Throughout the history of the Christian church, followers of Jesus have used
the symbol of the cross in decoration, art, and even jewelry. Travel to ancient basilicas in far-away lands, or stop by a modern Christian church building and you will likely see a cross displayed somewhere.
Why is this? Why do Christians display a symbol of the instrument that was used to kill their Lord? Why be reminded of the grim reality of the torture and murder of Christ?
Some have even claimed that wearing a cross necklace is akin to wearing a gun necklace in remembrance of your friend who was shot and killed. Or perhaps, wearing a picture of a mangled car after hearing the news that a loved died in a wreck. That would be strange, wouldn't it? Yet, Christians still wear and display crosses. Why? Why wear a symbol that reminds you of death?
Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus declares His mission here on earth, stating that He had come "not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Statements such as this make it clear that Jesus was not merely some religious guru unwittingly killed by outsiders. His very purpose was to die upon the cross. When we celebrate the incarnation of Christ (God becoming flesh) during the Christmas season, one truth often pointed out is that this baby born in a manger is born in order that He may die. That may sound strange, but this is the testimony of God's word.
In fact, this was the very purpose of God, that evil men would put Christ to death. Acts
2:23 states, "this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." God brings about His purposes and plans even through the evil intentions of the hearts of wicked men. Therefore, we see the greatest tragedy in human history, the death of Christ, is also the greatest joy and only hope for those who trust in Him. The cross, a symbol of death, is then also a symbol of the destruction of eternal death.
It is through the death and resurrection of Christ that we can be made right with God and brought into a relationship with Him. It is through the death and resurrection of Christ that we can have true, transcendent joy and peace. It is through the death and resurrection of Christ that reality and life make sense. You see, from a biblical Christian perspective, the death and resurrection of Jesus is not simply something we celebrate around Easter every year; it is the very heart and soul of who we are and how we can have true hope.
The cross of Christ truly teaches us about God. Theologian Todd Nibert beautifully
explains:
"If we were limited to one word that could be used to tell who God is, that word would be cross. Every attribute of God is on full display in the cross. We see His holiness and justice; God hates sin and must punish it! We see His wisdom in finding a way to be both Just and Justifier of the ungodly. We see His omnipresence in being in heaven and pouring His wrath upon His Son, while being on earth enduring His own wrath in the person of His Son. We see His sovereignty in saving the one thief and passing the other by. We see His power in being able to put away sin. We see His eternal purpose unfold in 'the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.' And how the attributes of love, grace, and mercy shine forth from the cross! Is it any wonder Paul said, 'I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified,' and 'God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' There really is nothing else to preach or glory in! If we think there is, it is evident that we have never seen the real meaning of the cross."
No, Christians do not worship the cross, but we are called to use the symbol as a reminder of what Christ has accomplished for His people. Why wear a symbol that reminds you of death? Because it is the instrument through which God brings broken, sinful people to Himself.
Apart from the death of Christ upon the cross, we are utterly lost and hopeless. As the Apostle Paul states, "far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14). Therefore, let us thank God for the cross!
"So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown." (George Bennard, 1913)
