Edward Mote, author of “On Christ the Solid rock I Stand,” was raised in a non-Christian home. He became a carpenter apprentice. This is the only song he ever wrote but it has been a favorite of people around the world. Mote walked away from being a cabinet-maker one day and the chorus to this song came to his mind.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
By the end of the day, he had written down all four verses. A week later he visited a friend whose wife was very sick and pulled the song out of his pocket and sang it. She was comforted and he had 1000 copies of the song printed and distributed.
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
Chorus:
“On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Mote attended Tottenham Court Road Chapel in London where he would listen to sermons. He learned that Jesus Christ could take away all the fears of life and give him the peace of heart and mind that he had long desired. This inspired his faith and his song.
Sometime later, Edward Mote became a Baptist preacher. He faithfully served his congregation for twenty years. He refused to accept the gift of the church property to him and only wanted to be known for preaching at the pulpet. At age 77, on his death bed, he is known to have said, “I think I am going to heaven. Yes, I am nearing port. The truths I have preached I am now living upon, and they will do to die upon. Ah! The precious blood, which takes away all our sins. It is this, which makes peace with God.” This one simple Gospel song marked his life! God was his rock!
On the Way to Wonder 