When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

Is there a better hymn about the cross on which Jesus died? Isaac Watts wrote these incredible words, and today I'll sing the two most common tunes associated with the hymn. As you 'survey' the wondrous cross today, may you give your life, your all to the one who died there.
✝️ The Old Rugged Cross, another classic: • The Old Rugged Cross -...
🙏 Support this ministry: lukepowellministries.com/supp...
✉️ Join my weekly mailing list: lukepowellministries.com/mail...
🎙️ My Audio Daily Devotions: lukepowellministries.com/dail...
🎵 Buy my music: lukepowellministries.com/store
Sources I used for this video:
Ian Bradley. The Penguin Book of Hymns. 1989. Penguin Group: London
Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 Hymn Stories. 1985. Kregal Publications: Grand Rapids
John Mclelland. The Ambassador Book of Great Hymn Stories. 1994. Ambassador Productions Ltd: Belfast
Frank Colquhoun. Preaching on Favourite Hymns. 1986. Mowbray: London
LYRICS:
1 When I survey the wond'rous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory dy'd,
My richest Gain I count but Loss,
And pour Contempt on all my Pride
2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God,
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet;
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4 His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o'er his body on the tree;
Then am I dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me
5 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
#hymns #hymnhistory #hymnsofthefaith

[@whatsinaname3561]

Thank you!! This video popped up in my feed and fed my soul. I grew up in the Church of England in South Africa. Easter was my favourite time. We went to church as a family and then went home to coffee and hot cross buns. I loved the beautiful old hymns... still do. This was a favourite. Thinking back now I realise what an incredible example of Christ's love and compassion my parents and grandmother were. My father was such a wonderful example of Father God. I am 64, have lost my parents, grandmother and older brother but I know where they are and that, because Christ died for us, I will be with them again one day, but most comforting, I will share their joy in being in the presence of God. God bless your ministry.❤

[@BFelicia]

Be bless brother, i have 56 old i know this .

[@user-nr4bg5qo6d]

​@@BFelicia14:59

[@BFelicia]

@@user-nr4bg5qo6d What it is 14:59?

[@vanessamay3689]

⁠@@BFelicia The time in the translation section that is being referred to.

[@kencammenga4442]

@@BFelicia It's the amount of time the video has run. You can see it when you hover your cursor over the video near the bottom. As you move your cursor left to right you can see the elapsed time. Move it until you see 4:59 (minutes)

[@user-cy8vz3ge6f]

A beautiful hymn. I was recently travelling in Europe and visiting many churches , so many churches particularly in Italy that are off the tourist trail are of equal beauty and show off the dedication of those who built them in their architecture and beautiful paintings within. And they are usually open to the public but infrequently visited. I found myself in one such church all alone and marvelling at the majestic architecture - the beauty of the murals, the greatness of God. In that moment I was moved to begin singing this hymn, alone and with the wonderful acoustics enhancing and answering to me, there have been seldom more moving moments in my walk with Christ. God is everywhere and worship can be anywhere and anytime, there are so many opportunities everywhere we go.

[@elinorsmalberger8883]

I sang that beautiful hymn only to the 2nd tune throughout my life thus far (82 this year) and still prefer it. Thank you Luke I just love this program and look forward to every morsel with hunger. These meaningful and truly worshipful profound hymns will forever be my choice over the modern and sometimes repetative 'songs'

[@suzifloren6090]

No worldly words can express HIS great love.

[@end-days]

Amen ❤❤❤

[@louisebrislane6607]

As an Australian, I grew up in the churches of Christ & sang this song regularly with the first tune, now in my later years I attend a Presbyterian church & we sang this song this morning with the second tune. So my first church was introduced from the USA & my second from Scotland, so that would account for the two tunes. Either way I have never heard of that third verse & didn't realise there was an extra one. We do sing this song often when we have communion or just because... but it was lovely to sing it this morning. It truly is an amazing song & one that I can still sing without the words in front of me & the gravitas of the song & the words when singing it, deeply resonate with me emotionally even though I have been singing it now for at least 70 years... Thank you for telling us the Scripture verse that inspired him to write it.

[@denesecrawford5776]

I grew up singing these hymns. For me I love both ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’. I look on the word ‘I’ as personal. When I sing the hymns there is a story and a message for us that never gets old because it touches your inner being. I enjoy it when you give the story and sing ALL the verses. God bless🙏

[@conniewright1113]

Rise and shine, give God your glory glory. I have not heard this hymn before. The old hymns have been apart of my 50 year walk with him. They are precious to me.

[@alastairdonald8030]

We used to sing, SHALL HAVE my soul,my life, my all.

[@YoneMaw-qy6gd]

This is one of my favorite hymns that changed my life. Thanks for sharing the story of this song.

[@CarolDee61]

Walking on the beach at Jekyll Island GA - pondering "were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small...". And found the hymn and this history. The miracle of KZbin 😊

[@terrimobley6067]

I've read how Charles Wesley said at the end of his life how he was almost envious that Isaac Watts wrote this cuz he wish he had... He considered it the greatest hymn ever written

[@innocentkambalemuhyanabaha4872]

Thanks for this inspiring hymn I sang in two Baptist Churches I used to attend the years I was a student in the universitiyof Essex and the university of Leeds. I.K.M.Baha, D.R.C.

[@fanjazzmd]

Were the whole realm of nature mine; that were a present (tribute, Offering) far too small. Love so amazing, so divine; demand my soul my life my ALL. i've ponder this line sinnce Good Friday AD 2024. Thanks for sharing this

[@floydblackwood6227]

Wonderful explanation of this truly wonderful hymn. May our good Lord continue to bless your works.

[@MaryFreeme447]

I grew up singing this beautiful hymn in my church .

[@annettek1735]

I still enjoy the authentic feeling passion and personal, acknowledging the greatest sacrifice for me

[@paulineh7600]

So glad to find your site! I surrendered to Christ a few years ago ( was raised in a Christian home but fell away). I wondered why churches weren't praising to these old hymns. So happy to find others who see others here who appreciate the depth of these hymns!

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

Really Jesus 'love so amazing and divine that demands my soul heart and my whole being.

[@hardeomayhrai]

AMEN SHALOM.

[@ac3414]

Blessed Good Friday brothers & sisters🙏🏼

[@stellahercules2847]

This beautiful hymn, is only a part of what Jesus did for me. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind. Remember we did not ask for Him. We asked for Barrabas instead. We were the ones who crucified Him. He came doing good. He took all our sins. He took the place that we deserved. All what we can do is to offer ourselves, surrender to Him and accept Him as our Lord and personal Saviour. LOVE WAS AND STILL IS ON CALVARY'S CROSS FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US. THANK YOU JESUS. ❤❤❤

[@glendagaskin151]

It’s good to think of Jesus as being young. Think of changing the world in such a short time.

[@blessed3516]

Thank you Jesus for dying me. I grew up with the second version of this song. It was very personal for me as we sang it at home, in school or the Anglican church. God bless you for sharing and may we all use this special occasion to reflect on what Jesus did for us all.

[@tammyhollandsworth6783]

Love how you explained the words to the song. I use to just sing these old hymns without really with understanding . You made it all so clear! 😊

[@emf49]

Thank you for this. I much prefer the second version and the line about ‘the blood spreading like a robe’ was powerful in its imagery. We need to revive such magnificent language in our current world where ‘English’ is so dumbed down. Thank you from Canada. ❤

[@user-qk5kj4pk2v]

As always I thank God for you. This has floored me Many I's yes but what a reflection of relationship makes you seriously look and ask yourself what am I actually doing, what kind of life am I living and for WHO? Thankyou LORD for this . The mercy of God in the ways which He speaks to us individually Is amazing.

[@junelehmensich3386]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH LUKE. SUCH BEAUTIFUL HEART WARMING WORDS IN THIS PRECIOUS SONG. THANK YOU JESUS FOR TAKING MY PLACE ON THE CROSS. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS LUKE. A VERY BLESSED EASTER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@gladys763]

Thank you for sharing this, I haven't heard this for years. I heard, and sang it when I was a child.

[@geraldwalker7609]

Ever since you replied to my comment about this hymn, I have been looking forward to Good Friday. Thank you!

[@jennevawollmann8764]

I have come to truly appreciate and enjoy these videos as you go through the history and the meaning of the hymns and songs. We sang this song, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" on Good Friday. 🤍✝️ I was first introduced to it when our choir began practicing it otherwise I have never heard of it but I am glad I know it now. It is such a beautiful old hymn. 😌🙌 I find myself going back to more of those old hymns because of their depth and meaning.

[@paulawastel8315]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful hymn. We always sang it over Easter in the Methodist Church next to the lake in Boksburg. This song does not only remind me of Father God's great love for us, but it also reminds me of the Godly example I had in my mother and father's love and faith they displayed. A faith and example they got from their parents. To this day my Grandfather on my Dad's side, is a great beacon of faith to me. I enjoyed this half hour of praise, worship and reflection immensly. God bless you richly for the wondercul way you reach out to the world through music.

[@coolkids2876]

I have always loved this Easter hymn, thank you Luke.

[@JamesMolyneux62]

The words are indeed magnificent…and your explanation very beautiful, articulate and sincere. Thank you so much❤️

[@Tawene]

Thank you for exposition of this song. I have learnt more about the verse behind the song - Galatians 6:14 NLT As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.

[@sarah-lorraineross8100]

Thank you Luke for another encouraging message God bless you all have a blessed Easter weekend ❤️🙏

[@edithbubb306]

Thanks Luke, never heard the first tune but know the 2nd one very well.blessing to you too

[@user-sz2vh4lj9i]

11:31 well accepted my soul truly blessed, often ,we sang these hymns not knowing the full meaning, knowing take one to new level Amen and Hallelujah ❤😂

[@savedbyChrist]

Thank you brother for these wonderful insights from this great hymn. Love your singing too. God bless you

[@beverleymazvita543]

just discovered these versions of the song exist ... grew up singing a completely different version of this song in Zimbabwe.. and the last part was also omitted in both the English and the Shona versions. God bless you for your ministry

[@dinahdeborah2374]

Thank you Luke for this wonderful worship song , this song is translated into many Indian languages ,I remember singing in our Sunday school this song in English and in the church it was in Telegu (South Indian) . Especially on Good Friday we sing this song for the mass would be from morning 10:00 am to afternoon 3:00pm.. thank you for giving me this time to reflect And soak in the worship.

[@victoriacrreed4083]

Have never heard of the 3rd verse, but it is beautiful in its description of the covering which occurs when we apply it to our lives at salvation. My favorite verse is the last, for nothing can be enough to show Him how precious He is to me !!!

[@laurettecombrinck2012]

AMEN & AMEN & AMEN ! ! ! Thank you

[@juliahuff6035]

Wonderful analysis of a beautiful hymn. Second verse favorite. Talks about we have no room to boast.

[@edithofmo3171]

What a touching hymn portraying the wondrous grace of our Lord Jesus! Through the years of singing it, the words, "Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e'er such love and sorrow meet;" have never failed to touch my heart and soul. As you were going over the first verse, I was wondering why the nouns in that verse were capitalized. Also, I hadn't heard the 4th verse before. Thanks, Luke, for presenting this classic hymn!

[@duanejones2973]

Beautiful hymn .

[@margarettwombley1689]

Thank you for your beautiful hymn on Good Friday!

[@sergeisergei4700]

Dear Brother Luke, would you please say a prayer for me, Joy, I need help in prayer. God bless.

[@elledavidson7601]

and pour contempt on all my pride

[@nathangoni4262]

Thank you

[@maricls26]

What a blessing to learn how others sing and worship songs of worship!! I struggled to sing the second version with you as ive never heard it before, but how beautiful! I grew up singing the first one in America, so was such a joy to sing with you... especially with those beautiful verses id never seen before! I love this song so much!! Blessings brother, may God continue to bless your ministry!

[@glendagaskin151]

This is a blessing as all the old hymns. Isaac Watts is certainly up there with Fanny Crosby.

[@elainemeyer-hp6ye]

I love the Lord Jesus.

[@catherinejames3420]

Thanks

[@donsavinsky2251]

THIS SONG ENDS THE AWESOME MOVIE " FINAL THE RAPTURE" AND USUALLY MOVES ME TO TEARS OF APPRECIATION TO THE LORD! MARK 13:37 MARANATHA

[@karenleemallonee684]

This is such a very special hymn for me. I learned it in 1978 when I was a freshman in highschool, singing in our churches youth choir. I'm now 61 years old and love singing it each Good Friday. Thank you for singing the verse I haven't heard before, and also both melodies. May God Bless you and yours during this beautiful Easter season! ✝️

[@karenleemallonee684]

Good evening! ✨

[@philiphumphrey1548]

I love this hymn. As a church organist I now use the lovely sad folk tune "O Waly Waly" in the original 3/4 time, that works well with the words. I was brought up with the "Rockingham" tune, but that never seems to work well when I play it.

[@doctorlyon]

Thanks!

[@LWP413]

I'm very grateful!

[@lourievanblarcom9596]

I appreciate your survey! Very good! I came looking for the song because I was thinking of the last verse and our love and duty towards Jesus ought to reflect his love towards us. When I saw the line “My God” I was unsure what to think of that because I believe in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but I try to stick to the terminology I see in the Bible due to all of the denominations in the world. I thought this history of the song might help me with that. I don’t think it helped my theology in the sense of my original issue, but I am good with singing the song! It is beautiful and involves the most important theology about what it means to be a Christian with a commission from our Lord and Savior!

[@GilmoreDon]

Many years ago, I was a choir member of one of the largest Methodist churches in America. We often sang the arrangement that was written for the Westminster Choir College. Last year, I was a participant in a virtual choir that sang the hymn to yet another well-known tune for the hymn, Wally Wally (sp?). I have sung the hymn using that tune as a solo in a Nazareen church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

[@GilmoreDon]

Here is the link to the virtual choir rendition in which I participated. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6HagZWihbJ0hLMsi=bWlqqi0IyXjzOAcC

[@dixiemontgonery131]

Here's 1 I would like to hear u do: Ten thousand Angels

[@denesecrawford5776]

Can you do a video of ‘One Day’. I think there are two different versions for this hymn also. God bless 🙌

[@user-bq7qs6ry9j]

What a testimony and I have also heard the tune Morte Christe sung this hymn. We sing all the verses

[@duanejones2973]

Amen Suz.

[@thecousinzkidzclub1782]

Thank you!!!!

[@dougray1439]

Luke hey this is Doug in Missouri!! I hope you are well.

[@LWP413]

Doug we were just talking about you and our visit to the States, yesterday! And my dad and I were talking through the Downpour album and how we enjoy those songs. I am still going to get you to guest on one of my Encounter videos to talk about those songs. Soon! Sending you love from SA.

[@dougray1439]

Yes tell your dad I said hello. We are doing well. Think about you guys often.

[@RHStephanus]

Luke - have you done a Hymn History of the song I’d Rather Have Jesus? Mon 23 June 2024, 630 hours CST USA

[@LWP413]

Not yet! Thanks for the suggestion, I will add it to the list.

[@nigelparrott6944]

A Hymn I love and miss as now working in Estonia and not sung in the churches here. I assume it doesn't translate well into Estoian.

[@markbowman2890]

Should we refer to Jesus as the 'Prince' of Glory or the 'King' of Glory?

[@yimeicheong4967]

Hello from Malaysia! Thank you for covering this beautiful hymn. I've never come across the 3rd verse either. We sing this often in church, usually with another tune, which is my personal favourite, probably from familiarity kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYWteZdrZqt8nLMsi=meS34FPOgKspKeep

[@smoothsailingmp]

Did you really say, His early fifties? He died at age 33, our Jesus❤

[@LWP413]

Early thirties!

[@cceaton52]

Thanks!

[@LWP413]

Thank you for this!

[@chrik888]

Thanks

[@LWP413]

Very kind of you, thank you so much!