It Is Well With My Soul
Also known as: When Peace Like a River
Theological Analysis
Written after profound tragedy (loss of four daughters at sea), this hymn demonstrates faith that trusts God regardless of circumstances. Rich in substitutionary atonement theology.
✓ Theological Strengths
- Strong doctrine of substitutionary atonement ('shed His own blood')
- Faith expressed in midst of suffering
- Complete forgiveness emphasized ('not in part but the whole')
- Eschatological hope ('the Lord shall descend')
- Peace that transcends circumstances
Line-by-Line Analysis
"My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more"
Powerful statement of complete forgiveness through the cross. Echoes Colossians 2:14.
Full Lyrics
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
This hymn is in the public domain.