Title: Rock of Ages
Hymn Number: SS&S 237 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.
2 Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfil Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
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, Saviour, or I die.
4 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.
About The Hymn
The hymn “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”, numbered 237 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Augustus Toplady in 1776. This hymn is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and grace, portraying Jesus Christ as the “Rock of Ages” who provides refuge, salvation, and eternal security. Each of its four verses emphasizes the believer’s dependence on Christ’s atoning work, the insufficiency of human efforts, and the assurance of salvation through His sacrifice.
Verse 1: Christ, the Refuge for Sinners
“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; let the water and the blood, from Thy riven side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save me from its guilt and power.”
The first verse introduces Jesus as the “Rock of Ages,” a metaphor taken from passages like Exodus 33:22 and 1 Corinthians 10:4, where God is depicted as a rock and source of protection. The phrase “cleft for me” refers to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where His side was pierced, and water and blood flowed out (John 19:34).
This verse acknowledges that Jesus’ sacrifice addresses both the guilt (justification) and the power (sanctification) of sin, making Him the believer’s ultimate refuge and source of salvation.
Verse 2: The Insufficiency of Human Effort
“Not the labors 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.”
In the second verse, the hymn emphasizes that no human effort—whether good works, religious zeal, or sorrow over sin—can meet God’s perfect standard of righteousness. Romans 3:20 affirms that the law cannot save; it merely reveals our need for a Savior.
This verse shifts the focus entirely to God’s grace, declaring that salvation comes solely through Christ’s atoning work. It reflects the central message of the gospel: we are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Verse 3: A Cry for Grace in Death
“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.”
The third verse captures the believer’s complete dependence on Christ. The imagery of coming “naked” and “helpless” reflects spiritual poverty and the inability to earn salvation. The believer clings to the cross, trusting only in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
The phrase “foul, I to the fountain fly” refers to the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood (Zechariah 13:1, 1 John 1:7). It is a plea for spiritual washing, recognizing that without the Savior, there is no hope of life or salvation.
Verse 4: The Hope of Eternal Security
“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.”
The final verse looks forward to the end of life, expressing confidence in Christ as the believer’s eternal refuge. As death approaches, the hymn affirms the assurance of salvation and the hope of standing before God’s judgment throne covered by the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This verse conveys the ultimate comfort: that Jesus, the “Rock of Ages,” provides security not only in life but also in death and eternity. It ends with a repetition of the opening line, bringing the hymn full circle and emphasizing the unchanging nature of Christ as the believer’s refuge.
Overall Message and Significance
“Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” is a hymn of deep humility, faith, and reliance on God’s grace. It vividly portrays human helplessness in the face of sin and the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work for salvation. Each verse builds on the central theme of Jesus as the believer’s refuge, highlighting the inadequacy of human efforts, the cleansing power of His sacrifice, and the assurance of eternal security in Him.
The hymn’s timeless message and rich theological truths have made it a beloved classic in Christian worship. It invites believers to find their hope and refuge in the “Rock of Ages,” who alone can save, cleanse, and sustain them in life, death, and eternity.