Medley: The Old Rugged Cross
Carman Lyrics


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Oh, that old rugged cross, so very much despised by the world--it still holds a wondrous attraction to me; for the Bible says that it was there that the dear Lamb of God left the glory that He had above to bear it on dark Calvary.
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 some day for a crown.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
(old rugged cross)
And exchange it some day for a crown.
"Oh the Blood of Jesus
Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Oh, the blood of Jesus!
It washes white as snow.
Oh, the blood... of Jesus
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Oh, the blood... of Jesus
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Somebody say, Oh, the blood... of Jesus
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
It washes white as snow.
One day, nearly two thousand years ago, John the Baptist saw Jesus standing along the banks of the Jordan.
He pointed his finger and he said these words:
"Behold, the Lamb."
But you see, folks, this lamb isn't just an ordinary lamb.
This lamb is from God; and this lamb just doesn't cover, but this lamb takes sin away.
Behold, The Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.
That's why today I can say,
I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
You know, I'm
I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
Yes, I am
Oh, I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
It washes white as snow.
Oh, the blood... of Jesus!
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Oh, the blood... of Jesus!
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Oh, the blood of Jesus!
(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
It washes white as snow.
Yes, it does




It washes white as snow.
It washes white as snow.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Carman's song Medley: The Old Rugged Cross revolve around the central themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The first part of the medley focuses on the old, rugged cross that is despised by the world but holds a wondrous attraction for the singer. This is because the Bible states that it was there that Jesus, the Lamb of God, left his glory to bear the cross and be crucified on Calvary. The singer cherishes the old rugged cross and will cling to it until they can exchange it for a crown in heaven.


The medley then transitions into the powerful refrain, "Oh, the blood of Jesus!" The singer expresses gratitude for the blood of Jesus, which washes white as snow and takes away the sins of the world. John the Baptist is mentioned, who saw Jesus as the Lamb of God and pointed him out as the one who takes sin away. Ultimately, the singer is thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the power of his blood to cleanse and redeem.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, that old rugged cross, so very much despised by the world--it still holds a wondrous attraction to me; for the Bible says that it was there that the dear Lamb of God left the glory that He had above to bear it on dark Calvary.
Despite being hated by the world, the old rugged cross still holds a special place in my heart because it was the place where the Lamb of God sacrificed himself to bear our sins.


On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
There was an old, rugged cross on a hill in a distant location.


The emblem of suffering and shame;
The cross was a symbol of both suffering and shame.


And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
I have a deep love for that old cross where the dearest and best sacrificed themselves.


For a world of lost sinners was slain.
The sacrifice on the cross was made for the sake of all the lost sinners in the world.


So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
I will hold onto that old rugged cross dearly.


Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will hold onto that cross until the end of my life.


I will cling to the old rugged cross,
I will hold onto that old rugged cross tightly.


And exchange it some day for a crown.
I will exchange the old rugged cross for a crown in the future.


I will cling to the old rugged cross,
I will hold onto that old rugged cross tightly.


(old rugged cross)


And exchange it some day for a crown.
I will exchange the old rugged cross for a crown in the future.


"Oh the Blood of Jesus
Let us sing about the Blood of Jesus.


Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


It washes white as snow.
His blood makes us pure.


Oh, the blood... of Jesus
Jesus' blood is amazing!


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Oh, the blood... of Jesus
Jesus' blood is amazing!


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Somebody say, Oh, the blood... of Jesus
Let's all sing "Oh, the blood of Jesus!"


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


It washes white as snow.
His blood makes us pure.


One day, nearly two thousand years ago, John the Baptist saw Jesus standing along the banks of the Jordan.
About two thousand years ago, John saw Jesus standing by the Jordan.


He pointed his finger and he said these words:
John pointed his finger and said:


"Behold, the Lamb."
"Look, it's the Lamb."


But you see, folks, this lamb isn't just an ordinary lamb.
This Lamb is special.


This lamb is from God; and this lamb just doesn't cover, but this lamb takes sin away.
This Lamb came from God and doesn't just cover our sins, but takes them away.


Behold, The Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.
Behold, The Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.


That's why today I can say,
That's why I can say today:


I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
I'm grateful for the blood of Jesus!


You know, I'm
You know,


I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
I'm grateful for the blood of Jesus!


Yes, I am
Yes, I am.


Oh, I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus!
Oh, I'm grateful for the blood of Jesus!


It washes white as snow.
His blood makes us pure.


Oh, the blood... of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Oh, the blood... of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


Oh, the blood of Jesus!
Jesus' blood is amazing!


(Oh, the blood of Jesus!)
Jesus' blood is amazing!


It washes white as snow.
His blood makes us pure.


Yes, it does
Yes, it does.


It washes white as snow.
His blood makes us pure.




Contributed by Miles J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

LaJoy Renae

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 (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
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share
And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown



Vanessa Moroldo

To every Christian Brother and Sister,

First seek the Kingdom of Heaven and all its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you,
Peace of mind and Heart, Love, Security Health, Joy and Faith in God that moves mountains. Matt. 6:33.
Matthew  5 :6: 7:

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to call sinners to repentance, so that sin should not have dominion and power over us. 
Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.  I Am the vine and you are the branches. 
If you remain united to me, you can ask the Father for anything in My Name and He will give it to you. 
Ask that your joy may be full.  If you ask according to the Will of God.”

It is God’s will that we live holy lives, in mind, heart, soul, body and desires. 
Gospel John 15:  

God has not given us a spirit of Fear, but of Power and Love and a sound mind.. 
2 Timothy 1:  7..

It is not God’s will that His children are held in bondage in the grip of Satan and sin.
It matters not how small the sin seems to be. The author of sin is Satan and Satan wants to destroy us, in this life and in hell for eternity.
Sin is a cancer, which spreads that will eventually destroy our whole triune person, spirit/soul, mind and body, with fear, depression and sickness, in this world and for eternity. 

Satan comes only to Rob you, kill you and destroy you. Jesus came that you may have life and have it more abundantly. John 10: 10.

Jesus came so that Satan and all his LIES would no longer have dominion and power over you.

Judge everything in Life with the knowledge that every unredeemed man, woman and child is a Liar,
and the father of all Liars is Satan the god of this world.

Until you are Born Again from Above you will never know true peace or see the kingdom of heaven,  
John 3: 1 -21

The Life, purity and goodness in meditating and contemplating the teachings of Jesus Christ the Son of God, is the only salvation our soul, renewing our mind, liberating our spirit from fear of death, sickness and poverty .
The only way to destroy the power of sin in your life is to face Satan and your own sin in full combat with your Cross through the Word of God. 
Be as willing to be crucified in Christ’s death on your cross today, than to ever willfully commit another sin, thereby giving your allegiance to the Antichrist and be forever separated from our Divine Lord.  
Galatians 3:13; Galatians 5: 6:  Matthew, 4: 1 – 11.  

Always pray the Will of God the Father be done, in every situation, according to the Will of God, through faith which works by Loving God and your neighbour as you love yourself.   

It is God’s Will that we are empowered to destroy Satan and the power sin has over our mind, heart, soul & body, Mark 11: 23 - 26..    

Those who belong to Christ Jesus our Lord, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts”
Romans 6:  Galatians 5: 16-26. 

“The road to life is narrow and few there are who find it.” Matthew 7: 13 – 14.  
 
The world today is full of False Prophets and Teachers.  Be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove...
Read 2 Peter 2: “God Is Watching You”  The Cross is the Sign of God’s Love for us,
The Cross is the sign of God’s Peace left with us.  

Written by
Vanessa Thérèse Risi
🕊🙏 📖  ✝️  📖 🙏 🕊  😇



All comments from YouTube:

Kaye Quinn

Watching this with tears of bittersweet feelings. While sad that such a talented servant has left us,I know he has exchanged the cross for a crown. Rest in His arms...one day you will rise up to join us in the Rapture

Nobert Okpewho

Rest In Peace Brother Carman.
You will always be remembered for your uniqueness and love for God.
Sing on in glory. My condolences to your wife and family.

LaJoy Renae

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 (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
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share
And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Lawanda Finch

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Texas Basement Builds

Thank You Jesus for giving us Carmen. He helped bring so many into your kingdom. These were great times...such precious memories'

Backtobasics

RIP Carman! You will be missed.

Freedom Construction of IN, INC. Franklin McCarter

So glad that Jesus Christ gave me the Holy Ghost, for this I love him Unconditionally

Barbara Thomas

See you later Brother! We'll miss the simplicity of the gospel that you shared with us! We love you!

Laurienne Yates

I was also saved in 80's. Still have his music on old tapes. What a disciple! Gone home to his master. World needs this voice now. Why why why?

Preggy Chinnamunian

I was truly inspired by your songs Sir as an early Christian in the late 80's. You helped me grow through your music. God bless you Carman and I pray that you will be made whole from your illness by the precious Blood of Jesus this blessed Good Friday.

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