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

Praise the Lord. Blessed be His Holy Name. Love from India ( Now in Canada )

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.

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.❤

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

No worldly words can express HIS great love.

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.

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 :thanksdoc:

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.

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🙏

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

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

Blessed Good Friday brothers & sisters🙏🏼

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. ❤❤❤

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

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.

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

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

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 YouTube 😊

I grew up singing this beautiful hymn in my church .

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.