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
Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Safe in the death of Christ my guide
All living things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood
O the wonderful cross, o the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
O the wonderful cross, o the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far to small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
O the wonderful cross, o the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, o the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name
"The Wonderful Cross" is a powerful worship song written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and J.D. Walt, and it has been performed by various artists, including Matthew West. This song beautifully captures the meaning and significance of the cross in the Christian faith, reminding us of the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The lyrics of "The Wonderful Cross" invite us to reflect on the wondrous cross upon which Jesus died. It speaks of counting all worldly gains as loss and pouring contempt on pride, recognizing that the true value lies in the death of Christ. This echoes the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:8, where he says, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
The song goes on to declare that it is only through the death of Christ on the cross that we can find true life. It beckons us to come and die, surrendering ourselves to Christ, in order to experience the abundant life that He offers. This resonates with the teachings of Jesus in Luke 9:23, where He says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
One of the most poignant lines in the song is, "See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down." This imagery brings to mind the crucifixion of Jesus, where His head was crowned with thorns, His hands and feet were pierced with nails, and His love for humanity flowed through His suffering. This line also alludes to the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts, from which the song draws inspiration.
"The Wonderful Cross" emphasizes the amazing love and sorrow that met at the cross, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the redemption of mankind. It acknowledges the magnitude of this love and the richness of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. This reminds us of the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18, where he says, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."
The song concludes with the proclamation that the whole realm of nature is too small of an offering for such love. It declares that this love demands our soul, our life, our all. This echoes the call of Jesus in Mark 12:30, where He says, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
"The Wonderful Cross" is a beautiful expression of worship and adoration, reminding us of the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It invites us to reflect on the depth of His love, surrender our lives to Him, and live in the fullness of His abundant grace. This song serves as a powerful reminder of the central message of the Christian faith and encourages us to respond with wholehearted devotion and gratitude.
