Rock of Ages

Legend has it that one stormy day Augustus Toplady found himself caught without shelter or protection. He found a small opening in the rock face surrounding him and took refuge. From within rock he penned the words to the hymn Rock of Ages:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee.

This is a wonderful hymn of grace, or "divine means of help or strength" (Bible Dictionary). Christ is often referred to as a stone or a rock. He is a firm foundation but also a place of refuge. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge" (2 Sam. 22:2-3). Throughout the storms of life we have a safe place. These storms may be uncertainty, economic hardships, loss of friends and family, and even sin. "For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified." (Moses 6:60). 

It is His redeeming grace that will raise us "to worlds unknown" to see and be with Him again and forever.

This is an arrangement for 4-part a cappella voices.  

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 fill all 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.

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

When I rise to worlds unknown

And behold thee on thy throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee.

-You can find the sheet music here-