# Salvation explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Pow’r, and Love, In all their glory shone When Jesus left the courts above, And died to save his own.

All of God's attributes radiated in full splendor when Jesus came from heaven and died to redeem his people.

_The incarnation and crucifixion display the perfect harmony of God's character._

> Now sin appears deserving death, Most hateful and abhorr’d;

Now sin is seen as worthy of death, utterly detestable and loathsome.

_The cross magnifies the seriousness of sin._

> And yet the sinner lives by faith, And dares approach the Lord.

Nevertheless, the sinner is given life through faith and can confidently come before God.

_Faith bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/85-salvation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters