Written in 1763, made aware to public about 1776, the words to "
Rock of ages, cleft for me" are by Anglican minister Augustus Toplady (1740-1778, aged 38).
It is based on Psalm 94:22.
Psalms 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. [kjv]
This is hymn #108 in the hymnal.
Augustus Toplady is said to have sheltered from a storm in a collection of rocks, which helped motivate the lyrics to the song. This may have been made up but is an interesting story.
A more likely inspiration is a sermon from 1673. That sermon text appeared in the works of Charles Wesley in 1745.
The music is the hymn tune TOPLADY as revised by Lowell Mason.
Bing Crosby recorded the song on May 6, 1949. It appeared in the album "Beloved Hymns".
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.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. [kjv]
και παντες το αυτο πνευματικον επιον πομα επινον γαρ εκ πνευματικης ακολουθουσης πετρας η πετρα δε ην ο χριστος [gnt]
… spiritali … petra petra … [v]