Lyrics: Augustus M. Toplady
Music: Thomas Hastings
This hymn was written in 1776 by Augustus Montague Toplady who was a staunch Calvinist and an Anglican priest. This hymn reminds us that we cannot save ourselves. We need the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill thy law’s commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
Augustus Toplady died at age 38, but this hymn continues to be one of the best known, best loved, and widely useful hymn in the English language.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download