Olney Hymns · Chapter
Man by Nature, Grace, and Glory explained
This hymn reflects on the nature of humanity, contrasting the frailty and sinfulness of the flesh with the immortality and divine origin of the soul.
What happens
This hymn reflects on the nature of humanity, contrasting the frailty and sinfulness of the flesh with the immortality and divine origin of the soul. It traces the fall from original holiness through sin, and celebrates the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who assumed human nature, suffered in our place, and ascended to glory. The hymn then envisions the exalted state of redeemed humanity in heaven, where they will be honored above angels and lead the chorus of praise.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The hymn marvels at the amazing grace of Jesus assuming human nature and suffering in our place.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The final stanzas describe the glorious future of redeemed man in heaven, honored above angels.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Assumed our nature, obeyed and suffered in our place, and took it with him to his throne.
- God
The Almighty whose breath kindled the divine flame in humanity.
- Sin
Stained the divine flame, bringing darkness, strife, and death.
- The Saints
Ransomed humanity, exalted in glory, nearest the throne and first in song.
- Angels
Wondering angels throng around redeemed man and swell the chorus of praise.
Key passages
“Lord, what is man? extremes how wide In this mysterious nature join! The flesh to worms and dust allied, The soul immortal and divine!”
Lord, what is man? How vast the extremes in this mysterious nature! The body is akin to worms and dust, but the soul is immortal and divine.
The opening stanza contrasts the physical frailty and spiritual dignity of human nature.
“Divine at first, a holy flame Kindled by the Almighty’s breath; Till, stain’d by sin, it soon became The seat of darkness, strife, and death.”
Originally divine, a holy flame ignited by the Almighty's breath, but when stained by sin, it became the home of darkness, conflict, and death.
Describes the original holiness of humanity and the corrupting effect of sin.
“But Jesus, O amazing grace! Assumed our nature as his own, Obey’d and suffer’d in our place, Then took it with him to his throne.”
But Jesus, O amazing grace! Took our nature as his own, obeyed and suffered in our place, and then carried it with him to his throne.
Celebrates the incarnation and substitutionary atonement of Christ.
“Now what is man, when grace reveals The virtue of a Saviour’s blood? Again a life divine he feels, Despises earth and walks with God.”
Now what is man when grace reveals the power of the Savior's blood? He feels a divine life again, despises earthly things, and walks with God.
Describes the transformative effect of grace on the believer.
“And what, in yonder realms above, Is ransom’d man ordain’d to be? With honour, holiness, and love, No seraph more adorn’d than he.”
And what is redeemed man destined to be in the realms above? With honor, holiness, and love, no seraph is more adorned than he.
Highlights the exalted destiny of the redeemed in heaven.
“Nearest the throne, and first in song, Man shall his hallelujahs raise; While wond’ring angels round him throng, And swell the chorus of his praise.”
Man, nearest the throne and first in song, shall raise his hallelujahs, while wondering angels gather around him and join the chorus of praise.
Portrays man's preeminence in heavenly worship.
