Rock of Ages
~ Augustus Toplady
I recently read the story of Mr. Toplady, writer of this all time favorite, "Rock of Ages." He was sixteen years old when he was saved, in a barn no less, upon hearing the gospel from one who he said could "hardly spell his name." The text that brought this young man to Christ was Ephesians 2:13: "Ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." As Mr. Toplady reminisced about the night of his salvation, he said: "Surely it was God's doing and is marvelous!" And so it was when any one of us was saved. He was frail and sick much of his short life, but God gave him the grace to write this hymn which is often considered the most popular one in the English language. Who doesn't love it? I love the hymns so much because of the rich doctrine they contain. The people who wrote them knew their Bibles, and knew its teachings well. Let the words of this blessed and wonderful hymn prepare you for yet another Lord's Day on our journey.
By the way. Do you remember which Scripture verse or passage was most instrumental in bringing you to Christ? For me it was John 14:1-6.
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 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.
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
5 comments:
I had been to a Billy Graham Crusade in Jackson, MS a few weeks prior and as always he quoted John 3:16. I did not go forward during that service, but that scripture never left me, I knew I believed,and I trusted I would not perish, and approx. 2 weeks later I made my public profession of faith at my home church. What a joyous day that was for me!
The Hymn information you bring to us is such a blessing Maxine. We who grew up surrounded by these wonderful words put to pen and music were indeed blessed. I don't remember the scripture that led me to salvation but my life verse if Phillipians 1:6. It truly is HIS good work and none of my effort.
Susan
That's such a beautiful song.
I can't recall a particularly scripture that was prominent in helping me understand my need for the Lord, off hand.
You're so right about the old hymns being rich in doctrine, I never looked at them that way.
Great week to ya, Maxine!
Love that hymn. What an inspiring story behind it. God will use each one of us, especially in our weakness. His Word is power and truth.
I can't think of one particular verse that brought me to Christ, but many. However, one that has guided my life is what I have on my blog as my "life verse". Deut. 31:8.
And yes, you said it well. Those hymns are rich in doctrine and written by people who read their Bibles. It's a shame that many churches are not using them. People are missing out.
God bless,
Susan
Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Pastor A. Martin preached a sermon on the Philippian Jailer on Jan. 1, 1978 - entitled "Men Must Believe" and God mercifully used those words to convict and save me. Hallelujah what a Savior! I have been born again.
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