Mississippi Mass Choir - Near the Cross Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1:
Jesus keep me near the cross,
there's a precious fountain;
free to all a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.
Verse 2:
Near the cross I watch and wait,
hoping and trusting ever;
'til I reach that golden strand,
it's just beyond the river.
Chorus 1:
In the cross,
in the cross be my glory ever;
'til my raptured soul shall find,
one of these days I will find rest,
rest beyond the river.
Chorus 2:
In the cross,
in the cross be my glory ever;
'til my raptured,
'til my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
Vamp 1:
He'll give me wonderful rest.
He'll give me sanctified rest.
He'll give me glorious rest.
He'll give me everlasting rest.
Vamp 2
Rest, He'll give me rest.
Vamp 3:
Rest, He'll give me rest.
He'll give me wonderful rest.
Rest, He'll give me rest.
He'll give me sanctified rest.
Rest, He'll give me rest.
He'll give me glorious rest.
Rest, He'll give me rest.
He'll give me everlasting rest.
Vamp 4:
Rest, rest.
Rest, rest.
Ending:
Rest beyond the river.
Video
The Mississippi Mass Choir - Near The Cross-Trad. Arrangement
Meaning & Inspiration
The Mississippi Mass Choir's powerful rendition of "Near the Cross," featured on their 1995 compilation *Greatest Hits*, offers a profound and deeply moving meditation on the central tenets of Christian faith. This song doesn't just echo a melody; it resonates with the transformative power of the cross, drawing listeners into a sacred space of reflection and devotion. The core message of "Near the Cross" is an unwavering affirmation of salvation found solely through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the human longing for redemption and the assurance that through Christ's suffering, a path to forgiveness and eternal life is opened. This aligns directly with biblical narratives that emphasize the cross as the ultimate symbol of God's love and the means by which humanity is reconciled to Him. Paul eloquently captures this sentiment in Romans 5:8, stating, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to articulate this profound theological truth in a way that is both accessible and spiritually uplifting. It reminds us, as Hebrews 12:2 encourages, to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." "Near the Cross" serves as a sonic testament to this pivotal moment in history, inviting each individual to draw close to that sacrifice, finding peace and strength in its enduring significance. The sheer force of the choir's vocal delivery amplifies the gravity and beauty of this message, creating an experience that transcends mere listening and fosters a deeper connection to the divine.