How Do You Picture The Cross?

1. A symbol of Christianity?

2. A tattoo on the body?

3. A charm on a bracelet?

4. An ornament on a gold chain around someone's neck?

5. A cross on top of the steeple of a church?

6. A hand sign given at the end of a prayer?

7. A large wooden or stone structure that people admire?

8. A gold, magical instrument to chase away vampires?

9. An object to bow before and worship?

In New Testament times, the cross was an extremely cruel instrument of torture which the Roman government used in the execution of anyone who opposed their rule. The individual was stripped totally naked and was beaten with a whip, which had pieces of bone or metal in the strands, which cut deeply into the flesh as it ripped around the individual.

The individual's arms were affixed to the cross piece by hammering spikes through his wrist. Large spikes were also used to affix the individual feet to the wood. Although there was much loss of blood, but the crucifixion was designed to produce a slow and extremely agonizing death which would occur after several days. The prolonged death usually occurred from exhaustion and asphyxiation.

However, the cross pictures more than just the physical death of a man. The cross is a picture of the humble and freewill obedience of Jesus unto his death. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

The cross is a picture of Jesus taking all our sins and also our sin nature upon himself. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

The cross is a picture of the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (I Peter 3:18).

The cross is a picture of Jesus shedding his blood that we might have peace with God. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20)

The cross is a picture our being set free from all that the Law held against us. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14-15).

The cross is a picture of Jesus taking our shame upon himself. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

The cross is a picture of one eternal sacrifice for our sins. “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

The cross is a picture of our being brought back into a relationship and fellowship with God. “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:16).

The cross is a picture of our being set free from our sins that we might live a righteous life. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (I Peter 2:24).

The empty cross is now a picture of Jesus not only being crucified on the cross, but also being resurrected that we might be justified (just as though we never sinned). “Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25).

The empty cross is now a picture of Jesus freeing our conscience from dead works that we may serve him. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14).

The cross is a picture that is foundational to the sharing of the Christian faith. “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect” (I Corinthians 1:17).

The cross is a reminder to be humble. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2).

How do you picture the cross?

1. We have all sinned (disobeyed God). Romans 3:10, 23.

2. The personal consequence for our sin is death on the inside that leads to the second death. Romans 5:12, 6:23.

3. Jesus' death on the cross is the only perfect sacrifice because he was without any sins himself. Hebrews 9:14.

4. In order to receive the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for ourselves, we must humble ourselves and give our life to Jesus as our Lord. (Romans 10:9-10.

5. PRAY NOW: I desire to see the cross as I should; therefore, I give my life to you, Jesus, as my Lord and my Savior. AMEN.