Guy Penrod - The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

The Old Rugged Cross Video

The Old Rugged Cross Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The Old Rugged Cross by Guy Penrod: A Timeless Hymn of Faith

When it comes to timeless hymns of faith, few can match the enduring popularity of "The Old Rugged Cross." This beloved song has been a staple of Christian worship for well over a century and continues to inspire believers around the world with its message of redemption, grace, and hope.

We will explore the song's lyrics, its meaning, and its significance for Christian believers today.

The Story Behind the Song

Before we dive into the lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross," it's worth taking a moment to consider the story behind the song. The hymn was written by George Bennard, a Methodist evangelist who lived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

According to one account, Bennard was inspired to write the song after attending a revival meeting in Michigan. During the meeting, he heard a speaker describe the cross of Christ as a symbol of both suffering and salvation. This idea stuck with Bennard, who began to meditate on the significance of the cross in his own life.

One day, Bennard was walking home from a church service when he came across a pile of lumber in a ditch by the side of the road. As he sat on one of the wooden beams, he began to reflect on the words he had heard at the revival meeting. In that moment, he felt a powerful sense of inspiration, and he began to write the lyrics to "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bennard later described the experience in his own words:

"I began to write the words and the tune that had been singing in my soul. I wrote it with tears. I wrote it with joy. The words seemed to be set to music as fast as I could write them down."

The result was a hymn that would go on to become one of the most beloved and enduring songs of the Christian faith.

The Lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross"

Now that we know a bit about the story behind the song, let's take a closer look at the lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross." Here is the first verse:

"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"

Right from the opening lines, we can see that "The Old Rugged Cross" is a hymn that focuses on the central symbol of the Christian faith: the cross of Christ. The song describes the cross as "an emblem of suff'ring and shame," a reference to the fact that Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross as a criminal.

Despite the ignominy of the cross, however, the song's narrator declares his love for it. He calls it "the dearest and best" because it represents the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus giving his life for the salvation of all humanity.

The second verse expands on this theme:

"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"

Here, the song acknowledges that the cross is not universally beloved. In fact, it is often seen as a symbol of weakness and defeat. But for the Christian believer, there is a "wondrous attraction" to the cross, precisely because of what it represents: the self-giving love of Christ.

The reference to the "dear Lamb of God" is a direct allusion to Jesus, who is described in the New Testament as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The song also references Calvary, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, which is a reminder of the high cost of salvation.

The third verse of the song highlights the beauty of the cross:

"In the old rugged Cross, stain'd with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me"

Here, the song emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the cross. Though it was an instrument of torture and death, for the Christian it is also a place of beauty and wonder. This is because the cross represents the love and mercy of God, who was willing to sacrifice his own Son for the sake of sinners.

The final verse of the song looks to the future:

"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"

Here, the song encourages Christians to remain faithful to the cross, even in the face of opposition and persecution. The promise is that one day, believers will be called to their eternal home, where they will share in the glory of God forever.

Bible Verses That Inform the Song

As we have seen, "The Old Rugged Cross" is a song that is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. The lyrics are filled with references to biblical themes and stories. Here are just a few of the verses that help to inform the song:

- "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
- "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
- "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" (Matthew 16:24)

These verses help to provide the biblical foundation for the message of "The Old Rugged Cross." They remind us that the cross is not just a symbol of suffering and shame, but also of love, grace, and redemption.

Practical Application for Christian Living

So what can we take away from this classic hymn of the faith? How can we apply the message of "The Old Rugged Cross" to our daily lives as Christians?

First and foremost, the song reminds us of the high cost of our salvation. The cross was not a cheap or easy solution to the problem of sin. It required the ultimate sacrifice: the death of the Son of God.

As we contemplate the cost of our salvation, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us. We are called to respond to that love with gratitude and devotion, remaining faithful to the cross even when it is unpopular or difficult.

Finally, "The Old Rugged Cross" reminds us of the hope that we have as believers. Though we live in a world that is marked by suffering, sin, and death, we have the promise of eternal life with God.

As we sing this timeless hymn, we are reminded of the power and beauty of the cross. We are called to cling to it, even as we look forward to the day when we will share in God's glory forever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Old Rugged Cross" is a hymn that has stood the test of time. Its message of redemption, grace, and hope continues to resonate with believers around the world, inspiring us to remain faithful to the cross of Christ.

As we sing this classic hymn, let us remember the story behind it and the biblical truths that it embodies. Let us give thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and for the love and mercy of God that it represents. And let us look forward with hope to the day when we will share in God's glory forever.