Dustin Kensrue - Rock of Ages Lyrics
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 the law's commands
Should my passion never fade
And my efforts all be weighed
All for sin could not atone
You must save and you alone
Rock of Ages
No one takes your life
Yet you died that I might live
Costly grace you freely give
Rock of Ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let me hide myself in thee
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to the cross I cling
Naked come to thee for dress
Helpless look to thee for grace
Wretched to the fount I fly
Wash me, Savior, or I die
And while I draw my final breath
I'll rest upon your grace
And when I close my eyes in death
I'll wake to see your face
Video
Dustin Kensrue - Rock of Ages (Acoustic)
Meaning & Inspiration
Dustin Kensrue's 2014 acoustic rendition of "Rock of Ages" is not merely a cover; it's a profound reimagining of a timeless hymn, breathing fresh life and fervent devotion into its ancient words. Kensrue, known for his poignant lyricism and deeply spiritual perspective, offers a delivery that strips away any pretense, laying bare the raw, essential plea at the heart of this classic. The song’s power lies not in a complex musical arrangement, but in its stark, unadorned truth, amplified by Kensrue’s earnest vocals and the intimate acoustic setting. This performance serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring message that has resonated for centuries: the insufficiency of human effort and the singular sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
At its core, "Rock of Ages" is a confession of human frailty and an unshakeable declaration of faith in divine redemption. The opening lines immediately establish this dichotomy, recognizing the overwhelming sinfulness of humanity and the inadequacy of personal merit. Kensrue’s performance emphasizes the desperation inherent in the plea, “Let me hide myself in thee.” This isn’t a request born of convenience, but one of profound need, acknowledging that only within the secure refuge of Christ can one find true safety from the storms of sin and judgment. The imagery of water and blood flowing from Christ's wounded side directly points to the atoning sacrifice described in Scripture, particularly in passages like John 19:34, where the piercing of Jesus' side brought forth blood and water, symbolizing the cleansing power of His blood and the new life He offers. The hymn's articulation of sin as a "double cure," saving from both wrath and impurity, echoes the comprehensive work of redemption found throughout the New Testament, as seen in Romans 5:9, which speaks of being justified by His blood and saved from wrath through Him.
The second verse serves as a stark refutation of any notion of self-salvation. Kensrue’s steady, unwavering delivery underscores the absolute impossibility of fulfilling God's law through human striving. Phrases like "Not the labors of my hands" and "Should my passion never fade" highlight the futility of seeking righteousness through personal achievement. This resonates deeply with the foundational Christian doctrine that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The Apostle Paul repeatedly emphasizes this, stating in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The recognition that "All for sin could not atone / You must save and you alone" is a critical turning point, a complete surrender of autonomy to the sovereign grace of God.
The chorus, with its repeated invocation of "Rock of Ages," becomes a powerful declaration of Christ's unchanging nature and His victorious sacrifice. The paradoxical statement, "No one takes your life / Yet you died that I might live," encapsulates the profound mystery of Christ's atoning death. He willingly laid down His life, not because He was powerless, but because He chose to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins, as foretold in Isaiah 53:10 and fulfilled in John 10:18. The concept of "costly grace" being "freely given" is a profound theological truth, underscoring that the immense price of sin was paid on our behalf, enabling us to receive salvation as an unmerited gift. The repeated plea to be covered and hidden within this Rock of Ages solidifies the theme of secure refuge in Christ’s finished work.
The final verse offers a portrait of complete dependence and unadulterated trust. "Nothing in my hand I bring / Simply to the cross I cling" is a surrender to utter helplessness, a recognition that any attempt to bring something of oneself to the cross for merit is to undermine its perfect sufficiency. This aligns with the teachings found in Philippians 3:9, where Paul speaks of having righteousness not from the law but through faith in Christ, and of regarding all his former achievements as rubbish in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. The imagery of being "naked," "helpless," and "wretched" before God emphasizes the lost condition of humanity apart from Christ, and the desperate need to fly to the "fount" for cleansing. The plea, "Wash me, Savior, or I die," is the ultimate cry of the soul yearning for redemption, acknowledging that without this divine intervention, spiritual death is inevitable. Kensrue's tender yet resolute delivery imbues these lines with an almost palpable sense of urgency and ultimate hope.
The concluding stanza looks forward to eternity with unwavering assurance. The promise to "rest upon your grace" even in the throes of death and to "wake to see your face" upon departure from this world is a testament to the enduring peace and ultimate victory found in Christ. This anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises for believers, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55: "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'" Dustin Kensrue’s "Rock of Ages" is more than a song; it's an invitation to embrace the profound truth that our salvation rests not on shifting sands of human endeavor, but on the unyielding, eternal Rock of Ages.