4 “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (I Peter 2:4-5).
Augustus Montague Toplady, the author of “Rock of Ages,” was born at Farnham, Surrey, November 4, 1740. His father was an officer in the British army. His mother was a devoted woman to Christ.
He prepared for the university at Westminster School, and subsequently graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. While on a visit in Ireland when he was sixteen he was converted by the gospel at a worship service held in a barn. The text was Ephesians 2:13: “But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
The text of the hymn Rock of Ages, reflects the text of I Peter 2:4-5.
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 me from its guilt and power.
Not the labors of my hands Nothing in my hand I bring While I draw this fleeting breath CCLI Song # 40588 Thank you Lord for being the rock, the living stone, of my salvation.
Soli deo Gloria!
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