CHRISTIAN LIFE >> FAITH & TRUST
SDAH 511
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.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: I Know Whom I Have Believed
Written by evangelist Daniel W. Whittle under the pseudonym El Nathan, this hymn boldly echoes the certainty of 2 Timothy 1:12, declaring confidence in Christ’s power to keep what is entrusted to Him “against that day.” Whittle, a prominent revival preacher in both America and England, crafted a text that moves through the mysteries of faith yet anchors firmly in assurance. The refrain sets Paul’s words to music verbatim, reinforcing the believer’s trust in God’s keeping power. James McGranahan—Whittle’s singing evangelist partner for more than a decade—composed the tune and published the hymn in Gospel Hymns No. 4 (1883). Their collaboration produced a classic gospel song that continues to steady the hearts of those who, though they may not understand all the ways of God, are persuaded of His unfailing faithfulness.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Major Daniel W. Whittle (1840-1901; see SDAH 195), a successful evangelist in America and England during the late nineteenth century, wrote these words under his pseudonym El Nathan. It is based on 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.” The refrain is a musical setting of this final long phrase, word for word.
James McGranahan (1840-1901; see SDAH 195) was singing evangelist with Major Whittle for some 11 years. He printed this song in Gospel Hymns No. 4, 1883.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
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.
Refrain
But “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that His 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.
3
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the word,
Creating faith in Him.
4
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Tit 2:11 (b) Rom 12:3 (c) John 16:8 (d) Mark 13:32; 1 Thess 4:7 (r) 2 Tim 1:12
Author
Daniel W. Whittle (1840-1901)
Year Published
1883
Metrical Number
C.M.Ref.
Composer
James McGranahan (1840-1907)
Year Composed
1883
Theme
FAITH AND TRUST
