Hymn History: On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand  

Hymn History  

By Savannah Logan  

I like solid ground. Would you like to know why, other than the obvious? Well, my middle name is Grace, but I like to think the Lord laughs at that a bit, because He created me the farthest thing from graceful. I am quite clumsy, and I have often been known to trip over flat ground. In high school when I played on the basketball team, I earned the nickname “Floor Show” because I would give the crowd quite the show when I would be sprinting full speed, trip over my own feet, and barrel roll down the court before hopping back up and resuming the play. (Look, hear me out – I learned that if you rolled with the momentum of the fall, not only would it propel me farther down the court and increase my recovery speed, but also it would not leave so many bruises if I more evenly disbursed the impact.) Is there video out there of Savannah “Floor Show” Logan flipping head over heels down the court? Well, the world may never know – but all this being said, I know quite personally the value of secure, solid ground. 

“On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” is a widely popular hymn written by Edward Mote. This hymn has been a beloved and cherished part of Christian worship for well over a century, and it continues to inspire and uplift believers around the world today. 

Edward Mote was born in London, England, in 1797. He grew up in a family of non-conformist Christians and eventually became a Baptist pastor. Mote was known for his deep faith and commitment to Christ, and he wrote several hymns during his lifetime. However, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” is by far his most well-known and enduring contribution to Christian music. 

The inspiration for the hymn came from a sermon that Mote heard by a fellow Baptist preacher named John Hyatt. Hyatt spoke about the story of the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7:24-27, in which Jesus teaches that those who build their lives on a foundation of faith in him will withstand the storms of life. Mote was deeply moved by Hyatt’s message and later wrote, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” as a reflection on the importance of having a firm foundation in Christ. 

Mote wrote the hymn in 1834, and it was first published in the same year in a Baptist hymnal titled “Hymns of Praise.” The hymn consists of four stanzas, each of which emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ as a sure foundation for one’s life. The first stanza reads: 

“My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” 

This stanza sets the tone for the entire hymn by declaring that Christ alone is the foundation of our hope and salvation. Mote emphasizes that our trust must be in Christ’s blood and righteousness, rather than in any human effort or achievement. He also acknowledges that our own strength and abilities are not enough to save us, and that we must rely wholly on Jesus’ name. 

The second stanza continues the theme of Christ as our sure foundation: 

“When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.” 

Here, Mote acknowledges that there will be times when we cannot see Christ clearly or feel his presence in our lives. However, he emphasizes that even in the midst of darkness and turmoil, Christ’s grace is unchanging and provides a firm anchor for our souls. This stanza reflects Mote’s own experiences of trials and struggles, and his deep trust in Christ to sustain him through them. 

The third stanza builds on the previous two by emphasizing Christ’s sufficiency in all circumstances: 

“His oath, His covenant, and blood Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.” 

Mote uses powerful imagery here to describe the challenges we face in life as a “whelming flood” that threatens to overwhelm us. However, he affirms that even in the face of such adversity, Christ’s covenant and blood provide a steadfast support and hope. Mote’s words echo the psalmist’s declaration in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

The final stanza of the hymn brings the theme full circle, declaring Christ as our firm foundation and sure hope: 

“When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found, Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand.”  

Powerful truths call for powerful expression, and Mote achieved just that with the lyrics of “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.” No matter how this earthly life might inevitably trip us and make us stumble, may we always remember that we can always remain steadfast and secure in the love of Christ.  

Do you have a hymn you’d like to know more about? Feel free to send in a request to savannah.pearce@bibbcommunitymedia.com or by giving me a call. It would make my day to hear from you!