The old hymn ‘Rock of Ages’ was written by Augustus Montague Toplady in 1763 and first published in The Gospel Magazine in 1775. It has been a favorite hymn of the church ever since. Although rarely used in contemporary churches due to its music style, several contemporary artists have recorded it in a modern rendition, including Amy Grant. Its words have a power message:

Verse 1: “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, Save from wrath and make me pure.”

The Rock of Ages, of course, speaks of Jesus Christ, the Eternal Rock. His prayer is that we may hide ourselves in Him. The water and blood flowing from His side refer to what occurred on the cross when Jesus died to set us free. The double cure refers to the double bondage of sin in our lives, that of God’s wrath and our uncleanness. When Jesus died on the cross, He purchased a double cure that sets us free.

When Amy Grant recorded her version, the words were changed to “Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power.”

Do you prefer Toplady’s orginal wording or the new wording? There is a doctrinal difference.

Tags: hymns, Rock, sin