I Know Whom I Have Believed

Grade Level 2

Year: 2017

Composer: Robert Snelson

Program Notes:

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” was written by D.W. Whittle (1840-1901) and set to music by James McGranahan

(1840-1907). This short song touches on many difficult to understand themes of the Christian faith: grace, saving faith, the Holy Spirit, the second coming of Christ, and more. The songwriter makes no claim on complete understanding of these things.

He does not, however, leave us with these unanswered questions. The chorus makes a bold statement of faith directly from scripture (2 Timothy 1:12). “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.”

This simple arrangement seeks to give a little sense of the yearning for understanding from the verses and the buoyant energy that comes from faith reflected in the chorus.