Lyrics
Oh the beauty of the rugged cross
Drenched in mercy ever cleansing blood
There my sins forever swept away
In that torrent of that crimson blood
Oh wonderous love that called me out by name
The one who made it all died to make a way
And every earthly gain I will count as loss
I am redeemed, that's the beauty of the cross
O the healing of the rugged cross
Flowing down from mercy's violent wounds
Every wound and every sacred scar
Laid on Him so I could be made new
Oh wonderous love that called me out by name
The one who made it all died to make a way
And every earthly gain I will count as loss
I am redeemed, that's the beauty of the cross
Oh the beauty of the rugged cross
Oh the power of the rugged cross
Where he crushed the vile serpent's head
There my victory broke the curse of sin
Three days later curse the sting of death
Oh wonderous love that called me out by name
The one who made it all died to make a way
And every earthly gain I will count as loss
I am redeemed, that's the beauty of the cross
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Beauty of the Cross reflects on Christ’s crucifixion as the place where mercy, cleansing, healing, and victory meet. The verses move from sins being swept away to wounds through which renewal is received. Their imagery recalls the New Testament’s teaching that Christ bore sin in His body and that His blood provides redemption. The chorus answers that sacrifice with wonder, describing a love that calls the sinner by name and makes a way back to God.
The final verse widens the focus from forgiveness to triumph. Its reference to the serpent’s defeat echoes the biblical promise that evil would ultimately be overcome, while the mention of the third day points to Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. Earthly gain is counted as loss beside redemption, an idea closely associated with Paul’s words in Philippians 3. The song holds sorrow and hope together: the rugged cross bears the wounds of sacrifice, yet it also announces cleansing, new life, and the breaking of sin’s curse.
Related Scripture
- 1 Peter 2:24 Christ bears sins in His body on the cross, and His wounds bring healing.
- Colossians 2:13-15 Christ cancels the record of sin and triumphs over hostile powers through the cross.
- Philippians 3:7-8 Paul counts former gains as loss because of the surpassing worth of Christ.