The Old Rugged Cross
Embracing Redemption: The Old Rugged Cross's Profound Message
Lyrics
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
Describes the physical location of an old rugged cross on a distant hill.
The emblem of suffering and shame;
Highlights the cross as a symbol of suffering and shame.
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
Expresses love for the cross where the most beloved (dearest and best) was sacrificed for lost sinners.
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Emphasizes the purpose of the cross – the sacrifice for the salvation of lost sinners.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Declares an intention to cherish the cross until personal achievements (trophies) are surrendered.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Affirms a commitment to cling to the cross until the end, with a hopeful expectation of receiving a crown in the afterlife.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the determination to hold onto the old rugged cross.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Anticipates an eventual exchange of the cross for a crown, symbolizing heavenly reward.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Acknowledges that the world despises the old rugged cross, but it holds a special attraction for the speaker.
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
Describes the cross as having a wondrous attraction for the speaker.
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
Explains the significance of the Lamb of God leaving glory to bear the cross to Calvary.
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Highlights the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice – to bring salvation.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the commitment to cherish the old rugged cross and lay down personal achievements.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Restates the commitment to cling to the cross until the end.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Affirms the determination to hold onto the old rugged cross.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Expresses the expectation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Describes the old rugged cross as stained with divine blood and sees a wondrous beauty in it.
A wondrous beauty I see,
Highlights the beauty observed in the cross stained with divine blood.
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
Explains that Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pardon and sanctify the speaker.
To pardon and sanctify me.
Reiterates the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice – to bring forgiveness and sanctification.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reaffirms the commitment to cherish the old rugged cross and surrender personal achievements.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Reiterates the commitment to cling to the cross until the end.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Restates the determination to hold onto the old rugged cross.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Expresses the expectation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Declares a commitment to be true to the old rugged cross, willingly bearing its shame and reproach.
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Expresses a readiness to bear the shame and reproach associated with the old rugged cross.
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Anticipates a future call to a heavenly home where the speaker will share in God's glory forever.
Where His glory forever I'll share.
Describes the eternal reward of sharing in God's glory in the afterlife.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the commitment to cherish the old rugged cross and surrender personal achievements.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Restates the commitment to cling to the cross until the end.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Reaffirms the determination to hold onto the old rugged cross.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Expresses the expectation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
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