The Old Rugged Cross

One of my fond memories growing up was going to work with my Dad in his pickup and hearing him sing his favorite hymns on the way to work. His spirit of awe and worship toward our God and Savior was evident as he sang. One song that was a favorite of his in particular was “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Over the years, this song has been a favorite of mine as well, and I am sure the song will bless many generations to come. The simplicity of the gospel is so clear..

1. In life, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

2. Christ Died for us while we were yet sinners. (Romans 6:23)

3. Christ took on the weight of every wrong doing and sinful act and thought of man on the Cross. Can you imagine the shame he felt being nailed to a cross and brutally dying because of what we had done wrong. It was so symbolic of the cross that he was put there by the very people that he came to die for. Embedded in that very action is the nature of the spirit in which we should act as well For us to forgive those who have wronged us because we have been forgiven of our wrong doing. We should strive to take on the Mind of Christ. (Phil 2:1-13)

4. We have hope because our sin didn’t keep him on the cross or in the grave…. Christ Rose from the dead, and we have a viable hope that goes beyond any difficulty we may face here on earth. He conquered sin, He conquered death, and He promised us a place with Him forever in heaven,.. In fact he has gone there after he rose from the dead to prepare a place for us. (John 14:6)

5. I hope the following song will give you a lift today as you consider the greatness of what God has done for you. Maybe this is one of your favorites as well.

“The Old Rugged Cross.”

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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.

O 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.

In the 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 ad sanctify me.

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,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Jeff Dyk