Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining us today. I use "us" because this is an interactive study where readers share their impressive knowledge of Scripture and often disagree with each other, and sometimes with me, too. As I like to say, "No fighting in the Bible study comments section." Additionally, the study is "interactive" because I especially appreciate hearing from you via email (at the end), and I always try to respond to anyone who takes the time to send a message.
Now, I will explain how this study came about. Over the past seven years of writing this study, I have frequently received strong "callings" to write about a specific topic. (But I never take this for granted). If my husband is with me, I tell him I received a "ding-ding."
In church last Sunday, as the soloist beautifully sang "What Wonderous Love Is This," I read the words projected on the large screen. As the magnificent lyrics touched my heart and soul, I felt a "ding-ding."
Some readers are likely familiar with this traditional hymn, dating back to 1811 in the American South. According to Wikipedia, the earliest printings cited an anonymous author. However, in an 1848 hymnal, the text is attributed to Alexander Means, a Methodist pastor from Oxford, Georgia. The melody is from an English ballad.
Since Easter Sunday is four weeks away, the hymn serves as a reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross — a fundamental tenet of faith that I believe is underplayed. Perhaps that is why the words jumped off the church screen. Writing this study five days later, the words are on my computer screen and on your screen today. That "high-tech journey" is one that the author could never have envisioned, but God knows the truth in these ageless lyrics will forever resonate with those who love Him.
For this study, I listened to different versions and styles of this popular hymn to share with you. Here are three, with a fourth at the end:
A male solo, a male/female duo, and a female soloist. Let's read the lyrics and then discuss their meaning:
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great I Am;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on;
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on.
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
And through eternity I'll sing on.
The title and first stanza declare how much God loves us. And because of that unfathomable love, He sent His Son to die for us and take on our sin debt. John's gospel famously records:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
"And God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
The second stanza is about our sinful nature, which began in the garden with the fall of humankind, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s only command:
… “but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). (See Vol. 255 for more details.)
However, God sent Jesus to be the sacrificial lamb, the scapegoat for our sins. That is why the holiest day on the Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In ancient times, that sacred day involved the killing of a sacrificial goat. Then, a second goat was set free into the wilderness after the rabbi placed upon it all the sins of the ancient Hebrews. Derived from that biblical event is the common phrase "scapegoat." (See Vol. 287.)
The third stanza emphasizes Jesus' universality to all nations. "When millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing." When Christians face persecution or if worshipping "In His Name" is illegal, their devotion to Jesus often persists secretly. In fact, history shows that persecution of Christians tends to strengthen faith and the growth of Christianity.
The final stanza:
"And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be, And through eternity I'll sing on."
That is the promise of eternal life with faith in Jesus, who boldly declared:
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
And:
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).
This hymn, along with its supporting biblical verses, is a quick summary of why we have faith in Jesus Christ: His love for us, how He suffered for us, universal praise for Him, and the promise of eternal life through and with Him.
For your contemplation, here is another version of "What Wonderous Love Is This."
I hope you all enjoyed listening to all the hymn links. Someone reading this study was supposed to see it for a reason known only to God. Let me know if that was you.
A special invite to Townhall readers in Orlando, Florida: On March 13 at 6:30 pm ET is the grand opening of an inspiring exhibit about the Shroud of Turin that I have produced for the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. I would love to meet my Bible study readers! The exhibition closes at the end of September.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our new six-month exhibit in Orlando, Florida, opening on March 13, 2026. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com