Top Ten Hymns Countdown #3: The Old Rugged Cross

"So I'll cherish the old rugged cross...."

If that line does not move you as a Christian, something isn't right. George Bennard, an evangelist, wrote the words and music to this hymn in 1913. Its message is both simple and profound: I cherish that cross because of what Christ did on that cross. He did something for me that I never deserved, and "I will ever be true" to that cross and that Savior.

There is no salvation without the cross. Our sins demanded a perfect blood sacrifice. Old Testament prophecies spoke of that sacrifice. And only Jesus Christ could fulfill all this, dying as He did on a cross of wood nearly two millennia ago.

Have you accepted Christ's gift of salvation? You can read more about doing so here.

Interesting Note: This hymn has a Michigan connection. George Bennard lived part of his life here in Michigan, and it is believed by many that he wrote the hymn here in Michigan. There is even an Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum in Reed City, Michigan.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

Past Entries in this Series:

Top Ten Hymns Countdown #4: Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #5: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #6: To God Be The Glory
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #7: Onward Christian Soldiers
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #8: How Great Thou Art
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #9: It Is Well With My Soul
Top Ten Hymns Countdown #10: All Creatures of Our God and King

Introduction