Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross is a beloved Christian hymn that emphasizes the power of the cross, the promise of salvation, and the hope of eternal rest. This timeless song reminds believers to stay close to Christ’s sacrifice, find healing through His grace, and trust in the peace that awaits beyond life’s trials.
VERSE 1
Jesus, keep me near the Cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
CHORUS
In the Cross, in the Cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
VERSE 2
Near the Cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
VERSE 3
Near the Cross O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me.
VERSE 4
Near the Cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Story Behind the Song
In 1869, prolific hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby collaborated with composer William H. Doane to create the cherished hymn “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.” Doane, a Cincinnati businessman and musician, had composed a melody he felt carried significant spiritual weight.
He presented this tune to Crosby, who, upon hearing it, was inspired to pen lyrics that resonated with the theme of the cross. This partnership led to the hymn’s inclusion in the collection “Bright Jewels for the Sunday School” the same year.[1]
Crosby, despite losing her sight in infancy, possessed a remarkable ability to craft vivid and emotive hymn texts. Her deep personal faith and reliance on Christ’s sacrifice are evident in the lyrics of this hymn. The refrain, “In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,” reflects her profound connection to the central symbol of Christian redemption.[2]
The hymn’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its heartfelt plea for spiritual closeness to Jesus and the evocative imagery that speaks to believers across generations. Its message continues to inspire and comfort, reminding the faithful of the solace and hope found near the cross.[3]
Redemption and Hope
Jesus, keep me near the cross expresses the believer’s longing to remain close to Christ’s redemptive work. The cross stands as the ultimate symbol of salvation and God’s love. Paul affirms in Galatians 6:14, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Faith is strengthened by embracing the message of the cross, and worship is centered on remembering Christ’s sacrifice. Staying near the cross also speaks of sanctification, as believers are called to live daily in the power of Christ’s atoning work.
Free to all, a healing stream signifies the grace and salvation offered to humanity through Jesus. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By His wounds we are healed,” pointing to the spiritual restoration found in Him. The flowing water imagery recalls John 7:38, where Jesus proclaims, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
The song reflects the biblical truth that Christ’s sacrifice is the source of eternal life and renewal. However, while salvation is freely available, it is only received through faith in Christ (John 3:16), emphasizing the necessity of belief rather than universalism.
Till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river expresses the hope of eternal life. Revelation 22:1 describes “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” This aligns with the believer’s anticipation of heavenly rest, as Jesus invites in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The song encourages perseverance in faith, as the journey leads to a place of eternal peace in God’s presence. The image of ‘rest beyond the river’ signifies the transition from earthly struggles to the fulfillment of God’s promise of eternal life.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me is a prayer for constant reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. John 1:29 records John the Baptist declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” The song calls believers to live in remembrance of the cross, in accordance with Luke 22:19: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
True worship involves ongoing reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, gratitude, and obedience. This aligns with biblical teaching on remembrance, particularly in the observance of the Lord’s Supper, reinforcing the necessity of a life devoted to Christ in response to His redeeming work.
The song beautifully aligns with Scripture in portraying the believer’s dependence on the cross for salvation, healing, hope, and remembrance. It calls for a faith that clings to Christ’s atoning work, finds renewal in His grace, and anticipates eternal rest in His presence. Worship flows from a heart that remains near the cross, continually drawn to its power and promise.
More Related Bible verses on Redemption and Hope
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord, because His love is constant and He is always willing to save.” Psalm 130:7 GNB
“Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep His promise.” Hebrews 10:23 GNB
“But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” Isaiah 40:31 GNB
“In union with Him and through His blood we have been set free our sins are forgiven; how great is the grace of God!” Ephesians 1:7 GNB
“For God has revealed His grace for the salvation of all people.” Titus 2:11 GNB
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
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Related themes you might want to include Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross in your list of songs for worship that centered around God The Father, Provisions of Needs, Hope, Healing
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross Lyrics by Fanny J. Crosby and music by William H. Doane , (1869) Public Domain
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