Difference between Cross and Crucifix: Meaning and Origin

There has been a lot of misinformation about the cross and the crucifix being the same . That is why we have decided to reveal the truth to you on this point. What is the origin of the cross and the crucifix? What is the importance of these symbols for believers? What is the difference between the cross and the crucifix? The answers to all these questions are given to you in the paragraphs below.

In the Christian religion, there are different symbols, each with a history and a very distinct meaning . These are considered by all Christians to be essential elements, not only to understand the origins of the belief, but also to not forget the existence of the love of God and his Son towards the faithful. The cross and the crucifix are two symbols that many people think are identical, but which have some differences . Indeed, Christians are well aware of the importance of these two symbols, but do not necessarily have knowledge of their origin or their differences.

So here are the different chapters of the article on the "difference between the cross and the crucifix":

• The origin of the crucifix
• What the crucifix represents for the faithful
• The origin of the "Christian cross"
• What the Cross Represents for Christians
• Why wear a religious object that features a cross or crucifix?

Let's start reading the article now. 

Origin of the Crucifix

The word " crucifix " comes from a 12th century ecclesiastical Latin term crucifixus . The latter is the past participle of the verb cruxifigere which means "to fix on a cross". The crucifix is ​​a symbol that features a statuette of Jesus Christ nailed to a T-shaped cross . The Son of God is presented in the posture of crucifixion.

Nowadays, crucifixes are used in many churches of different religions . Indeed, many Catholic and Orthodox churches emphasize that the crucifix is ​​a strong symbol of Christianity and God's love for all human beings. But in some cases, only the cross without the body of Jesus is used. This is very common in Protestant churches.

It is essential to know that for most Christians it is quite difficult to choose between the cross and the crucifix, because both of these elements are important to everyone.

What the crucifix represents for the faithful

The crucifix and the cross are not two totally opposite things . But there is still a major difference between the two crosses . Indeed, the crucifix is ​​nothing other than a cross. The difference is based on the fact that the image of Christ is present and therefore Jesus is fixed by executioner's nails. For all believers, Christ is fixed on the cross out of love for his father and all the sinners on earth. Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for the sinners by having been sent by his father who is none other than the Savior of the universe, God.

The crucifix with the suffering Christ

The image of the crucifix with Christ on the cross can be an image of Jesus suffering or asleep in death. Jesus can be represented as a suffering person, crowned with thorns and looking up to heaven . He seems to be speaking to God asking Him why He has abandoned Him.

This image of Jesus on the cross has a spiritual meaning. It encourages all human beings to be patient in all the trials of life, and therefore, to respond to difficulties with love .

The witness of an infinite love

Just like the cross, the crucifix can also represent for all Christians, an emblem of eternal love . It is God who shows us through events and with the sacrifice of his child, that he loves us with an infinite and therefore eternal love .

During Lent , the Supreme Pontiff insisted on the message that highlights the hope of the cross of Jesus. The latter transmits considerable strength to our existence and shows us how important it is to hope. This message states that: " He who dies with Christ, with Christ will rise again. The cross is the door to the resurrection. He who fights with Him, with Him will triumph ."

It is for this reason that the crucifix, which is also a Christian cross but with the image of Jesus, should not be treated as a simple object. In fact, it is a precious symbol that allows us to know that the love of Christ and his Father will never diminish . Jesus then sacrificed himself to be able to save humanity from crimes and evil.

The crucifix is ​​a sacred object that can therefore bring a universal message. It is the symbol of the life of all believers and an element that can remind us of the infinite love that God has for each of us. The crucifix helps us to become aware of the gravity of our sins and therefore to deepen the infinite love of Christ and his Father.

Now we will turn to the chapter on the "origin of the Christian cross" . This chapter will give you all the essential information about this important symbol for believers. And we will also see why the cross and the crucifix can be two different elements .

Origin of the "Christian Cross"

As you should know, we Christians must keep the faith and spread it to our neighbors. This is why we explain to you the history of the cross. The latter being a very important element for all believers around the world.

The cross is a religious symbol that has been known for many years . It is very present in pre-Columbian America as well as in ancient India. Some people think that the cross is rather an element that shows persecution and not a sacred symbol. Not to mention that previously Christians considered the ichtus fish to be the main image of Christianity. It was indeed when Emperor Constantine converted that the cross was seen as something other than an emblem of rebellion that can lead to persecution.

From the 5th century onwards, the cross began to have great importance and this up to our modern times . Therefore, it has not always been an image of unity among all Christians in history. This is why some people still do not accept today the fact that the cross is the sign of Christ's love and therefore, of the freedom that he bequeathed to his children who are none other than us Christians.

We will now see what the cross represents for Christians and we will also see why the cross has a capital importance in the life of the faithful.

What the Cross Represents for Christians

A Mystery of Jesus' Eternal Love

As we mentioned above , the cross represents the symbol of the Christian religion par excellence . The disciples of Christ know that it was when Christ died on the cross that they were able to receive salvation from God. The Christian must therefore want to meditate on this great mystery which shows an eternal love as well as a force to save all sinners on earth .

All Christians should know that the value of passion for Jesus Christ and God does not come in any way from the intensity of Christ's sufferings, but from his love. The greatness of the Lord has allowed us to be saved . It is therefore the Son of God who sacrificed himself to give us eternal life. The suffering he endured fully reveals this love. Many Christians have a cross that helps them remember the sacrifice of Christ and the devotion they feel towards their religion.

In order not to forget what Christ did to save us from evil, it is quite possible to keep a religious jewel that is derived from a cross or a crucifix. The latter can symbolize not only infinite love, but also hope in your life .

A symbol of belonging and hope

The cross of Jesus, also considered to be the Christian cross, represents a Latin symbol . It is the emblem of the punishment of Christ. It is important to know that the cross even became the torture that was made especially for slaves, criminals as well as thieves who did not have a title of Roman citizen. This image of martyrdom then has a considerable force which is none other than the faith that can be present until after death. It can therefore offer hope for all those who believe in God and who wish to have him in their life.

This sacred symbol can also highlight belonging . It can bring together a community of believers. All members of the latter can therefore recognize themselves in this emblem when they receive a specific blessing such as baptism, or at the moment when the faithful enter a place dedicated to God (Church). The cross is also a symbol that many Christians draw on their foreheads, which can protect them from evil and therefore from bad spells.

The Catholic cross is used not only by the rebellion, but also by the order. It can adorn the outfits of the great knights and represent a figuration that can accompany them in the missions they must carry out .

In addition to its meaning in the religious field, the cross can also exist in other sectors. We can, for example, talk about the Cross of Lorraine , which has been the emblem of resistance against the Nazis since the 1940s. However, in Christianity it has a very important place. It shows not only responsibility, but also a connection with all those who wear the symbol . The Cross of Lorraine, the Cross of the Templars and other Christian crosses all have a rather specific meaning, but they preserve the representation of a Christian symbol reminding us to keep faith in God.

The most symbolic sign of Christianity

When talking about the cross, it is important to know that this element can have several meanings. Indeed, it is first of all a symbol that signifies torture and suffering . Contrary to what one might believe, it represents the human condition as well as ignorance. In particular, the mistakes that were made by those who condemned Jesus and refused to see the light.

It is also an image of love. As we said above, by letting himself die on the cross, Christ showed everyone how much he loves us . Moreover, the cross can symbolize in this specific case, redemption and forgiveness . Jesus was able to welcome evil with open arms. He clings to the cross and takes on the form of evil in order to eliminate it with his infinite love.

The cross can also be seen as a symbol of life and rebirth . Death can be overcome through sacrifice and this is what prompted God to ask his Son to sacrifice himself for sinners and to prove the completion of the resurrection. The cross therefore represents the resurrection and the support of death.

The cross is also an emblem of coronation and glory . Indeed, truth can burst forth through the cross and it is therefore a path of elevation that can show us the way of progress in the universe. Finally, the cross can symbolize life . It embodies the alliance of spirit and matter, the union of God and humanity.

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Why wear a religious object that highlights a Cross or a Crucifix?

With the information given above, you can now understand what these two elements mean and the difference that can be seen on them. This text can therefore help you become aware of what the cross and the crucifix really symbolize in the lives of all Christians . It can also help you know in which direction you should go to benefit from eternal life. And you now know how to differentiate these two symbols. " The difference between the cross and the crucifix " is a subject that we should all take a few moments to discover the deep meaning of the two terms. So do not hesitate to share this article with your close friends. 🙏

All people who want to follow the right path with Jesus can consider the cross and the crucifix as strong emblems of hope as well as wisdom .

By having a religious object that highlights a cross or the crucifix with Jesus crucified, you can either feel closer to Jesus and God, or keep the sign that symbolizes your faith towards your religion . You will be able to show to everyone that you have not forgotten what the Son of God was able to do so that we can all live far from evil.