Since I Have Been Redeemed
Words: Edwin Othello Excell (b. Dec. 13, 1851; d. June 10, 1921)
Music: Edwin Othello Excell
Note: The Cyber Hymnal gives all five stanzas of this hymn, but hymn books rarely do, perhaps because of space. (5) works better as the second to last stanza, since (5) is about our heavenly home.
(Stanza numbers in brackets below refer to the stanza number in The Cyber Hymnal. Find the link at the bottom of the article.)
This is a very repetitious gospel song, with the phrase, “since I have been redeemed,” repeated some thirteen times! However, it makes good points along the way, and perhaps the phrase bears repeating. It marks a major turning point in anyone’s life. When the sinner puts his faith in Christ, one who was once dead is made alive (Eph. 2:1). He becomes a new creation, spiritually (II Cor. 5:17), and his spiritual night has turned to spiritual day (Eph. 5:8; cf. Acts 26:17-18).
These and many other dramatic changes take place when a person experiences the salvation of God. Mr. Excell notes a number of them in his song, and it’s no wonder he’s determined to “glory in the Saviour’s name.”
(1) I have a song I love to sing,
Since I have been redeemed,
Of my Redeemer, Saviour king,
Since I have been redeemed.
Since I have been redeemed,
Since I have been redeemed,
I will glory in His name,
Since I have been redeemed,
I will glory in the Saviour’s name.
We have a new song to sing (1). “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth–praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD” (Ps. 40:2-3; cf. Rev. 5:9; 14:3). And (2) we have a sense of satisfaction in Him that the world could never give. “He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Ps. 107:9; cf. Prov. 19:23).
We have a fresh motivation to live for the Lord and serve Him (2). And we have the witness of the Holy Spirit within that we belong to the Lord (3). I’m sure this is what Edwin Excell means by “I have a witness bright and clear, since I have been redeemed.” He’s not likely speaking of his own testimony but that of the indwelling Spirit of God. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16-17).
We have a spiritual joy that is indescribable, through Christ (5), “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (I Pet. 1:8). “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). And (CH-4), one day we shall see Him, and live with Christ forever in the heavenly home He’s prepared for us (Jn. 14:2-3).
(4) I have a home prepared for me,
Since I have been redeemed,
Where I shall dwell eternally,
Since I have been redeemed.
Questions:
- What changes can you bear witness to in your own life, since you became a Christian?
- What are some ways we can “glory in the Saviour’s name,” both among the people of God, and out in the world?
Links:
- 10 June 1921 – Edwin Excell Died
- Since I Have Been Redeemed (The Cyber Hymnal)