There are crosses everywhere in the world! They appear on t-shirts, books, church steeples, and other items. Some people get crosses tattooed on their bodies, or wear crosses as necklaces around their necks. However, the cross is much more than just a stylish fashion statement or a trademark.
The cross in earlier times
The cross has not always been associated with good things, even in modern times. The Roman authority executed offenders by nailing them to a wooden cross during the time of Jesus. One of the cruelest methods of execution and one of the most agonizing ways to die was and still is crucifixion. Big nails would be hammered through the offender’s feet and hands. It was a gradual death that frequently took several days to complete. Because the crosses were frequently erected alongside public roads, during this period the offenders would be made fun of by onlookers (see Matthew 27:39). The majority of the victims were unable to raise themselves to breathe, which caused them to die from a shortage of oxygen.
Jesus died on a cross
[Jesus Christ of Nazareth] perished on a Roman crucified around 2,000 years ago. There has never been a crucifixion like it, and this one will never be the same. Why? First of all, Jesus was blameless; He never did anything wrong. Actually, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 1:19, Jesus never sinned at all. Secondly, Jesus rose from the dead, unlike all the previous victims of the crucifixion. Jesus rose from the dead three days later (1 Corinthians 15:4)!
The perfect sacrifice
By dying on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of the world and satisfied the wrath of God (Galatians 3:13-15; 1 John 2:2, 4:10). The Bible says that the “wages of sin is death,” and “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22). Someone or something has to die in order for there to be justice. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel sacrificed animals to cleanse themselves of their sins. When Jesus died on the cross He became the perfect sacrifice “once and for all” (Hebrews 10:12). We no longer have to make animal sacrifices. All we need to do now is put our faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Symbol of hope and victory
The crucifixion is no longer a representation of death since Jesus is alive. For those who believe, it now represents victory and hope. Forgiveness exists for our transgressions! After death, there is still hope! In order for us to have life and a future, Jesus paid the price we deserve. Have you received this amazing present yourself?
