The Christian Cross
- what significance has it for the christian?
The Christian cross is equated with Christendom. We see them inside and outside church buildings.
We also see crosses worn as christian cross jewelry adorning the necks of Christians.
In today's world, the cross has become a fashion statement. Crosses are possibly made more popular by the hip hop culture which started in the 1970s among the African-American youth and gain popularity both in the United States and Canada in the 2000s. Influenced by this bling bling or hip hop fashion, cross jewelry have become bigger and brighter.
Bling-bling or bling is a hip hop slang term that refers to elaborate and shining jewelry and clothings.
The same can be said about Christian cross tattoos. With tattoos being an in-thing, we see the cross being inked onto arms, shoulders, legs and other parts of the body. For cross tattoos, the designs are more elaborate; usually with angel wings and other added details incorporated into the designs. A recent television production named Miami Ink makes tattooing an art form and Chris Garver, the main tattoo artist is said to be a tattoo master with a long list of celebrities as his clients.
What Significance Has The Cross For Us?
The cross like the
Christian Fish is a Chrisitian symbol. To a Christian, the cross brings to mind the crucifixion of Christ.
Personally, the cross symbol is a reminder of the death of Jesus Christ; of how Jesus died on the cross to bring us back into a loving relationship with God, our Creator.
For Christ also died for sins once for all,
the just for the unjust,
so that He might bring us to God,
having been put to death in the flesh,
but made alive in the spirit.
I Peter 3:18
The Christian cross speaks to me of God's love for man. What is it about me and you that God would send His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us? He put on Christ the sin of the world, my sin and yours, and punished Him in our place. Jesus Himself knew that He was to die on the cross to bring us back to God. He, the just dying for the unjust; the sinless dying for the sinner. What great love is demonstrated on the cross of Calvary!
For when we were still without strength
in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die;
yet perhaps for a good man
someone would even dare to die.
But God demonstrates His love toward us,
in that, while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
Much more then,
having now been justified by His blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
For if when we were enemies
we were reconciled to God
through the death of His Son,
much more, having been reconciled,
we shall be saved by His life
Romans 5:6-10
Some might say that God is a cruel God. That He sent man to hell. I say that He is a just and merciful God. He sent Jesus to save us from hell.
The cross also speaks to me of victory over death. At the cross, Jesus conquered death and the grave.
"Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law;
but thanks be to God,
who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15-55-57
The Christian cross is not a symbol of doom or failure but that of celebration; triumphant celebration of Jesus' resurrection - of God's love, and power - the central message of Easter. It points to a loving God who reaches down to deliver man from the bondage of sin. It points to Jesus who willingly lay down His life for us.
Yes, the Christian cross stands as a witness to the everflowing love of God for mankind and the triumphant victory of God's awesome power over evil and death.
At The Cross
Words by Isaac Watts/Refrain by Ralph E. Hudson/Music by Hugh Wilson
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross
where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine -
And bathed in its own blood-
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature's sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can never repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do.
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