This hymn I heard a few months ago at a friend’s wedding and loved the words as soon as I heard it. I then recently listened to a podcast where the author of the hymn, Chris Anderson, talks about his book “Theology That Sticks – The Life Changing Power of Exceptional Hymns”. He discusses the importance of singing songs that are sound in theology, honouring to God and edifying for us. He’s a former pastor of 25 years and author of several well-known hymns, including this one¹; I’m sure you’ll enjoy either of these versions this Lord’s Day!

His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.

Refrain
I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise—my all—shall be for Christ alone.

His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.

Refrain

His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried, “’Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.

Refrain

His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!

Refrain

¹thechristianworldview.org/topic-principles-for-selecting-christian-music-part-1-of-2/