What is the meaning of the cross?
The cross is a wooden structure, made by placing one beam across another, designed as an instrument of execution through a slow and painful death.
Unlike today, where many countries use methods such as hanging, shooting, or the electric chair for capital punishment, in ancient kingdoms, those guilty of severe crimes—such as murderers or traitors—were sentenced to death by being hung or nailed to a cross until they died. It was a cruel form of torture, where the victim could suffer for many hours, sometimes even up to two days, before finally dying (John 19:31-33).
In simple terms, the cross was a tool of death and shame. As the Bible says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'” (Galatians 3:13) NIV
However, for us who believe in Christ, the cross is no longer a symbol of shame but the greatest symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life. As written in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” NIV
The cross reminds us of the depth of God’s love. John 3:16 declares: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
And through His death on the cross, Jesus gave us victory over sin and death. As 1 Peter 2:24 says: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
Therefore, the cross stands as the ultimate symbol of our redemption and the foundation of our faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us: “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.”
kindly join our whatsapp group for more discussions >>
contact us: +255693036618 au +255789001312
Bwana akubariki.
More articles:
