THE CROSS
PART 1 in the Series, Christian & Jewish Symbols of Faith
The most recognisable symbol of the Christian faith today is undoubtedly the Cross. One can travel to almost any part of the world and, be it in the form of jewellery, a print on a tee-shirt, a cross finial sitting atop a church or a cross placed on a grave site, most would instantly recognise its connection to Christianity. But this has only been the case since the 4th Century.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Catacombs in Rome (used from late 1st Century) where many of the earliest Christians were laid to rest. They had lived in a pagan and hostile society where many were persecuted, imprisoned, exiled or even executed for their illegal beliefs. Unable to express their faith openly, these early Christians resorted to the use of more abstract symbols to record their devotion to Christ and to communicate their shared faith to other believers. Among these symbols used in the Catacombs, there are numerous examples of anchors, the ‘monogram of Christ’ and the fish.
Based on Heb 6:19, the anchor was a symbol of their firm hope in an eternal life with their Saviour,
By interlacing two letters of the Greek alphabet: X (chi) and P (ro), the monogram spelled out the first two letters of the Greek word Christòs or Christ.
The letters of the Greek word for fish, Ichthus, formed an acrostic: Iesùs Christòs Theòu Uiòs Sotèr = Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.
While these symbols are descriptive and powerful in their meanings and still have their place today, it was only with the conversion to Christ of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD, that the Cross actually came into prominence. He abolished crucifixion in the Roman Empire and subsequently promoted the crux immissa – the Latin cross - as well as the Chi Ro monogram (above) as symbols of the Christian faith he now shared.
Some 1700 years later, the Cross as a symbol, still evokes a range of different thoughts and emotions in each of us. At its most basic level, since it was a cruel means of execution, the Cross speaks of death and suffering. It may conjure thoughts of sacrifice and love, of humility, and even of divine justice. It has power to move us to deep emotion and to unite believers even without the need of spoken words.
The New Testament frequently references the Cross, emphasizing its importance to our faith. We could summarise those verses under four major headings.
1. The PAIN of the CROSS
Philippians 2:8 speaks of the depth of Christ’s humility and obedience to God’s will, “to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Heb 12:2 adds some insight into what He suffered and His response to the humiliation of crucifixion as He, “endured the cross, despising the shame…”
In our day, we tend to speak somewhat clinically of ‘the Cross,’ and perhaps, even inadvertently, we tend to diminish the enormous suffering our Saviour endured. The reality is that it was an horrendous ordeal, and the Cross reminds us that our salvation was purchased at very great cost. What makes it even more poignant is that He did it, “for the joy that was set before Him,” the joy of our redemption.
2. The PURPOSE of the CROSS
When Jesus was crucified, multiple blessings flowed to mankind… to us. Peter tells us He, “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pe 2:24; see also Isa 53:4-6). Sin separates us from a righteous and holy God, and we are incapable of saving ourselves no matter what we do (see Rom 3:10-18). So God’s purpose through the Cross was first to provide a perfect substitute to pay the penalty for all our sins. Jesus said that He must, “be lifted up that whoever believes in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15). And as a result, when we place our faith in Christ, we have, “Peace through the blood of His cross,” (Col 1:20). The Cross reminds us that our salvation and peace with God are amazing GIFTS from His gracious hand.
3. The PREEMINENCE of the CROSS
Paul was a learned man whose spiritual and ancestral credentials were impeccable. (Phil 3:4-6) He was zealous for God’s Law and set about trying to stop the spread of teachings concerning Jesus. But, once he knew the truth about Jesus, he saw all his previous accomplishments and knowledge, “as rubbish that [he] may gain Christ.” (Phil 3:8) From that time, he continually pointed to the pre-eminence of the Cross in all his teachings: “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2); “But we teach Christ crucified…” (1 Cor 1:23); “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal 6:14). The Cross reminds us that we have no basis on which to boast about our own achievements or righteousness or ability to save ourselves. Faith in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross alone lies at the very heart of both our own salvation and our Christian witness to others.
4. The POWER of the CROSS
One of the most profound claims concerning the Cross, was made by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. He wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Gal 2:20) As we have already seen (1 Pe 2:24), on the Cross, Jesus carried the full burden of our sin - every last part – and made full atonement on our behalf. This was the great exchange: the innocent for the guilty, the righteous for the unrighteous, the sinless for the sinner, Jesus for me! And when I place my faith in HIM WHO DIED FOR ME to put an end to sin, spiritually the result is as if I HAD DIED WITH HIM. This is a difficult concept to fully grasp, but there is amazing power in the Cross of Christ. The key thing to understand here is that, through crucifixion, the power of sin in my life has been broken! I do not have to live under its control! I have died to it! Through the Cross of Christ, I have a choice previous dispensations did not know. I can now act on this truth and ask the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do… produce the life of Christ in me. This is what it means to, “walk by the Spirit,” (Gal 5:16-25).
As we have seen, the Cross is a powerful symbol of our faith reminding us of our great spiritual need and God’s gracious provision on our behalf. As we come to Easter and look again at Christ crucified - and then risen - may gratitude fill our hearts as we are drawn inexorably to Him.
