# Sacramental Hymns explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter presents a series of hymns centered on the sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper and the crucifixion of Christ. The hymns emphasize the grace of God in inviting sinners to the heavenly feast, the profound love of Christ displayed in His suffering and death, and the believer's response of faith, love, and hope. They also draw parallels between Israel's wilderness journey and the Christian pilgrimage, highlighting God's provision and the ultimate communion with saints in glory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The hymns repeatedly emphasize that salvation is a free gift, offered to the vile, the lost, and the guilty, not to the self-righteous.

### Suffering and Affliction

The crucifixion is vividly portrayed, and believers are encouraged to bear their lighter crosses in light of Christ's suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Central figure in all hymns; depicted as the bread and wine, the crucified Savior, and the risen Lord.

### God

Invites sinners to the feast, provides for His people in the wilderness, and is the source of grace and salvation.

### Satan

Mentioned as defeated by Christ's sacrifice; his power is broken for the believer.

### The Saints

Those in glory who sing praises to the Lamb, and the believers on earth who join in the same song.

## Key lines

> The vile, the lost, he calls to them, Ye trembling souls, appear! The righteous in their own esteem Have no acceptance here.

Christ invites the sinful and despairing to come to Him, but those who consider themselves righteous have no place at His table.

_Emphasizes the grace of God in calling sinners, contrasting with human self-righteousness._

> I saw one hanging on a tree, In agonies and blood, Who fix’d his languid eyes on me As near his cross I stood.

The speaker beholds Christ crucified, and Christ's gaze seems to hold him accountable for His death.

_A powerful depiction of personal guilt and the convicting power of the cross._

> A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransom paid, I die, that thou may’st live.”

Christ's second look conveys full forgiveness and the assurance that His death pays the ransom for the sinner's life.

_Highlights the grace and pardon available through Christ's sacrifice._

> Like them, we have a rest in view, Secure from adverse pow’rs; Like them, we pass a desert too, But Isr’el’s God is ours.

Just as Israel journeyed through the wilderness with God's guidance, believers today travel through life's trials with the same God as their protector.

_Draws a parallel between the Old Testament wilderness wanderings and the Christian pilgrimage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/sacramental-hymns
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters