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.
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.
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.
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.
A wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
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London, United Kingdom
I cling to the old rugged cross. One day I will see HIM that died for my sins.
I cherish the old rugged cross.
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....
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."
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.
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.
Lagos
I always see myself moving nearer to God whenever I'm singing this particular song.
Abuja, FTC, Nigeria
If not for the cross. Thank You Jesus for taking all my sins away. I love this song 24/7.
Detroit, MI, United States
@Bob Jones Saskatoon 10/25/2013: How do you recommend that we participate in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings?
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.