Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder is a rich gospel hymn written by John Newton and first published in Olney Hymns in 1779. It stands as one of Newton’s clearest and most joyful expressions of salvation by grace alone, centered firmly on the finished work of Christ. The hymn invites believers to respond to the gospel not with fear or uncertainty, but with love, praise, and holy amazement at what God has accomplished through His Son.

The opening lines call the church to reflect on the love of God displayed at the cross, where Jesus willingly bore the curse of sin in the place of sinners. Newton emphasizes substitutionary atonement with great clarity, echoing Romans 5 by showing that Christ died for the ungodly and reconciled them to God by His blood. The believer’s response is not self-effort or religious striving, but grateful worship flowing from assurance.

A central theme of the hymn is justification by faith. Newton contrasts the law, which condemns and exposes sin, with the gospel, which proclaims full pardon and acceptance in Christ. The line “When through grace in Christ our trust is, justice smiles and asks no more” beautifully summarizes the biblical doctrine that God’s justice is fully satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice. This reflects Galatians 2:20, where the believer’s life is now defined by faith in the Son of God who loved and gave Himself for us.

The hymn also looks forward to the believer’s eternal hope. Newton points to Christ’s intercession and reign, reminding the church that the Savior who died now lives and rules in glory. This forward-looking confidence aligns with Revelation 5, where the redeemed sing to the Lamb who was slain and now reigns forever.

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder has endured because it unites deep theology with warm devotion. It teaches believers to rest in Christ’s finished work, rejoice in free grace, and worship with assurance rather than fear. The hymn remains especially valuable in teaching new believers the gospel clearly, while also refreshing mature Christians with the unchanging wonder of salvation accomplished by Christ alone.