The Wonderful Cross (With Matt Redman)

Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman's “The Wonderful Cross” pairs Isaac Watts' hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” with a new chorus. The hymn verses are kept almost entire: “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.”

The second verse tells the worshiper to look at the wounds: “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” The new chorus responds with joy, “O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross, bids me come and die and find that I may truly live.” It also invites everyone gathered to draw near “by grace” and bless God's name. The last verse ends on the hymn's famous demand, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” The mix of the old text and modern melody made it a common choice at Easter and communion. It keeps the weight of the original while giving the congregation a refrain to sing, and the final verse asks each singer to answer in full.

Boasting only in the cross is Galatians 6:14. The wounds that bring healing are in Isaiah 53:4-5, and offering your life is Romans 12:1.