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 someday for a crown
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me someday
To my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share
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 someday for a crown
And exchange it someday for a crown
The Old Rugged Cross Video
The Old Rugged Cross Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Introduction
The Old Rugged Cross is a timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of millions of people all around the world. The song speaks about the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified, and the love that He had for humanity that led Him to lay down His life. The hymn has been performed by many artists, but one of the most memorable renditions is by the country music band Alabama.
The Meaning of The Old Rugged Cross
The Old Rugged Cross is a hymn that speaks of the love of Christ and the sacrifice that He made for humanity. It talks about the cross where Jesus was crucified, and how it has become an emblem of suffering and shame. The song expresses gratitude for the cross and acknowledges that it is through Christ's death on the cross that sinners have been saved.
The inspiration behind the song
The Old Rugged Cross was written by George Bennard, an evangelist and hymn writer, in 1913. Bennard was inspired to write the song after attending a revival meeting in Michigan, where he heard a speaker talk about the cross of Christ. The speaker's words moved Bennard, and as he contemplated the message of the cross, he was inspired to write the hymn.
Bennard wrote the hymn in a hotel room in Albion, Michigan. He later said that the words and melody came to him in a single moment of inspiration. The song was an instant success and soon became one of the most popular hymns in the United States.
Bible verses referenced in the song
The Old Rugged Cross references several Bible verses that speak about the cross of Christ and its significance for believers. One of the most prominent verses is Galatians 6:14, which says, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." This verse speaks about the importance of the cross and how it should be the focus of our faith and devotion.
Another verse that is referenced in the song is 1 Corinthians 1:18, which says, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." This verse speaks about the power of the cross and how it is the means by which believers are saved.
Practical applications for Christians
The Old Rugged Cross has a powerful message for Christians today. The hymn reminds us of the sacrifice that Christ made for us and the love that He has for humanity. It also encourages us to cherish the cross and to cling to it, even in the face of trials and difficulties.
One practical application of the hymn is to remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us. As Christians, we should never forget the price that was paid for our salvation. We should be grateful for the love that Christ has shown us and strive to live our lives in a way that honors Him.
Another practical application of the hymn is to take up our own cross and follow Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." This means that we should be willing to sacrifice our own desires and ambitions for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.
Conclusion
The Old Rugged Cross is a powerful hymn that has touched the hearts of countless people over the years. It speaks about the love of Christ and the sacrifice that He made for us on the cross. The hymn reminds us of the importance of the cross and encourages us to cherish it and to cling to it, even in the face of trials and difficulties.
As Christians, we should take the message of the hymn to heart and strive to live our lives in a way that honors Christ and His sacrifice. We should be grateful for the love that He has shown us and seek to share that love with others. May we never forget the power of the cross and the hope that it brings to all who believe.
