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Calvary - Not in Vain

1,963 views Oct 9, 2026 updated Verified editorial review

Song Meaning

Elijah Oyelade's “Calvary (Not in Vain)” is a worship song built around the cross. It begins with the “old rugged cross standing tall outside the city” and calls Jesus “the expression of the Father's love.” The first section follows Isaiah closely, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquity,” and adds, “By His stripes we are healed, by His death we now live.”

The refrain, “Calvary, Calvary will not be in vain,” turns into a prayer. A long series of lines each begins “Let the fountain of,” asking for God's mercy, compassion, living water, healing, power, the Holy Spirit and revelation to flow. The mood then shifts from asking to declaring. “We arise as God's mighty army to enforce the will of the Father,” and “we arise as sons of the Living God.” The song closes with a call for a river of mercy and grace.

The suffering servant who is wounded and bruised is Isaiah 53:5. Peter repeats the healing by his stripes in 1 Peter 2:24, and the living water image is John 4:14.

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On the old rugged cross

Standing tall outside the city

On the master Lord Jesus

The expression of the Fathers' love

He was wounded for our transgressions

He was bruised for our iniquity

The chastisment of our peace was up on Him

By His stripes we are healed

By His death we now live

Calvary Calvary will not be in vain

Not in vain

Let the fountain of God's mercy

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of God's compassion

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of the living water

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of devine healing

Let it flow, let it flow

Calvary Calvary will not be in vain

Not in vain

We arise as God's mighty army

To enforce the will of the Father

We arise as sons of The Living God

We declare the reign of our king

Let the fountain of God's power

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of Holy spirit

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of life of God

Let it flow, let it flow

Let the fountain of devine revelation

Let it flow, let it flow

River flow of God's mercy and grace

Let it flow, let it flow

...

Calvary Calvary will not be in vain

Not in vain

Calvary - Not in Vain

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Calvary - Not in Vain

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