1
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.
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
2
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
3
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
4
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
5
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or “meet Him in the air.”
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or “meet Him in the air.”
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Mansfield, Ohio, United States
In the past, when I sang this song I only thought of my faith and that I had confidence in the Lord keeping me. I believe there is more here. The chorus of this hymn is quoting 2 Timothy 1:12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”. What boldness Paul had in preaching the gospel even in suffering. Even if he died trying he was confident the Lord had his back. When we consider God’s grace and our former pitiful condition, we must say “I know not how and I know not why He saved me. Then by this very grace we must preach the gospel.
The vale or valley refers to the valley of the shadow of death from Psalm 23.
We don't know if we will have to do through death or whether Jesus will come on the clouds first and we'll meet him in the air. BUt we do have a wonderful Savior who will bring us safely through whichever one God has planned for us!
Billings, MT, United States
As a children’s Bible teacher in my church, I have them memorizing 2 Tim 1:12b. This verse returns to my mind often in this song I sang in church - often of a Sunday evening service - and I’m praying the children, as the future of the church, embed this truth in their hearts as well. Singing proclamations! (However, in 2025, I’m asked to rap it for them! 🫤)
San Jose, CA, United States
There are time on this journey that all we can say is, I know in whom I have believed into. And I know that no matter what happens good or ill my God is faithful to keep what's been committed to him until the day of his return.
Fremont, California, United States
Praise the Lord!
By believing into Christ we are joined to Him organically; we are one spirit with the Lord. We became the many children of God, we became part of the kingdom of God for Him to have a realm on earth where He can rule and reign.
Hallelujah! I am pursuaded that He is able and all we need is in Him!
Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Nice and enriching song
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
🙏
Bellingham, Washington, United States
April 27, 2024.
What is “the vale” we are to walk with Christ in the last verse?
Vale is used for valley for poetic reasons: one syllable instead of two.
Caldwell, TX, United States
What is “the vale” we are to walk with Christ in the last verse?
Porthercourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Yes, I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed into His hands against that day.