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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Calhoun, GA, United States
Thank God for that Old Rugged Cross.
Detroit, MI, United States
George Beverly Shea in "How Sweet the Sound":
When I was 5 years of age, there was an incident at our home in Winchester, Ontario, that my parents liked to recall, especially later when one of their sons became a gospel singer. One Saturday morning we heard a knock at the door. Standing there were 2 gentlemen who planned to hold evangelistic services at our church. Knowing Mother to be a fine pianist, they asked her to help them learn a song they said was new: "The Old Rugged Cross." They wished to sing it as a duet in the morning service. My parents would later tell how I stood by the piano with mouth wide open, listening to the voices of those wonderful singers!
I met the composer of the words and music in 1940 at a Bible conference in Cedar Lake, Indiana. What a joy. Rev. Bennard told us he was the son of a coal miner and would have followed in his father's footsteps had he not been called to become a minister and evangelist.
Asked how he came to write "The Old Rugged Cross," George Bennard told how he was thinking of the cross of Jesus one day. He had been composing music at the piano, and his mind seemed to want to dwell on the death of Christ. Then words came, an inspired answer to his own spiritual quest.
This is said to be the best loved of all 20th-century hymns.
God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14
If we ever have any doubts about Jesus' love, all we need to do is recall His willingness to leave "His glory above." He did this, knowing He would face a "dark Calvary" for you and for me. When we cherish the cross, what's most important is cherishing the One who gave His life for us on that old cross because He loved us so much.
The true beauty of the cross is visible only in the divine bloodstains of Jesus described in the 3rd stanza of this song. Even though Jesus knew He would have to endure the cross, He also understood the joy that would follow. One day He will be seated beside God the Father, welcoming those for whom He died (Hebrews 12:2).
How I praise You, Jesus, for the unselfish love that took You to the cross. You are the greatest treasure of all, and I cherish You. When I look at the cross, help me to see Your beauty. You are the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice pardons and cleanses me. I look forward to seeing You when You will be seated beside God the Father, welcoming me!
Lagos, Nigeria
God bless you! I've been looking forward to learning this song! The Holy Spirit is now teaching me! Praise the Lord! Thanks thanks thanks!!!
Seattle, Washington, United States
So thankful for being able to find these online. I am truly blessed. Thanks and praise be to God.
Lagos, Nigeria
This is my Favorite Lenten hymn. I Love it and I'm super happy to find it online.
Austin, United States
The Holy Spirit wraps me in His arms when I hear this song, and, every time this happens, my eyes get all blurry as His love pours out.
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
This is my absolute favorite hymn of all times. I remember as a young child at church requesting to sing this song every chance I got. When I pass into the heavenly gates I want this sung at my funeral. It is because of this song we are saved. Thank You Jesus for giving up Your life for ours!!
Portharcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
The Old Rugged Cross is the source/bedrock of my world. Am grateful, Lord.
Chatsworth, CA, United States
Only one cross, only one body, only one's precious blood saves me, and will save the world. How I love that old cross. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." Who would have thought He would allow Himself to be lifted on a cross of crucifixion for a worthless sinner like me, and maybe you too.
Nigeria
Thank You Lord for Your Mercy and Grace.