The Symbol of the Cross

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:10–13

The cross, as a symbol, has carried many meanings throughout history. In order to understand the symbolism of the cross, we must first consider the definition of a symbol. A symbol is something that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. It may also refer to a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process.

The cross as a symbol predates Christianity. Historians note that forms of the cross were used by the Egyptians as symbols associated with deities such as Horus and Osiris. However, it was the Romans who made the cross infamous as an instrument of death and humiliation.

Unger’s Bible Dictionary states:

“The cross that was used as an instrument of death (see Crucifixion) was either a plain vertical stake to which the victim was fastened, with the hands tied or nailed above the head, or such a stake provided with a crossbar, to which the victim was fastened with the arms outstretched. Either form provided one of the cruelest methods of execution ever devised.”

Yet today, the cross has become one of the most recognized symbols of spiritual comfort and hope in the world. In the Roman world, however, the sight of a crucifixion would send chills down one’s spine.

Today’s devotional thought is entitled, “The Symbol of the Cross.”

Background

When we consider the Christian faith, it stands unique among the religions of the world. Christianity is the only faith in which the Creator comes down from heaven, becomes part of His creation, lives a sinless life, dies an ignominious death on behalf of mankind, and is resurrected from the dead.

Among the major world religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; the concept of a coming Messiah is found primarily within Judaism and Christianity. The significant difference between the two is that Judaism believes the Messiah is still yet to come, while Christianity believes the Messiah has already come, died for our sins, was resurrected, ascended back to heaven, and will return again for His followers.

As we consider the cross, I want you to view it through the lens of the Messiah.

The Curse

Deuteronomy 21:22–23 states:

“[22] And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: [23] His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

This text was written under the Law of Moses. It indicated that one guilty of a sin worthy of death could be publicly displayed upon a tree after execution. Being hanged in this manner symbolized that the individual was accursed by God.

It is important to understand that hanging on a tree was not itself the method of execution, but rather a public display of judgment after death. The lifeless body of the offender was suspended publicly to demonstrate the seriousness and shamefulness of sin. Before sunset, however, the body had to be buried so that the land would not be defiled. The one hanging upon the tree was viewed as cursed.

Thankfully, under Christianity, grace and mercy through Jesus Christ have overcome the condemnation of the Law. The Apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:14–16:

“[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

The Cure

As much as the Old Testament points to the curse, the New Testament points us to the cure.

Galatians 3:13 declares:

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”

Jesus’ death upon the cross signified, from the Jewish perspective, that He was accursed. However, He was not cursed for His own sins, but for the sins of the world. Jesus bore our sins while hanging upon the cross. He had committed no wrong and was completely without sin. Yet God used the death of Jesus upon the cross to redeem mankind from sin. God’s prescription for the world’s sin problem was the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:3 states:

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

Likewise, 1 Peter 2:24 declares:

“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.”

Yes, Jesus bore all our sins while hanging upon that cruel cross. Jesus became accursed so that we might be redeemed from the curse.

Conclusion

Church, we all stand at the foot of the cross. The cross is a symbol of God’s love for mankind because it was through the cross that God redeemed us from the curse of sin.

Deuteronomy 21:23 reminds us, “For he that is hanged is accursed of God.” Therefore in retrospect there is a diverse viewpoint of the cross but only one which the Child of God must believe. Below are the different viewpoints:

• The Jewish view of the cross saw it as a sign of being accursed by God.

• The Roman view of the cross saw it as a brutal instrument of punishment meant to instill fear.

• The Christian view of the cross sees it as the method through which God redeemed humanity from sin.

Christ became a curse to save us from the curse of sin. Christ suffered and died upon the old rugged cross so that we might live through Him.