As Christians, the cross is one of the most important symbols to us. That being said, what does it represent? Join us as we dive into the cross’s symbolism and meaning both now and before Jesus’s sacrifice.
Though it originally was a symbol of a grim fate, it has become a symbol of our salvation. A blank cross symbolizes that Jesus has risen from the grave as well as a commitment to the Christian faith. In contrast, a crucifix symbolizes Jesus’s suffering and death on the cross. We as Christians can find hope in the sacrifice Jesus made for us every time we see the cross.
Have you wondered what the history of the cross is, and how that affects our understanding of it? Explore the cross symbolism and meaning we as Christians take for granted. Click To TweetA Dark Symbol Turned Holy
Originally, the symbol of the cross was something that people feared and found offensive. The Romans would hang criminals on crosses and leave them up to rot. During that time this was one of the most disgraceful deaths a person could suffer. It was a symbol for evil-doers and enemies of the Roman Empire. But when Jesus was crucified, the cross became something different
The Hope of the Cross
The sacrifice of Jesus brings us hope. It is through his death and resurrection that we can be connected to our Heavenly Father. Jesus said so in John 14:6 when he said “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Today, the empty cross is a reminder of what Jesus Christ did for us. The comfort the cross brings is evident all throughout various Christian cultures from the Celtic cross, the Greek cross, and the Latin cross.
Difference Between a Crucifix and a Cross
While the cross and the crucifix may look similar, there are some key differences between them. For one, a crucifix depicts Jesus while he is on the cross, and an empty cross does not. They both have different meanings as well.
The Bare Cross
This symbol represents the faith as a whole as well as our devotion to Jesus and His teachings. The cross is favored among Protestant churches, and it has been around for a very long time.
The Crucifix
This symbol is meant to symbolize the suffering of Jesus and is more commonly favored by the Catholic church. Crucifixes also rose to popularity sometime in the 10th century, making it a newer symbol than the bare cross.
Celebrate Hope With ORBC!
The cross symbolizes the hope we have in Jesus Christ as well as His sacrifice for us. Without Him, we would not be able to reach our heavenly home to be with the Creator. We are grateful for the hope He gives us.
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