Hymns by theme
Hymns about the cross
The cross stands at the center of Christian faith, and some of the deepest hymns ever written gaze at it: the suffering of Christ, the love that held him there, and the forgiveness won for the world. They range from the reflective — “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” — to the gospel songs that invite listeners to come to Calvary.
These hymns belong especially to Lent, Holy Week and Good Friday, and to services of Communion, but many congregations sing one every Sunday. They are listed with the most widely sung first. For hymns arranged by the days of Holy Week, see the Holy Week hymns page. All are in the public domain.
Hymns marked “♪ Chords” have a chart you can transpose to any key, with capo suggestions for guitar, and many of the others have a free play-along accompaniment. Print several at once with the button below for a Lenten study or a Good Friday service.
Print the top 40Build an order of service
The best-known hymns
The full list
- Praise for the Fountain opened — There is a fountain filled with blood
- My Faith Looks Up to Thee — My faith looks up to Thee,
- In the Cross of Christ — In the cross of Christ I glory,
- Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone — Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
- Down at the Cross — Down at the cross where my Savior died,
- Jesus Paid It All — I hear the Savior say,
- I Am Coming to the Cross — I am coming to the cross,
- There Is a Green Hill Far Away — There is a green hill far away,
- Nothing But the Blood of Jesus — What can wash away my sin?
- Faith in Christ Our Sacrifice — Not all the blood of beasts,
- Beneath the Cross of Jesus — Beneath the cross of Jesus
- Finished Redemption — Hark, the voice of love and mercy
- Are You Washed in the Blood? — Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r?
- Perfect Purification — Forever here my rest shall be,
- Behold the Savior of Mankind — Behold the Savior of mankind
- Looking at the Cross — In evil long I took delight,
- Take Up Thy Cross, the Savior Said — "Take up thy cross," the Saviour said,
- The Way of the Cross Leads Home — I must needs go home by the way of the cross,
- Vain, delusive world, adieu — Vain, delusive world, adieu,
- Come, and Welcome — From the cross uplifted high
- Welcome Cross — "Tis my happiness below
- Lord, as to Thy Dear Cross — Lord, as to Thy dear cross we flee,
- Love and Joy — O come, Thou stricken Lamb of God!
- Looking to the Cross — I saw One hanging on a tree,
- Nearer the Cross — "Nearer the cross my heart can say,
- What Sin Hath Done — Hearts of stone, relent, relent!
- Come to Calvary's Holy Mountain — Come to Calv'ry's holy mountain,
- A Dying Savior — Stretched on the cross, the Saviour dies;
- The Converted Thief — As on the cross the Saviour hung,
- O Lamb of God, still keep me
- O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done — O Love Divine! what hast Thou done!
- Hallelujah for the Cross! — The cross! it standeth fast,
- At the Cross Her Station Keeping — At the Cross her station keeping
- Nature With Open Volume Stands — Nature with open volume stands
- Blessed Be the Fountain — Blessed be the Fountain of blood,
- The Royal Banners Forward Go — The royal banners forward go,
- Behold the Lamb — Behold, behold the Lamb of God,
- Nailed to the Cross — There was One who was willing to die in my stead,
- Christ's Sufferings and Exaltation — Now let our mournful songs record
- Salvation, in Jesus, on the Cross — Here at Thy cross, my dying Lord,
- I Remember Calvary — Where He may lead me I will go,
Questions about hymns about the cross
What are the best-known hymns about the cross?
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Rock of Ages,” “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” and “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” are all on this page.
Can I use these hymns on Good Friday?
Yes — and the Holy Week hymns page groups hymns for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.