I Am Coming to the Cross

“I Am Coming to the Cross” is a deeply personal and earnest hymn written by William McDonald in 1864. It reflects the heartfelt experience of a sinner approaching the cross of Christ, burdened with guilt and seeking forgiveness. The hymn captures the spirit of repentance and surrender, conveying a soul’s cry for salvation and cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Rooted in the evangelical revival spirit of the 19th century, the hymn became a beloved staple in both personal devotions and public altar calls, where many found assurance of their redemption.

The first verse opens with the image of the cross as the place where sinners find mercy. The penitent soul comes with all its sin and helplessness, acknowledging an inability to save oneself. McDonald’s language is simple but profound, echoing the words of Christ in John 6:37, where He promises to receive all who come to Him. The act of “coming to the cross” becomes symbolic of faith, humility, and dependence on God’s grace. Each line expresses a longing to be washed and made new, showing that salvation is not achieved through human effort, but received through faith.

Subsequent verses continue the theme of surrender and transformation. The soul seeks cleansing from every sin and peace that only Christ can give. There is a heartfelt desire to be fully consecrated to the Savior, to be taught and led by His Spirit. The repeated refrain “I am trusting, Lord, in Thee; Blest Lamb of Calvary” emphasizes the central focus on Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This refrain serves as both a declaration of faith and a prayer of dependence, highlighting the trust that rests entirely on Christ's finished work at Calvary.

The hymn concludes on a note of victory and assurance. The once-guilty sinner has found pardon and rest through Jesus. The heart is now united with the Savior, rejoicing in the power of His love and grace. McDonald’s hymn is not just a cry of desperation but a testimony of redemption. It moves from the darkness of sin to the light of salvation, from confession to rejoicing, offering hope to anyone who seeks the mercy of God. The hymn remains a poignant reminder that no one who comes to Christ is turned away, and that the cross is still the meeting place between God and the sinner.