Millions wear or own a cross.
This symbol is venerated across the wide spectrum of Christianity.
The icon comes in many different shapes and forms.
It is worn around the neck, displayed in one’s home, showcased atop church steeples, and
used in various other ways.
Many feel displaying the crucifix shows their belief in Jesus’ sacrifice.
Yet, taking a deeper look at its origin may surprise you.
Have you ever asked, Does Wearing a Cross Represent Jesus?
Examine what history reveals.
According to The Classic Encyclopedia, “The cross has been used both as a religious symbol
and as an ornament, from the dawn of man’s civilization.
Various objects, dating from periods long anterior to the Christian era, have been found,
marked with crosses of different designs, in almost every part of the old world.”
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words explains that the shape
of the cross “had its origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used as the symbol of the
god Tammuz…in that country and in adjacent lands, including Egypt.”
Very few understand that this Christian symbol long predated Christianity.
These facts should greatly help you in deciding whether God would want you to wear or display
it.
He commands everyone to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
What is even more interesting about the shape of the cross is that the Bible does not actually
specify what the instrument of Jesus’ suffering looked like.
While some verses do refer to the “cross of Christ,” the Greek word translated cross
can also mean “a stake or post.”
And other scriptures record that Christ was nailed to a “tree.”
The Greek word used in these verses means “timber, stick, club, tree or other wooden
article or substance.”
Anciently, Roman soldiers would crucify people using wooden structures of various shapes.
Sometimes they used upright stakes or poles.
Other times they used wooden crosses by attaching beams either at or just below the top.
If God wanted us to know exactly what the instrument of Jesus’ death looked like,
He would have recorded it.
Yet, He deliberately left it unclear.
This is because He wants His followers to focus on something else.
Consider what is more important: The specific shape of the instrument used to kill Jesus?—or
the purpose and meaning of His sacrifice?
What does the Bible say about physical symbols?
“You shall not make unto yourself any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is
in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you
shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them…”
We honor God when we value His awesome plan and love for mankind over physical objects.
The Bible teaches, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in
spirit and in truth.”
This is the way to represent Jesus!
To learn more, read our free article, Should You Wear a “Christian” Cross?,
and the free book, The True Jesus Christ – Unknown to Christianity.
Also, watch the World to Come broadcast, “The True Jesus – Unknown!”
All of these items are available on our website, rcg.org.