When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Hymn)

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Hymn) reflects on the incredible love of God, it compels the entire being— our soul, our existence, everything about us. The Prince of glory gave His life, and in comparison, all that we possess seems insignificant. Our true wealth lies only in the death of Christ, our God!

Download a free PowerPoint presentation of the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross from Free Download Box, then study some Bible verses to examine how accurately the lyrics reflect the theology and meaning of God’s love shown on the Cross.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Lyrics (1980)

VERSE 1
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.

VERSE 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.

VERSE 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?

VERSE 4
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.

Words and Music by Isaac Watts (1707), Kathryn Scott (2003) © Oxford University Press, Shawnee Press, Inc., Bud-john Songs Inc, Wordspring Music, Llc; Published in 1980 hymnals

Check out the contemporary rendition of the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross performed by Kathryn Scott in the video provided.

What the Bible says about the Wondrous Cross?

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— Galatians 3:13

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

My Richest Gain I Count but Loss

But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ’s sake. Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.

For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8 GNB

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4 NIV

Preaching Points

What does “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” reveal about the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice?

It reveals the rejection of pride and earthly gains. The hymn declares, “My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride,” urging believers to abandon self-centeredness for Christ. “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

It emphasizes glory only in the cross. “Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God!” reflects the call to renounce worldly desires and boast only in Christ’s redemption. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15).

It calls for complete devotion to Christ. The hymn’s closing, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all,” highlights the total surrender required in response to Christ’s love and sacrifice. “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).

The wondrous cross transforms lives, leading believers to reject pride, glory only in Christ, and devote themselves entirely to the Savior who gave everything.

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