The Source of the Christian Cross
Crucifixion, or being put to death on two beams that formed a cross, was the ultimate punishment in Roman days. Being crucified hurt a lot, and the pain went on for a very long time.
A person who was put to death on a cross was usually afoul of the law for a capital crime or committing a serious offense, and it was the ultimate sentence a person could receive. It is then important to remember the impression that a cross would convey - an impression of ultimate pain and suffering on earth.
Even in modern terms, crucifixion still stands out as particularly cruel. There are many current media reports of people being tortured or subject to harsh interrogation techniques, but few of these reports measure up to the pain and suffering one would go through on the cross.
Stripped, suffering wounds from beatings, nailed to coarse wood with arms and legs mutilated, exposed to elements and creatures, and hanging for hours or even days until your life slowly left you is an image that haunts the imagination in any time or society. Such punishment is or should be reserved for a person full of evil, a person who has defiled and mutilated humankind without remorse. In other words, a person who has forfeited their role as part of the human family.
In contrast, punishing a blameless person, someone who served and guided people, someone who offered love to everyone, would be the ultimate injustice carried out, and a frightening triumph of evil. The victory of the cross is easy to miss.
Yet it is not just the triumph over evil that Christians celebrate on the cross, but the great sacrifice of a loving father, our father. He who wanted to show his love for us, to forgive us for all our wrongdoings, sacrificed his innocent son so that one day we could all learn of his love and come closer to him.
The cross was also a reminder for all Romans, a very stern warning, to avoid making the same mistakes or they too would face the same punishment. Displaying the cross in public was a deterrent against future transgression or it was supposed to be at least. Instead, it turned out to be quite a motivator for all members of the church to take up their own crosses and spread the word of this injustice against God's only son.
What Christians must commit to memory is that wearing a crucifix does not make one clean or protect that person from injury. The purpose of the crucifix is to serve as a silent reminder. It is a reminder of God's love for all people and his greatest sacrifice. It also reminds us of the wickedness within us that, if not constrained, could go on a rampage and demolish everything beautiful in its path.
For Christians, the cross is reminder of the value of life and the boundless reaches of love.
A person who was put to death on a cross was usually afoul of the law for a capital crime or committing a serious offense, and it was the ultimate sentence a person could receive. It is then important to remember the impression that a cross would convey - an impression of ultimate pain and suffering on earth.
Even in modern terms, crucifixion still stands out as particularly cruel. There are many current media reports of people being tortured or subject to harsh interrogation techniques, but few of these reports measure up to the pain and suffering one would go through on the cross.
Stripped, suffering wounds from beatings, nailed to coarse wood with arms and legs mutilated, exposed to elements and creatures, and hanging for hours or even days until your life slowly left you is an image that haunts the imagination in any time or society. Such punishment is or should be reserved for a person full of evil, a person who has defiled and mutilated humankind without remorse. In other words, a person who has forfeited their role as part of the human family.
In contrast, punishing a blameless person, someone who served and guided people, someone who offered love to everyone, would be the ultimate injustice carried out, and a frightening triumph of evil. The victory of the cross is easy to miss.
Yet it is not just the triumph over evil that Christians celebrate on the cross, but the great sacrifice of a loving father, our father. He who wanted to show his love for us, to forgive us for all our wrongdoings, sacrificed his innocent son so that one day we could all learn of his love and come closer to him.
The cross was also a reminder for all Romans, a very stern warning, to avoid making the same mistakes or they too would face the same punishment. Displaying the cross in public was a deterrent against future transgression or it was supposed to be at least. Instead, it turned out to be quite a motivator for all members of the church to take up their own crosses and spread the word of this injustice against God's only son.
What Christians must commit to memory is that wearing a crucifix does not make one clean or protect that person from injury. The purpose of the crucifix is to serve as a silent reminder. It is a reminder of God's love for all people and his greatest sacrifice. It also reminds us of the wickedness within us that, if not constrained, could go on a rampage and demolish everything beautiful in its path.
For Christians, the cross is reminder of the value of life and the boundless reaches of love.
About the Author:
Anton Petrov is a published writer concentrating on subjects related to education, spirituality and Christianity. For the latest Christian news, views and events, visit http://www.FreeChristianPress.com. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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