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Now Why This Fear – Song from WorshipGod11

One of my favorite songs from our most recent album, The Gathering,  is Now Why This Fear. Doug Plank adapted the words from the hymn “Now When This Fear and Unbelief” by Augustus Toplady. Toplady (1740-1778) was a strong, if sometimes contentious, defender of Calvinism. More importantly, he tirelessly preached the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work for our sins. This hymn, like Rock of Ages, encourages believers to rest completely in the finished work of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. It’s the news that never grows old.

I asked Doug Plank to share a few thoughts on the how he came to update Toplady’s hymn.

“From Whence this fear and unbelief?”, Augustus Toplady’s wonderful old hymn (written in 1772) came to my attention in 2008 while perusing Spurgeon’s “Our Own Hymn-Book” (a great collection of hymns, by the way). I recall going through Spurgeon’s collection for inspiration when it jumped out at me. Toplady’s lyrics brilliantly expressed the confidence we ought to have because of Jesus’ sacrifice and they were screaming to be put to new music. My sense was to make the hymn to be a worshipful and meditative feel, with a chorus that would rise in thanking Jesus for the incredible grace spoken of in the verses. The verse melody came first, and after tinkering a bit, the chorus emerged, repeating Jesus’ name, which is always a good idea. My first version kept the archaic language, but with the input of Bob and others, it seemed clear that (no offense to Toplady) a lyrical refresh was needed as well. I didn’t end up featuring the third verse of Toplady’s original, likely due to making the song too long, but the lyrics are certainly worth singing:

If thou hast my discharge procured,
And freely in my room endured
The whole of wrath divine;
Payment God cannot twice demand,
First at my bleeding Surety’s hand,
And then again at mine.

I wrote this updated version for no other reason than to take what seemed to be an old hymn worthy to be heard again. At this past WorshipGod conference as it was being introduced, I was deeply stirred by the thought of one day meeting and thanking Augustus face to face. Between “Rock of Ages” and “From Whence”, he has served my soul with Christ–exalting lyrics. I feel very honored to have linked arms with him in the recasting of his work to a new generation.

Downloads:
Guitar chart in A. Guitar chart in B.
Lead sheet in A. Lead sheet in B.

Now Why This Fear

Verse 1
Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men,
Condemn me for that debt of sin,
Now cancelled at the cross?

Chorus
Jesus, all my trust
Is in Your blood
Jesus, You’ve rescued us
Through Your great love!

Verse 2
Complete atonement You have made,
And by Your death completely  paid
The debt Your people owed
No wrath remains for us to face
We’re sheltered by Your saving grace,
And sprinkled with Your blood.

Verse 3
Be still, my soul, and know this peace
The merits of your Great High Priest
Have bought your liberty
Rely then on His precious blood,
Don’t fear your banishment from God
Since Jesus sets you free

Tag
How sweet the sound of saving grace
How sweet the sound of saving grace
Christ died for me
Music and alt. and additional words by Doug Plank, original verses by Augustus Toplady (1772).
© 2011 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).