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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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.
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.
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Nothing could be more inspiring. I love and cherish the OLD RUGGED CROSS.
Richmond, Virginia, United States
God is the greatest .....
This is the most beautiful song ever... I will always cherish the cross that Jesus died for me and all sinners on. Jesus saved all mankind and we were all washed clean on that glorious day !! Thank You Jesus for giving Your life for mine and may You always continue to lead me in the direction of Your glorious path that You have laid out for me to walk. May You continue to walk beside me, helping me up every time I fall and keeping my faith alive and strong. May God always bless and protect me, my family, my friends, and the entire world ! I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thank You God, for being all three combined. Amen.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Jesus isn't on the cross anymore! I refuse to sing this song! It's a horrible song!
Mission Viejo, CA, United States
My father requested this for his funeral service... Hardly a dry eye in the sanctuary. Even now, seven months later, this beautiful hymn touches my heart.
Lagos, Nigeria
I love and cherish my Old Rugged Cross. By it I and my household are saved. Thanks be to God who in Christ bear the Cross for me and all mankind.