The Old Rugged Cross
Guy Penrod Lyrics
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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
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
'Til 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
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
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Yes, I'll cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Guy Penrod's song "At The Cross" is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of the Christian faith. The song draws on the imagery of Christ's crucifixion to reflect on the transformative power of the cross. The first verse describes the cross as a symbol of both suffering and love. The singer asserts their love for the cross because it represents the sacrifice of Christ for the world. In the chorus, they declare their intent to "cherish" and "cling" to this symbol until they can exchange it for a crown in the eternal kingdom of heaven.
The second verse of the song offers an even more vivid picture of the crucifixion. The singer describes the "wondrous beauty" they see in the cross, which is stained with the "blood so divine" of Jesus. They declare that this sacrifice was for their own pardon and sanctification. The verse echoes the theme of redemption that runs throughout the song. In the final verse, the singer pledges to be true to the cross, no matter what shame or reproach it may bring. They look forward to the day when Christ will call them home to His glory, and they will receive their crown.
Overall, "At The Cross" is a stirring tribute to the Christian faith and its foundational symbol. The song acknowledges the pain and suffering inherent in the crucifixion of Jesus, but it also emphasizes the transformative power of that sacrifice. The singer asserts their unwavering commitment to the cross, and looks ahead to the eternal rewards that await those who follow in Christ's footsteps.
Line by Line Meaning
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
In a distant place, on a mountain, was an old cross that was simple and rough in appearance
The emblem of suffering and shame
A symbol of pain and disgrace
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
I have an affection for that old cross where the most precious and beloved person
For a world of lost sinners was slain
Died for a universe of sinners without direction
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
I will value and appreciate the old rough cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
Until I achieve everything I've ever wanted in life and decide to let it go
I will cling to the old rugged cross
I will hold onto the old rough cross
And exchange it someday for a crown
And will swap it someday for something even more valuable
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
In that simple, rough cross, that shines so brightly due to the sacred blood it bears
A wondrous beauty I see
I observe a marvelous beauty
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
It was on that simple, rough cross where Jesus endured immense suffering and passed away
To pardon and sanctify me
To forgive and purify me
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
I will always remain loyal and faithful to the old rough cross
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
I'll gladly bear any humiliation or disapproval associated with it
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away
Sometime in the future, He'll summon me to my heavenly home far-off
Where His glory forever I'll share
Where I'll enjoy unparalleled glory that will never fade
Yes, I'll cling to the old rugged cross
Indeed, I'll hold onto the old rough cross
And exchange it someday for a crown
And will swap it someday for a more valuable item
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: George Bennard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
steven matcham
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
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I'll cherish the old 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
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
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Yes i'll cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Square Missi
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
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
'Til 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
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
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Yes, I'll cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Theza Van Gobel
I'm a Muslim but this song brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful and meaningful lyrics. 💕
Patricia MMS
Be blessed and may you experience the love of our lord Jesus.
Career Corner876
May you experience the Love of Christ.
Dame Syiemlieh
Jesus love u
Philip S. Wells
wow.
May the Almighty bless you dearest
Linh Hong Le
JC would come back and save Muslim too
steven matcham
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
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I'll cherish the old 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
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
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Yes i'll cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Karen Swift
I remember growing up hearing my momma sing this.. As I got older, I strayed away and started getting into the dark arts, but God never gave up on me, he was always right by my side and for years I tried to deny him but he would not let me go.. I lost my momma 3 years ago to septic shock and my world spiraled out of control, my heart shattered into a million tiny pieces I cared for no one, nothing, I didn't care if I lived or died... but then one day, God busted my heart wide open, the tears started flowing and I knew where I belonged, I prayed and the tears would not stop coming, I told God I was so sorry for everything I had ever done that hurt him and to please forgive me and to work in me to show me what it was that he wanted me to do.. I have a peaceful heart now, where as before, I was always fighting and arguing, but people, let me tell you, he took all of that away, he replaced the bitterness in my heart with his peace and undying love... What an amazing love he has for us... Undying and ever faithful he is... Thank you God for not ever giving up on me... Just wanted to share.. Stay blessed and stay safe...
Micheline Dellevi
Oh Lady, i ask God to continue to bless you abundantly now and always!
Bryan Campbell
Just beautiful Karen! I’m in a similar situation to you right now. Your testimony inspires me and gives me hope. Thank you for sharing😊