The way of access

John Newton (well known as the author of “Amazing Grace”) wrote this hymn, which is found in Olney Hymns: In Three Books (Book III, Hymn 41, p. 320). He titled it “The way of access.” Through Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and men (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5), we have access unto the Father (cf. Ephesians 2:18). A footnote on the third line of stanza 7 references 2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The hymn is in common meter, and might be well matched to Detroit or Ortonville, but any solid common meter tune will work.

1. One glance of thine, eternal Lord,
Pierces all nature through;
Nor heav’n, nor earth, nor hell, afford
A shelter from thy view!

2. The mighty whole, each smaller part,
At once before thee lies;
And every thought, of every heart,
Is open to thine eyes.

3. Though greatly from myself concealed,
Thou see’st my inward frame;
To thee I always stand revealed,
Exactly as I am.

4. Since therefore I can hardly bear
What in myself I see;
How vile and black must I appear,
Most holy GOD, to thee.

5. But since my Savior stands between,
In garments dyed in blood;
’Tis he, instead of me, is seen,
When I approach to God.

6. Thus, though a sinner, I am safe;
He pleads before the throne,
His life and death, in my behalf,
And calls my sins his own.

7. What wondrous love, what mysteries,
In this appointment shine!
My breaches of the Law are his
And his obedience mine.

John Newton was a prolific writer with amazing output – not only many other hymns, but also theology, journals, letters, and sermons. His life story is intriguing.