Lyrics
On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering 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.
O 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. || So I will ||
In that 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. || So I will ||
To that 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. || So I will ||
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Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: George Bennard, Ian George Stopford Harrison
The old rugged cross stands as a timeless reminder of the immense cost of our redemption and the depth of Jesus’ love for us. What once represented shame and defeat has become our greatest treasure because our Savior gave His life there for our sake. As we sing these cherished words, we are invited to hold fast to Christ amidst life's fading accomplishments, anchoring our hope entirely in His sacrifice until we see Him face to face.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
- 1 Peter 2:24: “"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."”
- Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”