This is hymn 19 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Hymn 19: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME HYMN COMMENTARY
Beloved in Christ, as we meditate on this profound and deeply personal hymn, “Rock of Ages,” we are confronted with the very heart of the Gospel. This is not a hymn of triumphant march or energetic labor, but a hymn of humble, desperate refuge. It strips away every pretense of human merit and leads us to the only safe place for a guilty soul: the wounded side of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Why Sing This Hymn
We sing this hymn to remember the foundation of our salvation. It keeps us from the deadly trap of self-righteousness and re-centers our faith entirely on the finished work of Calvary. It is the song of a sinner who has come to the end of themselves and found everything in Christ.
1. It is a Hymn of Divine Refuge and Complete Atonement (Verse 1)
The opening line presents one of the most powerful images in all of hymnody: Christ as the “Rock of Ages,” a timeless, unshakeable, and protective fortress. We are not just standing on this rock; we are hiding in it, having been “cleft” or split open by the spear of a Roman soldier (John 19:34). From His “wounded side” flowed the “water and the blood,” symbols of both cleansing and redemption. This is the “double cure” we desperately need: to be saved from God’s wrath against our sin and made pure in His sight. Only the sacrifice of Christ accomplishes both.
2. It is a Hymn of the End of Self-Effort (Verse 2)
This verse is a crushing blow to human pride. It systematically dismantles every human attempt to reach God. Our “labors” (good works), our “zeal” (religious fervor), and our “tears” (worldly sorrow) are all declared utterly insufficient to atone for sin. The law demands perfection, and we cannot meet its demands. The resounding conclusion is one of liberating truth: “Thou must save, and thou alone.” Our salvation is, from start to finish, a monergistic work of God—He alone must do it, and He alone has done it.
3. It is a Hymn of Empty-Handed Faith (Verse 3)
This is the sinner’s prayer in its purest form. “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” We come to Christ not as benefactors bringing a contribution, but as beggars in need of everything. We are:
- Naked and need the dress of His righteousness.
- Helpless and need the gift of His grace.
- Foul with sin and need the washing of His fountain (Zechariah 13:1).
The final cry, “Wash me, Savior, or I die,” is not melodrama but spiritual reality. Without His cleansing blood, we are eternally lost.
4. It is a Hymn of Eternal Security (Verse 4)
The hymn beautifully concludes by affirming that the Rock who saves us in life is the same Rock who secures us in death and for eternity. In our final moments, as we “soar to worlds unknown” and stand before the “judgment throne,” our only plea remains the same. There is no other argument, no other plea. It is only, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” Our hope in life, death, and judgment is found in Christ alone.
A Word for Your Spirit Today
Dear reader, have you been striving to earn God’s favor? Have you grown weary under the weight of your own efforts to be good enough? This hymn calls you to cease your striving and find rest.
Come to the Rock that was cleft for you. Bring nothing but your need. Cling to the cross, not to your resume. Fly to the fountain that cleanses every stain.
And if you are a believer, sing this hymn to remember the rock from which you were hewn. Let it fill you with fresh gratitude and humble confidence. Your standing before God is not based on your fluctuating performance, but on the eternal, finished work of the Rock of Ages. You are safe, you are clean, and you are secure—not because of who you are, but because of who He is and what He has done.
Hide yourself in Him today.
In the name of Jesus, our Rock and our Redeemer, Amen.
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