Rock of Ages (You Are My Rock)

This is an original contemporary arrangement of the classic hymn "Rock of Ages" with completely new music and a new chorus added. This song was renewed in my own heart through the reflections on what true worship is all about in the course on worship theology (in particular the "What Is Worship" DVD) as well as some recent sermons from and conversations with my pastor. Of particular importance to the new material in this song is the final phrase of the first verse of the hymn. The writer penned the words, "be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure." This lyric teaches a truth that we often forget in Christianity - that it is God's grace through the cross that not only saves us, but also sanctifies us! We often trust the work of the cross for our salvation and then set out to live the Christian life in our own strength; we try to accomplish the work of sanctification ourselves. That thought is picked up in the new chorus. The first half of the chorus talks about the initial cleansing of salvation; the second half references the continual consecration and sanctification required as we continue and mature in our faith. Kathryn Scott mentions in an interview on the "What Is Worship" DVD that we must get away from a compartmentalized Christianity and surrender our entire lives over to God. I believe that is the essence of true Christianity and thus, of true worship.