Lyrics - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Verse 1

When I survey the wondrous cross 

on which the Prince of Glory died, 

my richest gain I count but loss, 

and pour contempt on all my pride.

Verse 2

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 

save in the death of Christ, my God! 

All the vain things that charm me most, 

I sacrifice them to his blood.

Verse 3

See from his head, his hands, his feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down! 

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, 

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Verse 4

Were the whole realm of nature mine, 

that were an offering far too small; 

love so amazing, so divine, 

demands my soul, my life, my all.

Bible Memory Verses

‘But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.’

— Galatians 6:14

Story Behind the Song

Something to Think About

When Jesus' disciples return from their mission work in Luke 10, they are celebrating all they were able to do. But Jesus tells them that they should be rejoicing that their names are written in the Book of Life. The great preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones would often use this text when speaking on pride or when receiving compliments.

Galatians 6 reminds us that our greatest boast is in Christ. In other words, there is nothing we could ever do that can compare even a little to the gift of grace He has given to us or to the hope in heaven ahead of us.

So there's nothing we own we need to hang tightly onto. There's no life experience we must have. There's nothing greater we can ever do than to trust in Him as Lord and Savior.

So consider the cross as this hymn encourages us to. Maybe open your hands to remind yourself of the freedom and joy we have to give all things because nothing compares to what we have forever in Christ. And when you get to the last verse, singing or playing, lift the volume a bit, fill out all the chords, and use it as your prayer of response to the Lord!

Prayer

Father in heaven,

Thank you that we share together in this great feast of your grace. Thank you that you make a place for us at your table. May we rest in that truth and hold all other things in this life lightly.

Thank you for the hymns of Isaac Watts and how they have helped many people for generations. Thank you for how your word sings deeply into our hearts.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Teach your children to praise God with heart and voice! Click here to learn more about Kristyn Getty’s new book, We Sing!

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