Coming to the Cross

Coming to the cross is where brokenness meets redemption—a place of surrender, healing, and new life through Christ alone.

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live … I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”—Galatians 2:20 NASB

William McDonald had seen many people come to the altar, broken by their sins, crying out for God and needing healing, forgiveness, restoration, and hope. In his heart, he felt the need for music to minister to these broken men and women.

It came one day in 1870 as McDonald sat in his study at his church in Brooklyn, New York. As a melody written by William Fischer captured his imagination, McDonald describes how suddenly, within a few minutes, he’d written the words to the hymn “I Am Coming to the Cross.”

Feeling the burden of sinners needing salvation, McDonald described how we come to the cross, feeling “poor and weak and blind, counting all but dross.” In this sacred moment, we cry out, “Save me, Jesus, save me now” and hear Him speak “sweetly” to us, “I will cleanse you from all sin.”

McDonald knew that the cross was a place of surrender: “I give my all to Thee.” Everything becomes His “forevermore.” We learn to trust in His promises. Because of the cross, we can be “every whit made whole.” Experiencing this transformation, we cry out, “Glory, glory to the Lamb!”

Today, Jesus still saves souls and changes lives. Humble yourself before Him! In your heart, kneel at the cross where He died for you. Accept His salvation, forgiveness, and healing. Dedicate your life to bringing salvation to lost souls around the world.

Reflection Question: What do you need to lay down as you come to the cross today?