In response to jez’s comment, I’ve been reading online this morning on the cross, I guess in part because I want all things I be correct in God’s eyes, and only He knows my heart. So I have come across several interesting reads, just googled the “symbol of the cross” and there is much there. Here is one: The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic? and it’s got me thinking and processing that which I know, thought I knew, and that which I have yet to understand.
What illumination do you opinionated people have in response to the symbol of the cross?
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May 27, 2004 at 11:23 am
Doug
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I don’t think that am omnipotent God is shy of that symbol. He wasn’t then and He isn’t now. Yes, the cross symbolizes the torturous death that Christ endured, but note the word “joy” in the supplied verse brings an imporant matter to light. Jesus endured the suffering of the cross for the joy of being exalted at the right hand of God. He was exalted for doing and completing the work He was sent for, and that work was to do the Father’s will. The Father’s will was that we might have redemption, for His glory.
Yes, the cross is a gruesome reminder of the terrible price that was paid. When I consider what price my salvation was paid with, I am humbled at the value God has on my future and the future of others. I make it a point to value the nature and the spirit of the gift, and not just the gift itself.
The cross was a very cruel punishment. It was horrific and publicly humiliating. God came to our level so we may one day ascend to His level. To try to cheapen that fact sickens me.
Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!
May 27, 2004 at 11:53 am
Monica
I was waiting to hear from you Doug! ; ) And you didn’t disappoint me! : )
I was thinking that there are many people who display or wear the cross and fail to see it to the depths of what it represents. To them it’s more idoltry because they are just living their lives on the surface. I see the cross representing God’s gift to reconcile us to Himself, it’s our choice to accept the gift, in all it’s reality of combined ugliness and beauty, and to take it up daily and follow Jesus.