Thursday Hymn Reflection: “I Know Whom I Have Believed”

[NOTE: Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn, usually suggested by our readers. If you have some favorites you would like us to write about, leave a comment with up to three (3) suggestions, and we’ll add them to our list for future posts.]

————————–

There are so many things we do not understand, and many of our hymns come out of that confusion. We must take many steps by faith, even when we struggle to understand the reasoning for certain things.

But we are not stepping out in some “blind faith,” as some might say. The song “I Know Whom I Have Believed” boldly states the reason for our faith. Written as a post-Civil War reflection on salvation, this hymn is one that simply and honestly states our faith and reliance upon God.

The (originally) five verses, written in 1883, each state a different part of our lives which we do not know, nor can we know. Personally, I think this is why so many people like the song. Each verse can have special meaning, because certain people  have certain fears or, at the very least, certain parts of their life that they do not know how to process.

The writer, Daniel Whittle, then used 2 Timothy 1:12 to form the powerful statement of faith that concludes each verse. The opening words of that quotation also provided the title for the song. My favorite part of that verse from the Apostle Paul states that God “is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.” Our God is able! He is trustworthy! He is faithful!

My favorite verse is the first, because I truly do not know why God allowed me to know His grace, nor why Christ died for me. Oh, sure, I know of the love of God, and I know that God desires all men to repent, but I simply cannot comprehend that when I see my own sin. Praise be to God that He revealed Himself through the Messiah and through the Word. Based upon that, I, too, “know whom I have believed.”

Here are the original five verses to the hymn, followed by the powerful chorus:

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

—————————

As you reflect on this hymn, enjoy this recording of the song.