The Declaration of Independence is the most famous writing published in 1776, but I recently discovered that another important and influential item was published that same year: the Christian hymn “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.” The 250th anniversary of this hymn caused me to read more about the story behind the song and also ponder its words. I realized that this British hymn stands as something of a “declaration of dependence” in that it both proclaims our great need for Christ and what we receive when we trust in him. In addition, it discusses important theological truths in an intensely personal way, speaking in the first person (I/me) about things such as the atonement, the law, and judgment.
The Story
Before turning to the four verses of the song itself, I wanted to share a bit about the song’s background. The author of this song is Augustus Toplady (1740–1778), who was a British pastor. The first few lines of the hymn were published in 1775, and the full hymn was published in March 1776 in a British magazine and a revised version of it appears a few months later – in July 1776 to be precise! The tune typically used to sing it came about some years later, by an American named Thomas Hastings in 1830; that tune is often known as “Toplady,” which makes a lot more sense when you know that it goes to a song written by a guy with that last name.
There are some accounts that the song was actually written in 1762 during a rain storm, when Toplady had to find shelter from the storm under a rock in a gorge known as Burrington Combe. While this makes a great story and there is a plaque on a rock in that gorge which identifies it as “the rock” that inspired this song, others question whether this actually happened in light of the amount of time between that storm and its publication, and the lack of reference to the song’s origin in a storm in Toplady’s personal journal. In addition, the first reference to the storm as the song’s origin is about 100 years after its appearance. Others think the song was inspired by a 1673 sermon by a man named Daniel Brevint, which had been republished by Charles Welsey; Wesley’s thoughts on this sermon may in fact have served as the springboard for Toplady’s work. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the song being written, the song’s ultimate inspiration was Scripture (including passages such as Isiaah 26:4 and 1 Corinthans 10:4) and Toplady’s experience of Christ’s saving work in his life.
The Song
The song consists of four verses, all of which are rich in theology but also personal reflection. Recognizing that some may be unfamiliar with the song and those who know it may not immediately recall the words, I’ll provide the words for each verse and then make some comments.
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; Cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.
The song begins not only by identifying God as our rock but by adding “of ages,” a great reminder that God’s steady hand and saving presence has been around much longer than our country. The reference to the “cleft” of the rock also points to its protecting power, as the cleft of the rock is where you would go to find shelter in a storm or when something dangerous is coming. Toplady doesn’t just identify God as a rock but speaks about him being the “cleft for me” and hiding himself in God’s protective hand; it is a good reminder that it is not enough to know that God can save but to turn to Him to be saved. The reference to the water and the blood points back to John 19:34 and how water and blood flowed from Jesus’s side after it had been pierced. Not only does it confirm Jesus died, but it also points to the fact that we are forgiven by His blood and transformed by the Spirit. This reference leads to us singing a profound theological truth of how Christ’s death is a “double cure,” saving us from the guilt of sin in that Christ paid the penalty but also saving us from the power of sin in that the Spirit releases us from slavery to sin so that we can now walk in God’s ways.
Verse 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.
This verse talks further of our need for Christ. First, it notes that we can’t keep God’s commands on our own and thus can’t save ourselves. It goes on to note that no matter how hard we try or even how sorry we may be, we can’t cover up or take away our sin. It is only Christ that can save us; we are utterly dependent upon him.
Verse 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.
I’ve always loved the words “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling” but didn’t realize they came to this song. These words show how Christ does not save us because of anything that we offer him, as we don’t really have anything to offer him. Instead, we turn to him, clinging to the cross as if our life depended upon it – because it does. We come to him naked and helpless, foul people, but he dresses us in his robe of grace, washing us of our sin. If he didn’t, we would have no hope.
Verse 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.
Like many other hymns, the end of this one turns to the end of life, speaking of our final breath and the final closing of our eyes. This is not the end, but rather leads to a different place, when we will face judgment. We have hope, not fear, on that day when we depend upon him. Or, to better reflect the personal feel of this song, I have no fear when I hide myself in Him.
Final Thoughts
The words of this song are as relevant now as they were 250 years ago. They remind us that hope is only found when we declare our complete dependence upon God, when we recognize that we cannot save ourselves but that God invites us to turn to Jesus. When we do,He both protects us from judgment but also offers the other part of the “double cure,” freeing us from being slaves to sin and now able to follow Him. Thus, the only way we can find true freedom from tyranny is to declare our dependence.
Questions about the Bible or theology? Email them to Pastor Brian at Theology@WeAreFaith.org. You can also email to be added to the list that receives weekly emails with our blog posts.
