Rock of Ages

This song has been on mind this evening. If you really pay attention to the lyrics you will notice how helpless the singer is. Nothing he can do can save him, even if he could have enough 'zeal' to work his salvation, it would not save him. No gift that he can bring nor any work with his hands is enough to save him. He simply says, "Wash me, Savior, or I die."

It is such a declaration of our helplessness and total dependence on God for salvation. Nothing we can do- absolutely nothing- can save us. We are helpless but for God's grace. I think the longer you live for God the more you realize how 'worthless' your efforts would be if not for grace. The more you find yourself making simple statements like, "Wash me, Savior, or I die."

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 labor 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 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.