Double Cure

Well, this is my inaugural blog - so I guess I better make it good. Actually, all I really want to do with this blog is explain its name. The phrase "double cure" is taken from the hymn by Augustus Toplady, Rock of Ages. The "double cure" refers to the truth that because of Christ's atoning death on the cross, believers are delivered from both the guilt and power of sin. And what a glorious deliverance this is! The beauty of this hymn is that it makes clear that this deliverance is completely a work of God alone. As Toplady says, "Thou must save, and Thou alone."

Rock of Ages

1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
   Let me hide myself in Thee;
   Let the water and the blood,
   From Thy wounded side which flowed,
   Be of sin the double cure,
   Save from wrath and make me pure.
2. Not the labor of my hands
   Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
   Could my zeal no respite know,
   Could my tears forever flow,
   All for sin could not atone;
   Thou must save, and Thou alone.
3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
   Simply to Thy cross I cling;
   Naked, come to Thee for dress;
   Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
   Foul, I to the fountain fly;
   Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
   When my eyes shall close in death,
   When I rise to worlds unknown,
   And behold Thee on Thy throne,
   Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
   Let me hide myself in Thee.