The Old Rugged Cross

This has long been a favorite song of mine, especially when I stop to consider all that He went through on the cross and the night before.

I both hate and love The Passion of the Christ, because it really brings home what Christ went through so that my debt to Him could be marked Paid In Full. The scourging that is shown in that movie is so horrific and yet I don't think it shows the full extent of what He went through. I believe that no person in the history of the world or in the future to come has or will suffer as much as He did.

The scourging that tore His flesh to the bone...

Ripping out His beard by the roots...

The crown of thorns...

The mocking and scorn from people that He created and was dying to save...

And yet He accepts us, all of us - no matter what we have done, with open arms the moment we turn to Him and say "I believe in You. I believe that Your blood was spilled to wash away my sins against You. I believe that You died, defeated Satan and Death, and rose again three days later. Thank You."

Yeah, I'm preaching, but what can be more important in life than glorifying the God of the universe, the God who created everything, the God who sacrificed His Son for you and me?

The Old Rugged Cross

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.

Refrain:
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.

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.

(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)

To that 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.

(Refrain)

***

For a scientific view on what all Christ went through on the cross visit this page.

Lyrics from HymnSite.

Last week - Fairest Lord Jesus
Second - Be Thou My Vision
First - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God