My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness
A hymn of confident trust in Christ as the only sure foundation. The four stanzas confess that when all earthly supports fail — feelings, oaths, earthly frames — Christ's blood and righteousness are the solid rock that does not shift. The metaphor of the rock directly echoes Matthew 7:24-27.
History & Background
Written by Edward Mote (1797-1874), a cabinetmaker who later became a Baptist minister, in 1834. The tune SOLID ROCK was composed by William Bradbury (1816-1868) in 1863. The hymn draws on the parable of the two builders in Matthew 7.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 597
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 293
Bulletin Note
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less — Edward Mote, 1834
Preaching Connection
Matthew 7:24-27 — Christ as the solid rock on which to build; all other ground is sinking sand.
Themes
Trust Foundation Christ Assurance