Books have been written and sermons preached on it. And it is the most recognizable symbol of Christianity. But what is the significance of the cross? Why do we make such a big deal over it? This article will explore just what the cross is, and why it has the significance that it does. I suspect most of us have seen movies where a cross is used to ward off evil. The thought is that holding a small replica of a cross will provide protection from satanic forces, or from vampires and such.
I have nothing against the wearing of a small cross. It can be a useful reminder of what Christ did for me. As well as telling the world around me just who I belong.
But there is nothing magical about a cross, any cross. A cross will not ward off evil more than any other object I might hold up. It is just a lifeless object with no inherent power. Even the cross that Jesus hung on has no magical power. It was a simple instrument of execution used by the Romans to punish and deter rebellion. The significance of the cross lies not in its physical being, but in what it represents.
I see the significance of the cross as being two-fold. The first is as a symbol. The cross symbolizes the atoning death of Jesus, who died for my sins and for the sins of the world. The world looks at the cross and sees weakness, irrationality, hate, and disgust. In the early decades of the Christian movement the scandal of the cross was most self-evident thing about it. It was not only the death of the Messiah, but the manner of his death that is an offense.
At the cross the whole world has the opportunity to be reconciled to the Father. The peace that the world has been seeking, the unity of all people is found in blood. Reconciliation for the world, peace, shalom, and unity comes only by the blood of the cross Col No blood means no harmony. Paul embodies the cross in his ministry, becoming the fragrance of death as he is lead on the triumphal procession 2 Cor. But Paul does not merely apply the cross to his own ministry, but he instructs the new community at Philippi to have the mind of Christ Phil.
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Sign In. Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.
Acts NASB. How did He die? With a crown of thorns crushed down on His head, His hands and feet were nailed to the cross Matthew ; Mark ; John , 18; After hours of anguish and pain, He chose to die when He knew that all of the prophecies had been fulfilled Matthew ; Mark ; Luke ; John ; Subsequently, a Roman spear was thrust into His side.
It was there on that cross Jesus died for your sins and mine. That afternoon the sky turned dark Matthew When He died, the ground rippled with an earthquake and the bodies of some saints were resurrected Matthew Soon afterward His dead body was removed from the cross and buried in a cave.
But His choice to do so in fulfillment of prophecies shows His humility in both life and death and His love for us as humans. He gave up everything for us in the ultimate sacrifice. Pro Tip: Remember that regardless of your actions, Jesus still loves you.
Nothing you can do is bad enough to change that. The meaning of this statement, and by extension the cross, is twofold.
First, the immediate earthly life of Jesus was over. He would show Himself briefly after the resurrection, but the cross marked a turning point in His relationship to other people. Second, the ultimate punishment for sin was and is complete.
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