Seeing the Cross Anew — A Timeless Hymn Reimagined for Today
The Old Rugged Cross is a beloved classic Christian hymn celebrating Christ’s sacrifice and redeeming love. Discover the story behind this timeless worship song, its biblical foundation, reflective meaning, and a prayer inspired by the cross—perfect for Easter worship, personal devotion, and family faith moments.
The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history—a song that has led countless believers to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In this new version, the hymn is reimagined through the eyes of a young man on a personal journey of faith, inviting today’s listeners to encounter the cross not as a distant symbol, but as a deeply personal reality.
Set within the context of modern life—with its questions, pressures, and searching hearts—this new portrayal draws us back to the heart of the Gospel: Christ’s willing sacrifice, His love poured out, and the hope found at the cross.
The hymn The Old Rugged Cross was written in 1912 by George Bennard, during one of the most painful seasons of his life.
Bennard was a traveling evangelist who had witnessed great joy in ministry—but also deep heartbreak. He faced intense criticism, personal loss, and discouragement that left him wrestling with doubt and sorrow. During this season, his thoughts repeatedly returned to the cross of Jesus Christ.
As he reflected on the crucifixion, Bennard began to see the cross not merely as an instrument of suffering, but as the meeting place of pain and love, shame and glory, death and hope.
Late at night, often in quiet prayer, lines of the hymn slowly formed. He pictured Christ hanging on the cross—despised, rejected, yet choosing obedience out of love for humanity. The image stirred his heart so deeply that the hymn emerged not as a polished composition, but as a confession of faith born from suffering.
When the song was first sung publicly, it moved listeners to tears. People recognized their own pain in its message—and their hope in the cross it proclaimed. Over time, The Old Rugged Cross became a hymn sung at revivals, funerals, Easter services, and moments of deep reflection around the world.
This new version continues that legacy—helping a new generation pause, reflect, and respond to the meaning of the cross.
The message of The Old Rugged Cross flows directly from Scripture, echoing the Bible’s teaching about Christ’s sacrifice:
Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah 53:5
“He was pierced for our transgressions… and by his wounds we are healed.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes in Scripture the greatest symbol of redemption and love.
Rather than focusing on performance, this hymn leads worshipers through a spiritual journey:
The Cross as a Place of Shame
Acknowledging suffering, rejection, and the cost of obedience
The Cross as a Place of Love
Seeing Christ’s sacrifice as a willing act of grace and mercy
The Cross as Our Hope
Choosing to cling to the cross as the foundation of faith
The Cross as Our Glory
Looking forward to eternal life and final victory with Christ
In this modern arrangement, the story of a young man reflecting on the cross helps listeners ask:
What does the cross mean to me—here and now?
1 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.
2 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]
3 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]
4 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]
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humbled hearts as we look upon the cross of Jesus Christ.
Thank You for loving us so deeply that You gave Your Son—willingly, sacrificially, and completely.
When we are tempted to avoid suffering, remind us that the cross is the path of true love.
When we feel unworthy, remind us that grace was poured out there.
When we lose our way, draw us back to the foot of the cross.
Help us to cherish what You endured for us,
to carry our cross with faith,
and to follow Jesus with gratitude and devotion.
May the cross shape our lives, our choices, and our hope.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Luke 9:23
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
The Old Rugged Cross invites us to slow down, to remember, and to respond.
In a world chasing comfort and success, this hymn gently calls us back to the place where love was proven, sin was defeated, and hope was secured.
👉 Listen • Reflect • Worship at the Cross
