Lyrics
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 fulfill thy law's commands;
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.
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Meaning & Inspiration
Rock of Ages presents salvation as the work of Christ rather than an achievement of human effort. The opening image of refuge in the cleft rock joins the wounded side of Christ with cleansing from sin and deliverance from judgment. Each verse strips away another basis for self-reliance: labor, zeal, tears, and personal merit cannot satisfy the demands of holiness or provide atonement.
The hymn therefore turns to the cross with empty hands. Its language of nakedness, helplessness, grace, and washing depicts a sinner who can only receive what the Savior provides. Even death and final judgment are faced from that place of dependence, as the closing verse returns to the plea for shelter. The song aligns closely with biblical teaching about grace apart from works and cleansing through the blood of Christ. Its repeated address to the Rock makes refuge both the central image and the final confession.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 53:5 The wounded servant bears sin and brings healing through his suffering.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation is described as a gift of grace, not the result of works.
- 1 John 1:7 The blood of Jesus is said to cleanse from all sin.