# What Think Ye of Christ? explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter, based on Matthew 22:42, presents the question 'What think ye of Christ?' as the ultimate test of one's spiritual state and doctrine. It contrasts inadequate views of Christ—as a mere creature, as a Savior who needs human works, or as a nominal profession—with the true, saving view of Christ as fully God, the all-sufficient Savior, and the believer's all in all.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The chapter emphasizes that true faith rests in Christ alone, recognizing His full divinity and sufficiency for salvation.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The contrast between human works and reliance on Christ's grace is central, highlighting that salvation is not by human merit but by grace through faith.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The central figure of the chapter, whose true identity and role are the subject of the test.

### Judas

Mentioned as an example of those who profess Christ with their lips but betray Him in their actions.

## Key lines

> What think you of Christ is the test To try both your state and your scheme; You cannot be right in the rest Unless you think rightly of him.

Your opinion of Christ reveals the true condition of your soul and the soundness of your beliefs; if you do not think correctly about Him, everything else is wrong.

_The opening stanza sets the theme: correct views of Christ are foundational._

> Some take him a creature to be, A man, or an angel at most: Sure these have not feelings like me, Nor know themselves wretched and lost.

Those who consider Christ merely a creature—a man or an angel—cannot truly understand their own sinfulness and need for a divine Savior.

_This stanza refutes those who deny Christ's deity._

> Some call him a Saviour in word, But mix their own works with his plan; And hope he his help will afford, When they have done all that they can.

Some profess Christ as Savior but add their own efforts to His work, hoping He will assist them after they have done their best.

_This criticizes the error of mixing human merit with Christ's atonement._

> Some style him the pearl of great price, And say he’s the fountain of joys; Yet feed upon folly and vice, And cleave to the world and its toys; Like Judas, the Saviour they kiss, And while they salute him, betray.

Some call Christ the pearl of great price and the source of joy, yet they continue in sin and love the world; like Judas, they greet Him with a kiss but betray Him.

_This warns against hypocritical profession._

> If ask’d what of Jesus I think⁠— Though still my best thoughts are but poor, I say he’s my meat and my drink, My life and my strength and my store; My Shepherd, my Husband, my Friend, My Saviour from sin and from thrall, My hope from beginning to end, My portion, my Lord, and my all.

If asked what I think of Jesus, though my thoughts are inadequate, I declare He is everything to me—my sustenance, life, strength, treasure, Shepherd, Husband, Friend, Savior, hope, portion, Lord, and all.

_The final stanza expresses the believer's personal, all-encompassing devotion to Christ._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/89-what-think-ye-of-christ
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters