“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

The third verse of the hymn which has drawn our attention, “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” sets the stage for the implementation of His majestic plan.

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (I Timothy 1:17).

The second verse of “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” poses and solves a great mystery:

“Christ also suffered for us . . . Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (I Peter 2:21,24).