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The Cross


There are some who have a different view of the cross or of the symbol of the cross. We grew up in a society, especially in a Catholic society where a lot of people wear a necklace with a pendant-the crucifix, or earrings, or on the nose etc. You see them amongst the celebrities and religious people, new-agers etc. It is one of the most misunderstood symbols in modern history. This symbol of cruelty, violence, and death during the Roman period has now become a symbol of unity, tolerance and spirituality of every kind. It is acknowledge by all races, cultures, ideologies and religious beliefs.


For instance, there was this woman on a plane and sitting across from her was a Pastor. He noticed that this woman had a necklace with a cross. He thought it was a good idea to comment about it, and start a conversation. He said, “Thanks for wearing that cross…we really have a wonderful Saviour, don’t we?”


She was surprised and then responded. “I don’t think that I understand the cross like you do—look at this.” She held in her hand the small cross and showed the Pastor the Star of David attached to it. And next to it, attached to it was another, not expensive jewellery, symbolising the Hindu god Om. Then she said to the Pastor. “I am in social work. The people I work with find God in different ways. Christianity is just one of the paths to the divine.”


As a result of her argument there was a lively discussion whether the cross can be combined with other religions in the world. The Pastor explained that the cross can be united with other symbols on a necklace, but never in reality. The Pastor commented that the more people would understand the cross, the more they would clearly see that it is necessary for the cross to stand alone.


Thousands of criminals died on the cross in a year during the Roman era, but only Jesus was the sinless One. Other founders of religions died, not on a cross, but they did not rise again. Before His crucifixion Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that He is the only path, the only Way to the divine. Boldly He claimed, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).


A true Christian church, should never combine the cross with other religious beliefs, philosophies, and other ideas because it will destroy its meaning. Do not be discouraged when you share the gospel, by your life and words and when people will be offended by your witness. To a large extent people will be offended by the message of the cross.


The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote: 1 Cor. 1:18 &ff. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…” 22. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block (cursed who is crucified) and to the Greeks foolishness (does not make sense), 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

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