The old rugged cross

1
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
  The emblem of suff'ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
  For a world of lost sinners was slain.
  So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  And exchange it some day for a crown.
2
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
  Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
  To bear it to dark Calvary.
3
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
  A wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
  To pardon and sanctify me.
372
Karikari Mensah

I cherish the old rugged cross.


Amaka

Lagos, Nigeria

Am so inspired by this song and I understand more about His death. Jesus I love You for bearing to the dark Calvary just for me....


Ben Leonard

Colombia

Choose death!...with Christ that is... The only way we will ever live the way God intended is by going to Calvary. Daily...I choose His cross for it is the only way that I will experience the "power of his resurrection."


Adeoye Dada

Lagos, Ikeja, Nigeria

We love to sing this song everyday in our home. It brings me nearer to my Savior each time we sing it. It's Spirit-filled.


Felix N. TheMan

Katsina

Ever since I came to know this song, it has always inspired my spirit and a constant renewal of my faith on that rugged cross.


Adeosun Theophilus

Lagos

I always see myself moving nearer to God whenever I'm singing this particular song.


Taiwo Omotosho

Abuja, FTC, Nigeria

If not for the cross. Thank You Jesus for taking all my sins away. I love this song 24/7.


Steve Miller

Detroit, MI, United States

@Bob Jones Saskatoon 10/25/2013: How do you recommend that we participate in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings?


Steve Miller

Detroit, MI, United States

Bennard was born in Youngstown, OH, but raised in Iowa. Initially he was with the Salvation Army but eventually was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Here he conducted revival meetings throughout Michigan, NY and Canada. It was during a particular difficult time while he was in Michigan that he reflected on the significance of the cross and what Paul meant when he spoke of entering into the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. The result was this hymn. He wrote other hymns but is known mainly for this one. - Songs of the Spirit by Martin

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There is a 4th stanza:

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I’ll share.


Rev. Dr. Daniel Lincoln

Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, India

This is my favorite song, which comforts me. the cheer I have is only because of my Saviour Jesus Christ, who took my sin on Himself, suffered for me, I am an unworthy slave, sinner to be saved by His Grace.