“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

In 1834, Edward Mote wrote the lyrics to this hymn sometime after finding his faith in a chapel service in London at age 15. It was not put to music and published until 1863, and appeared in the Devotional and Tune Book the following year. 

It speaks to the reality that as Biblical Christians, we need to continue to rely on Christ as the foundation of our faith in the battle over continuing sin. 

Many of those I communicate with on Medium, refer to the hypocrisy of continuing sin in the life of the Christian and the church. There is no question that we do not lose our sinful nature when we become followers of Jesus Christ. However, Scripture does speak of a changed life (1 Cor. 5:17) as evidence of our changed nature (James 2:20). 

Yes, there are some who give Christianity a bad name. I had a pastor who helped remove some of the roadblocks to my faith. Much later he was caught peering over the top of a suntan booth from his booth. He left the Church (a large church) in disgrace. My mom, who was not a Christian at the time, asked me if that event shook my faith. My answer was, not in the least. 

From a secular perspective that is at best hard to believe and, at worst, a sign of absolute lunacy.

However, “my hope is built on nothing less” than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; from the hymn by that title. 

“My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” – Hymn Lyrics

1. My hope is built on nothing less. —- Grace alone and faith in Jesus Christ alone
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; — Jesus’ blood shed for us on the cross
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, —- We need to reject the temptations of this earth
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. —- And instead, trust in Jesus
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; —- Matt. 7:24
All other ground is sinking sand. —- This world is “sinking sand”

2. When darkness veils His lovely face, — Psalm 23:4
I rest on His unchanging grace; — Heb. 13:8
In every high and stormy gale. —- Matt. 8:23-27
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood. —- God’s promises, through His Son’s blood
Support me in the whelming flood; —- Life can be overwhelming at times
When every earthly prop gives way, —- Secular moral codes
He then is all my Hope and Stay. —- We need to cling to God 
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, — 1 Cor. 15:52
Oh, may I then in Him be found, —- Rev. 21:27
Clothed in His righteousness alone, —- 1 John 3:7 
Faultless to stand before the throne! —- Rev. 22:3
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.