# Faith and Trust in Christ in Olney Hymns

> Theme guide for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

The necessity of personal faith and reliance on Christ alone for salvation and daily strength, contrasting human weakness with divine power and faithfulness.

## Where it surfaces

- [Book I: On Select Texts of Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture): The poems contrast trust in worldly things with reliance on the Lord, emphasizing that true security is found only in Christ.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/4-another): The speaker's faith in Christ enables a safe and pleasant walk with God despite the desert and dangers.
- [Jehovah-Jireh—The Lord Will Provide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/6-jehovah-jireh-the-lord-will-provide): Believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord's aid, even when it seems delayed, and to wait for His seasonable help.
- [7: The Lord Will Provide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/7-the-lord-will-provide): The hymn encourages faith in God's promises, using Abraham's example and trusting in Christ's presence.
- [Jehovah-Rophi—I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/14-jehovah-rophi-i-am-the-lord-that-healeth-thee): The hymn confesses feeble faith but trusts in Christ's willingness to heal, recalling the father's cry 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.'
- [Jehovah-Nissi—The Lord My Banner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/17-jehovah-nissi-the-lord-my-banner): The central act of victory is trusting in the Lord, as exemplified by David and Gideon, and the speaker's own experience of saying 'My trust is in the Lord.'
- [The Milch Kine Drawing the Ark: Faith’s Surrender of All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/27-the-milch-kine-drawing-the-ark-faith-s-surrender-of-all): The poem emphasizes faith's surrender to God's will, trusting in His guidance and provision even when the path is rough.
- [Saul's Armour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/28-saul-s-armour): David's trust in God and the speaker's call to 'plead the name of Jesus' highlight the necessity of faith over self-reliance.
- [Queen of Sheba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-queen-of-sheba): The speaker moves from hearing to believing, finding in Christ the answer to all doubts.
- [Elijah Fed by Ravens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/35-elijah-fed-by-ravens): The poem encourages trust in God's promises, emphasizing that faith can prevail and that God's promises never fail.
- [The Meal and Cruse of Oil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/36-the-meal-and-cruse-of-oil): Encouragement to trust in Jesus as Friend and Provider, dispelling doubts.
- [More with Us Than with Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-more-with-us-than-with-them): The narrator moves from fear to faith, trusting that Jesus lives to fulfill the promise of protection.
- [He Led Them by a Right Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-he-led-them-by-a-right-way): The believer's path is dark to sense but light to faith, trusting that God's leading is right.
- [Look Unto Me, and Be Ye Saved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/61-look-unto-me-and-be-ye-saved): The central call is to 'look to me and live,' illustrating faith as the means of receiving healing and salvation, just as the Israelites looked at the serpent.
- [The Good Physician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/62-the-good-physician): Healing comes through looking unto Jesus by faith, as the eye of faith sees the dying, risen Savior.
- [The Trust of the Wicked and the Righteous Compared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/66-the-trust-of-the-wicked-and-the-righteous-compared): The righteous are blessed because their hope and trust are in the Lord alone, resulting in stability and fruitfulness.
- [The Power and Triumph of Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/73-the-power-and-triumph-of-faith): The central theme, highlighting how trust in God's word and power enables believers to perform wondrous acts and face persecution without fear.
- [Peter Walking Upon the Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/87-peter-walking-upon-the-water): The poem emphasizes the necessity of keeping one's eyes on Jesus, as Peter's faith falters when he looks away.
- [The Woman of Canaan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/88-the-woman-of-canaan): The woman's persistent faith in Jesus' power and mercy, despite initial rejection, exemplifies true trust.
- [What Think Ye of Christ?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/89-what-think-ye-of-christ): The chapter emphasizes that true faith rests in Christ alone, recognizing His full divinity and sufficiency for salvation.
- [The Ruler's Daughter Raised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/93-the-ruler-s-daughter-raised): The chapter highlights the necessity of faith, even when it comes late, and the assurance that Christ can deliver beyond human despair.
- [But One Loaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/94-but-one-loaf): The poem contrasts the disciples' lack of faith with the call to trust in Christ's provision.
- [Bartimeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/95-bartimeus): Bartimeus demonstrates unwavering faith by crying out to Jesus despite the crowd's rebuke, and his faith is rewarded.
- [The Importunate Widow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/106-the-importunate-widow): The poem encourages trust in Christ's nature, truth, and love, which engage him on the side of those who cry out to him.
- [The Two Malefactors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/110-the-two-malefactors): The penitent thief exercises faith to own the Lord, contrasting with the unbelief of the hardened thief.
- [The Woman of Samaria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/111-the-woman-of-samaria): The woman's journey from prejudice to belief, culminating in her faith in Jesus as the promised Savior.
- [The Disciples at Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/114-the-disciples-at-sea): The hymn emphasizes the necessity of trusting Christ even when He seems absent, and the difficulty of believing without His visible presence.
- [Will Ye Also Go Away?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/115-will-ye-also-go-away): The speaker expresses unwavering trust in Christ as the only source of salvation and eternal life.
- [The Resurrection and the Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/116-the-resurrection-and-the-life): The hymn emphasizes that by faith in Christ, the soul receives new life and believes in His name for salvation.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/119-another): The speaker's anxious questioning and final appeal to the Lord demonstrate a struggle for genuine faith and trust in Christ's saving work.
- [The Death of Stephen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/120-the-death-of-stephen): Stephen's unwavering confidence in Jesus, even in the face of death, illustrates a faith that cannot be moved.
- [The Trembling Gaoler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/123-the-trembling-gaoler): The central theme: salvation comes through believing in Jesus, as proclaimed to the gaoler and to all sinners.
- [The Exorcists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/124-the-exorcists): The power of Jesus' name is effective only when spoken in true faith, not as a mere formula.
- [Paul's Voyage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/125-paul-s-voyage): Paul's serene faith amid danger and the believer's trust in Jesus to save and bring them to port.
- [Looking Unto Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/134-looking-unto-jesus): The poem's central theme is the believer's reliance on Christ by faith, which supplies strength and motivation.
- [David’s Charge to Solomon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-david-s-charge-to-solomon): The hymn expresses trust in Christ for peace at life's end and for the salvation of the next generation.
- [The Lord’s Call to His Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/21-the-lord-s-call-to-his-children): The call to 'look up, a bleeding Saviour view; Look, and be saved by faith' emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation.
- [Waiting at Wisdom's Gates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/23-waiting-at-wisdom-s-gates): The poem emphasizes trusting in Christ's word and seeking him at wisdom's gates, with assurance of not being turned away.
- [Asking the Way to Zion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/24-asking-the-way-to-zion): Zion is built on the living Rock (Christ), and Jesus is presented as the way to the Father.
- [Jehovah-Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/38-jehovah-jesus): The hymn expresses confident faith in Christ as the object of trust, not of sense, and the assurance of salvation.
- [Welcome to the Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/53-welcome-to-the-table): The speaker trusts in Christ's welcome despite guilt and sin, finding assurance in the promise.
- [The Tolling Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/74-the-tolling-bell): The speaker seeks hope and refuge in Jesus, relying on His blood and Spirit for salvation and deliverance from fear of judgment.
- [Hope Beyond the Grave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/75-hope-beyond-the-grave): The speaker encourages faith to survey the change of death with joy, trusting in Christ's preparation.
- [Lightning in the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/84-lightning-in-the-night): The glimpse of glory teaches the speaker to live by faith until the light of eternity prevails.
- [The Loadstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/90-the-loadstone): Faith is compared to a needle touched by a magnet, giving the soul a new tendency toward Jesus.
- [Sheep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/94-sheep): The hymn encourages believers to rely on the Shepherd's love and power, trusting Him for all needs.
- [For a Garden-Seat or Summer-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/96-for-a-garden-seat-or-summer-house): The poem encourages the reader to find in Jesus a refuge and shield, trusting Him for safety and guidance.
- [The Creatures in the Lord’s Hands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/97-the-creatures-in-the-lord-s-hands): The poem encourages trusting in the Lord alone rather than in creatures, highlighting the futility of creature-confidence.
- [Book III: On the Rise, Progress, Changes, and Comforts of the Spiritual Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-iii-on-the-rise-progress-changes-and-comforts-of-the-spiritual-life): Faith is described as a comprehensive sense that enables believers to see, hear, and taste spiritual realities.
- [We Were Once as You Are](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/3-we-were-once-as-you-are): The chapter urges sinners to turn to Jesus by faith, asserting that His presence brings cessation of troubles and that His ways are pleasant and peaceful.
- [Invitation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/5-invitation): The call to come to Christ and live by faith is central, urging sinners to trust in His finished work rather than their own merit.
- [Seeking the Beloved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/13-seeking-the-beloved): The speaker seeks the Bridegroom, trusting in His presence and the power of His call to move affections.
- [III: Conflict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iii-conflict): Amidst conflict, the poems call for unwavering trust in Christ's advocacy and promises, rejecting unbelief.
- [Light Shining Out of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/15-light-shining-out-of-darkness): Encourages believers to trust in God's grace rather than relying on 'feeble sense,' affirming that God will make His purposes plain.
- [Looking Upwards in a Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/19-looking-upwards-in-a-storm): The speaker's confidence rests in having an Advocate with God, which is a privilege of faith in Christ.
- [Peace After a Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/23-peace-after-a-storm): The speaker confesses weakness in faith but finds that a look from Christ restores trust and peace.
- [Perplexity Relieved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/35-perplexity-relieved): The poem concludes with the Savior's instruction to trust simply on His word, highlighting the importance of faith over personal feelings or experiences.
- [I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/37-i-will-trust-and-not-be-afraid): The entire hymn is a declaration of trust in Christ's presence and provision despite trials.
- [Questions to Unbelief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/38-questions-to-unbelief): The entire chapter is an exercise in trusting Christ despite feelings, using reasoned arguments from God's promises and providence.
- [Good Effects by Weak Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/39-good-effects-by-weak-means): The hymn contrasts the dismaying objections of unbelief with the secure leaning of true faith on God's promises, illustrating that faith trusts in God's appointed means.
- [Why Art Thou Cast Down?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-why-art-thou-cast-down): The poem urges the heart to cease anxious cares and trust in the Lord's wisdom, love, and power, citing past faithfulness as grounds for future confidence.
- [IV: Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iv-comfort): The hymns repeatedly affirm reliance on Christ's promises and his presence as the foundation of comfort.
- [Faith a New and Comprehensive Sense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/43-faith-a-new-and-comprehensive-sense): The entire poem celebrates faith as a comprehensive spiritual sense that perceives Christ and divine realities.
- [Jesus My All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/46-jesus-my-all): The entire poem is a declaration of trust in Jesus as protector, provider, and righteousness.
- [Confidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/52-confidence): The speaker's confidence is rooted in God's promise and Christ's intercession, despite personal sin and doubt.
- [55: Freedom from Care](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/55-freedom-from-care): The poem urges believers to 'not reason, but believe' and to follow Christ's lead, trusting in His promises.
- [For the Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/57-for-the-poor): The poem encourages believers to bring their troubles to Jesus and trust in His kingly care.
- [Home in View](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/58-home-in-view): The believer views his mansion by faith and depends on Jesus to lead him to his abode.
- [Love Constraining to Obedience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/62-love-constraining-to-obedience): The speaker moves from asking 'What shall I do?' to trusting in Christ's finished work, which changes duty into choice.
- [The Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-the-child): The entire poem is a prayer for childlike trust in God's provision and guidance, relying on His care rather than one's own strength.
- [A Living and a Dead Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/71-a-living-and-a-dead-faith): Contrasts living faith (humble, sincere, active) with dead faith (mere words and profession).
- [Are There Few That Shall Be Saved?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/77-are-there-few-that-shall-be-saved): Believers enter through Christ, the living gate, and safety is found only in Him, not in numbers or human reasoning.
- [Not in Word, but in Power](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/79-not-in-word-but-in-power): True faith is presented as uniting to Christ and producing holy fruit, contrasting with a mere profession that lacks evidence.
- [Praise for Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/80-praise-for-faith): Faith is the 'blood-receiving grace' that trusts in Christ's merits, and without it, the heart remains blind and miserable.
- [Perseverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/84-perseverance): The hymn emphasizes faith that sees Christ always near, even when sense perceives Him not, and trust in His word as a secure foundation.
- [Chapter 94](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/94): The poem expresses trust in Christ as the sole source of spiritual satisfaction.
- [Chapter 98](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/98): The chapter encourages triumphing in Jesus' name, trusting that he guards the way and commands the elements.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/themes/faith_and_trust_in_christ
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/themes