Hymn
What Vastness the Redeemer Crossed
Words: Ryan Daniel Cornett
Music: Ryan Daniel Cornett
Tune: WHAT VASTNESS
Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
Stanza 1
What vastness the Redeemer crossed,
A depth beyond all sounding,
My guilt, a boundless chasm bridged
By graciousness abounding.
Sea to sky: how meager a scale!
From star to star, yet failing;
Still further reached His hand to me,
His saving arm prevailing.
Stanza 2
What distance my dear Savior trod
To stand on Calv'ry's mountain;
He stepped where death's cold torrents rage,
So I may cross the Jordan.
Hopeless, languished I in the grave,
In miry clay, I wallowed
Until the Shepherd called my name:
I woke, arose, and followed.
Stanza 3
To endless life He beckons me,
My sin no more remembered,
Far as the east is from the west,
To plumbless depths surrendered.
Like the morning sun I shall rise
To dwell with Christ, my Savior;
In borrowed robes of purest white,
Brought near to God forever.
About the song
This modern hymn text and tune, that I wrestled with for YEARS, examines the distance Christ crossed, the path He trod, and the removal of sin as we saints celebrate salvation and nearness to God.
Themes
Scripture references
Philippians 2:6-8; Psalm 40:2; Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19; Ephesians 2:13