We Christians believe that Jesus died. And He did die. He was as dead as a body could be.

Then He rose again. He did rise! “Resurrection” means He stood again, and from that moment the gates of hell can no longer prevail against us.

The work of Jesus is summed up in one word: Love. And the gift of Jesus is summed up in one word: Life.

For the last few weeks I’ve been captivated by a hymn Charles Wesley (born 300 years ago) wrote.It’s not necessarily an Easter hymn, but then again, all hymns are Easter hymns. I’ve been particularly riveted by the fourth verse where he talks about his chains falling off and his heart becoming free. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have this Easter Season:

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN? 
(Charles Wesley, 1707-1788)

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love, how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

‘Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
To sound the depths of love Divine!
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Fathers throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness Divine.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.