I hear the Savior say
"Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness, watch and pray
Find in Me thine all in all"
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
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
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete
"Jesus died my soul to save"
My lips shall still repeat
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
The Cross Medley: Jesus Paid It All / The Old Rugged Cross
The Cross Medley: Jesus Paid It All / The Old Rugged Cross Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Cross Medley by Anthem Lights stands as a powerful blend of two timeless Christian hymns, "Jesus Paid It All" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Released with a video on March 30, 2018, this medley serves to bring the profound messages of salvation and sacrifice to contemporary listeners through Anthem Lights' signature vocal harmonies. It weaves together the themes of Christ's complete work on the cross and the believer's response of devotion and hope.
The first part of the medley draws from "Jesus Paid It All," a hymn emphasizing the total sufficiency of Christ's atonement. It speaks to the human condition of weakness and sin, highlighting that our own strength is insufficient. The core message is that Jesus has paid the full price for sin, symbolized by the powerful imagery of a "crimson stain" being washed "white as snow," reflecting the biblical concept of cleansing and redemption made possible only through His sacrifice. This section underscores the complete dependence of the believer on Christ for salvation and standing before God.
Transitioning into "The Old Rugged Cross," the medley shifts focus to the physical emblem of Christ's suffering and love. This hymn acknowledges the cross as a symbol of shame and suffering, yet transforms it into an object of profound love and devotion because of the sacrifice made there by the "Dearest and Best" for a world lost in sin. It speaks to the personal commitment of the believer to "cherish" and "cling" to the cross throughout life, viewing it not just as a historical event but as the central point of faith, looking forward to a future promise of receiving a "crown" in exchange for their earthly journey and reliance on the cross.
Together, "The Cross Medley" creates a comprehensive narrative of the Christian faith centered on Christ's work. It moves from the understanding of personal need and the divine provision of payment for sin to the veneration of the cross as the instrument of that salvation and the commitment to live in light of that sacrifice, anticipating eternal life. The combination resonates deeply, reminding listeners of the depth of Christ's love, the cost of salvation, and the hope that results from embracing the message of the cross, echoing scriptural truths about atonement, purification, and the victory won on Calvary.
