unfathomable mine Provided all the cost.”
And the infinite depths of God's love supplied everything needed to pay the price.
Highlights the sacrificial nature of God's love.
“Strict Justice, with approving look, The holy cov’nant seal’d;”
God's perfect justice, with approval, ratified the sacred covenant.
Shows that justice and mercy are harmonized in the plan of salvation.
“And Truth and Power undertook The whole should be fulfill d,”
And God's faithfulness and omnipotence guaranteed that every promise would be accomplished.
Assures the certainty of salvation's completion.