Rock of Ages, cleft for me is a popular Christian hymn with lyrics written by Augustus Montague Toplady in 1763 and Thomas Hastings helped Toplady in arranging the song in 1830. The hymn is a reflection on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the salvation offered to all through His death on the cross.
The first verse begins with the phrase "Rock of Ages, cleft for me," referring to Jesus as a rock that has been split or cleaved open, allowing people to find refuge and shelter in Him. The phrase "let me hide myself in thee" expresses the idea that believers can find protection and security in their faith in Jesus.
The second verse speaks about the guilt and shame that come from sin and the need for a savior to cleanse and purify us. The phrase "nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling" acknowledges that we have nothing to offer God and must rely on His grace and mercy to save us.
The third verse speaks about the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that it brings for believers. The phrase "when he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found" refers to the Second Coming of Jesus and the belief that believers will be resurrected and given eternal life.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me is a powerful and enduring hymn that continues to be sung in churches around the world. It is a reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the hope and salvation that is offered to all who believe in Him.
Rock of Ages Cleft For Me Lyrics
[Verse 1:]
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.
[Verse 2:]
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
[Verse 3:]
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy 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.
[Chorus:]
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
[Verse 4:]
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyelids 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.