Carman - Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Lyrics

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Video

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Carman is a powerful Christian song that calls believers to stay close to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Key Messages of the Song:
The song "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" carries several key messages that resonate with believers. Let's break down the main messages chronologically from the lines.

Verse 1:
"Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all -- a healing stream --
Flows from Calvary's mountain."

The first verse sets the tone for the entire song by emphasizing the importance of staying near the cross of Jesus. The cross symbolizes the sacrifice and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. The mention of a "precious fountain" and a "healing stream" refers to the cleansing and renewal that believers can experience through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. It highlights the universal availability of this healing, as it is free to all who come to the cross.

Chorus:
"In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river."

The chorus repeats the phrase "in the cross" and emphasizes the cross as the source of eternal glory. It expresses the desire for the cross to be the focal point of the singer's life, bringing glory to God. The mention of a "raptured soul" finding rest beyond the river alludes to the hope of eternal life and the final destination of believers in the presence of God.

Verse 2:
"Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning Star
Shed its beams around me."

The second verse reflects on the personal experience of a trembling soul finding love and mercy near the cross. It highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus at the cross. The mention of the "bright and morning Star" symbolizes Jesus as the light that shines in the darkness, bringing hope and guidance.

Verse 3:
"Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me."

The third verse is a prayer for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, to continually remind the singer of the scenes and significance of the cross. It acknowledges the need for ongoing guidance and strength to walk in the shadow of the cross daily. It emphasizes the importance of continually meditating on the sacrifice of Jesus and allowing it to shape one's life.

Verse 4:
"Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
Leave His presence never."

The final verse expresses the singer's commitment to watch, wait, and hope in anticipation of seeing Jesus face-to-face. It reflects the longing for the eternal presence of Jesus and the desire to remain in His presence forever.

Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" conveys a deep longing for the presence of Jesus and a recognition of the transformative power of His sacrifice on the cross. It serves as a reminder to believers to stay close to the cross and to continually seek the healing, redemption, and guidance that come from Jesus.

The inspiration for this song can be traced back to the biblical theme of the cross and its central role in the Christian faith. The songwriter, Carman, likely drew from the biblical passages that speak of the significance of the cross, such as 1 Corinthians 1:18 which states, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."

Biblical Analysis:
To assess the biblical foundation of the song, it is important to examine whether its messages align with the teachings of the Bible. Let's critically analyze the main key messages of the song and argue with biblical references.

1. Staying Near the Cross:
The song emphasizes the importance of staying near the cross of Jesus. This aligns with biblical teachings that call believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

2. Healing and Redemption through the Cross:
The song speaks of a "healing stream" and a "precious fountain" that flows from the cross of Jesus. The Bible teaches that through His death on the cross, Jesus offers forgiveness, healing, and redemption to all who believe in Him. 1 Peter 2:24 states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed."

3. Glory in the Cross:
The chorus of the song emphasizes that the cross should be the source of glory for believers. This is in line with the teachings of the apostle Paul, who declared, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14). The glory of believers is found in the cross of Jesus and the salvation it brings.

4. Hope of Eternal Life:
The song expresses the hope of believers to find rest beyond the river and to see the face of their Savior. This hope is grounded in the biblical promises of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus. Revelation 21:4 assures believers, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

In conclusion, "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" by Carman is a powerful Christian song that conveys the importance of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ. Its key messages resonate with biblical teachings on the significance of the cross, the healing and redemption it offers, and the hope of eternal life. By aligning with biblical truths, this song can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for believers to continually seek the presence of Jesus and the transformative power of His sacrifice on the cross.