Praise Song
The Hands I Nailed to the Cross
Words: Ryan Daniel Cornett
Music: Ad. from Arthur H. Brown
Tune: SAFFRON WALDEN (adapt.)
Meter: 8.8.8.5. w/ Refrain
Verse 1
All for His love, the Savior came,
Nothing I brought but sin, the cause:
God reaching for me with the hands
I nailed to the cross.
Verse 2
Upon the Potter's wheel I turn,
He shapes and trims away my flaws;
I am but clay within the hands
I nailed to the cross.
Chorus
Arms wide fulfilled the Father's plan:
My sin laid on the Son of Man;
Yet still, He keeps me with the hands
I nailed to the cross.
Verse 3
When on the stormy sea of doubt
Great tempests blow and breakers toss;
Outstretched to catch me are the hands
I nailed to the cross.
Verse 4
Though earthly good and treasures fair
Be soon withdrawn and counted loss,
All I may need comes from the hands
I nailed to the cross.
Verse 5
When all my labors are complete,
Offered up for His Kingdom's cause,
I shall be carried by the hands
I nailed to the cross.
About the song
The Hands I Nailed to the Cross reflects upon the astonishing love and grace of Jesus Christ, whose hands were pierced for our sins yet continue to shape, sustain, rescue, and provide for His redeemed people. From the sinner's salvation to the believer's final homegoing, the hymn celebrates the tender care of the crucified Savior, whose mercy remains steadfast despite our unworthiness. I modernized Brown's tune and added a chorus.
Themes
Scripture references
Isaiah 49:15-16; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6; Matthew 14:28-31; Mark 8:36; Luke 23:33-34; John 10:27-29; John 20:24-29; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 5:7; Jude 24-25