At Calvary

Songbook Hymn Sermons

At Calvary

A Sermon based on the hymn by William R. Newell

Introduction

The hymn “At Calvary” is a vivid and heartfelt reflection on the journey from sin to salvation, written by William R. Newell in 1895. It is both autobiographical and universally relatable, as it traces the human condition—lost in guilt, stubborn in pride, and unaware of grace—until encountering the redeeming power of the cross. Based on Newell’s own spiritual awakening while teaching at Moody Bible Institute, the hymn brings us face to face with the moment of transformation that happens only through Christ.

Romans 5:8 sets the foundation: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “At Calvary” is a musical testimony of this love. Each stanza takes us deeper—from sin and law to grace and joy. It reminds us that mercy is not earned but given, that judgment is not the final word, and that peace is found only in Jesus. The message of the cross is not merely an event—it’s the center of Christian life.

Let us walk through this hymn as we reflect on our own spiritual journey and stand in awe of the grace that met us at Calvary.

Stanza 1

“Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.”

This stanza recalls the sinner’s ignorance and pride before salvation. Many live in vanity—seeking self, blind to their need. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:13, “I was before a blasphemer... but I obtained mercy.” This ignorance does not excuse sin but highlights the grace of God that reaches us in our lowest state.

Stanza 2

“By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.”

Conviction comes through the Word of God (Romans 7:7). This verse paints the moment when the law pierces the heart, revealing guilt. Like the Jews on Pentecost in Acts 2:37, we are cut to the heart when truth exposes our sin. This trembling leads not to despair but to repentance—a turning to Calvary.

Stanza 3

“Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary!”

Transformation follows repentance. This stanza declares the joy of surrender—when Jesus becomes not just Savior, but King. Romans 6:17–18 describes this transition from sin to obedience. The soul once weighed down now rejoices and sings. Calvary is no longer a distant event—it becomes the anthem of our lives.

Stanza 4

“O the love that drew salvation’s plan!
O the grace that brought it down to man!
O the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!”

This final stanza magnifies God’s love, grace, and power. John 3:16 comes to mind—“For God so loved the world…” The distance between sinful man and holy God was immense, but the cross bridged that gulf. Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

At Calvary Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Author: William R. Newell

• Background: Personal testimony of grace

• Key Verse: Romans 5:8

Stanza 1 – Ignorance and Vanity

• 1 Timothy 1:13 – Mercy despite ignorance

• Romans 3:23 – All have sinned

• John 1:10 – The world knew Him not

Stanza 2 – Conviction and Turning

• Romans 7:7 – Sin revealed through law

• Acts 2:37 – “What shall we do?”

• James 1:23–25 – The mirror of God’s Word

Stanza 3 – Surrender and Joy

• Romans 6:17–18 – Obedience from the heart

• Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me

• Psalm 51:12 – Restore unto me the joy

Stanza 4 – God’s Grace and Power

• John 3:16 – Love that drew salvation’s plan

• Ephesians 2:13 – Brought near by the blood

• Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing separates us from His love

Call to Action

Have you stood at the foot of the cross? God’s Word teaches us to believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized into His death (Romans 6:3–4). Grace is waiting—will you come to Calvary today?

Scripture Reference List

Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were sinners
1 Timothy 1:13 – Mercy shown despite ignorance
Romans 7:7 – The law reveals sin
Acts 2:37 – Conviction leads to repentance
Romans 6:17–18 – Freed from sin, obedient to righteousness
Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me
Ephesians 2:13 – Brought near by the blood of Christ
John 3:16 – God’s love for the world
Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love

Song History

“At Calvary” was written by William R. Newell in 1895 while he was teaching at Moody Bible Institute. After a moving Bible class on Christ’s sacrifice, Newell scribbled down the lyrics and asked Daniel B. Towner to set it to music. The song quickly became a staple of gospel hymnody, especially beloved for its doctrinal depth and simplicity. Though Newell was not a member of the churches of Christ, the hymn’s biblical message has made it a common selection in our songbooks and worship.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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