Augustus M. Toplady was brought up in a pious family, but as a young man he made fun of religion as many young people do. He made a trip to Ireland with his mother. The people they were staying with decided to attend a revival service, and so as not to be rude to his host, Augustus went along. It was there that the Holy Spirit worked a change in his heart, leading him to joy and new life in Christ. He prepared for the ministry and served well until he died young, at the age of 38. He had written a hymn the same year America declared her independence from England. That hymn has been constantly ranked among people’s top 10 lists of favorite hymns, which is no doubt because it is thoroughly Biblical and uses simple language to describe the heart of the Christian faith.

The first stanza emphasizes that Christ alone is our Redeemer. The second points out our inability to save ourselves. The third stanza is a summary of the core of Christianity, that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. And the final stanza reminds us that even though we must stand before the judgment seat of Jesus, we are safe because of our faith in Him.

This hymn is based on this passage:

 1 Cor 10:4 [They all] drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

Reflect on these words as part of your Lenten journey today.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.

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.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy 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 eyelids 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!