Why is the Cross the Symbol of Christianity?

The cross is a religious symbol that has been around for several centuries. Widespread throughout the world, it is used on different types of creations including interior decoration items, jewelry, etc.

As everyone already knows, the cross is the most symbolic symbol of Christianity . But it still hides some secrets that might surprise many people, including believers. When did the cross first become used by Christians? What does it really mean? Here you will find the answers to these questions and more.

In this article, you will find in particular:

• The origin and history of the cross

• The meaning of the cross in the Christian community

• The Cross: The Most Famous Mark of Christianity

Without further ado, let’s start reading this article!

Basic points on the history of the Cross

The cross: an instrument of torture

Initially, the cross was for the Romans an instrument of death, intended to carry out capital punishment . It therefore sent back an image of suffering and violence. The Christians of the first centuries certainly did not suspect that the cross would become the distinctive sign of their religion years later. Well known as the instrument of Christ's torture, a good number of Christians also died by being crucified during times of persecution. It was therefore not conceivable to make the cross a symbol of life and victory.

When did the cross become a significant symbol for Christians?

It was not until the ^5th century that the cross appeared in many representations . According to legend, it was Emperor Constantine who had the vision of the cross as a sign of victory . He did not hesitate to adopt this sign as a standard. This was also the time when the feast of the invention Crucis took place. It consisted of celebrating the fact of having found the true Cross of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. The fixed cross then became a true object of worship . From that moment on, Christians adopted the cross as a religious symbol and this has not changed to this day. ✝️ 🙏

Generally speaking, the adoration of the cross does not only concern the death of Christ , but especially his Resurrection. In other words, the cross has become a sign of victory over death. This symbol adorns the vaults to evoke the hope of eternal Life. And it was in the ^12th and ^13th centuries that the inri crucifixes with the crucified Christ made their appearance. From this moment on, the emphasis is mainly on the Passion . The latter particularly retains the devotion of Christians in the ^15th century. The effigy of the Isenheim Altarpiece was the most impressive representation of the Passion!

The Christian Cross Today

Today, it is not uncommon to see the cross given as a gift or worn as jewelry . It reminds us that God loves us infinitely. Many believers also believe that the cross of Jesus protects them from evil. Wearing the cross symbolizes faith in our Lord and our pride in belonging to the Christian community . As Jesus said so well to the religious leaders of the time: "What a misfortune for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, when you are false men! You are like tombs painted white. On the outside, they appear beautiful. But on the inside, they are full of dead people's bones and all sorts of rotten things. In the same way, on the outside, in front of people, you appear to obey God, but on the inside, you are full of lies and evil." This is to say that wearing a jewel in the image of the cross is above all an internal process.

The Cross: A Significant Symbol in Christianity

In the Christian community, the Cross of Jesus Christ obviously refers to the crucifixion: the torture of Jesus. But not only that! This symbol presents a great contradiction between death and life, hatred and love, peace and cruelty, denunciation and clemency, sin and purity, brokenness and completeness, etc. This form of execution from the past has now become a true symbol of abundant life .

For the simple reason that in Christianity, the cross is the meeting place of God's love and his justice. In John 1:29, it is written that "Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." An act that was realized by his death on the cross to save the world from the sin that was invading it .

A symbol of love and devotion

The cross first evokes the sign of God's love for men . Jesus Christ gave His Life for us, sinners, people who had strayed from the path of truth. A choice He made out of love in order to allow us to have peace and eternal Life. In Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrated His great love for us in that while we were still sinners, He sent Christ to die for us." The message of the cross marks Jesus' love for sinners .

For Christians, the cross also recalls Jesus' victory over sin and death . Indeed, the Resurrection clearly showed that death is not the end for us, God's faithful. Thus, the cross has gone from an instrument of torture to a symbol of love proven by Salvation!

A sign of personal belonging

In many religions, the goal of the followers is to attain divinity. But it must be said that Christianity is the only religion that has allowed God to extend to us. By giving his Life for us, Jesus Christ was able to know us as we are personally and truly. For this reason, the cross is a personal symbol .

The ultimate mark of voluntary humility

Christ's death on the cross was a purely voluntary act. Jesus wanted his flesh, his spirit and his emotions as a human being to die on the Cross. Thanks to this incredible willingness to sacrifice his body, we have been spared from the punishment reserved for the unworthy. Just like Christ, the will to follow the Lord must therefore come from ourselves in order to give fruitful follow-up to our prayers .

A mark of coronation and glory

The cross is also a symbol of the truth that has come to light . After being crucified, Jesus is then recognized as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Resurrection also proved to everyone that Jesus is truly the Messiah, that He is the Son of God Almighty. The cross embodies the alliance of spirit and matter, of the union of God with humanity in order to give birth to the righteous and immortal Man.

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The Cross: The Most Famous Mark of Christianity

As you will have understood, the cross is a very eloquent symbol for Christians. Its place in the journey of Christ as a human made this symbol a means of washing away the Original Sin committed by Adam and Eve. The cross is the instrument that served to end the day of Jesus Christ on earth and embodies the love and greatness of God. The cross has therefore become one of the symbols most venerated by Christians . 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♀️

Since it evokes the love of Christ for having been crucified, Christians cannot but adore and venerate the Cross . Its use is also practiced universally. We can cite the Churches that have decorated, engraved or even drawn crosses on the entrance doors or on the walls. Christians all over the world wear the symbol of the cross on their necklaces, rosaries, bracelets, rings, or even on their medals.

To demonstrate the importance of the cross in their faith, Catholic and Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross. To do this, each person touches their forehead, their chest and then each shoulder. Also, many people are convinced that the sign of the cross is an effective way to protect themselves from evil and to ward off evil spirits. Finally, the cross in the Christian community is the very symbol of the plan that God wanted for humanity . It directs man's gaze towards his Creator and encourages him to respect him.

If you liked this article, then you might like our article on the meaning of Inri on the cross of Christ.

Through this article, you have learned more about the origin of the Cross , its true meaning and what makes it an essential symbol of Christianity. A sign of love and divine sacrifice, the cross marks the rebirth of man. Wearing it around your neck, hand or fingers in the form of jewelry represents our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. So if you too want to express your faith, do not hesitate to equip yourself with beautiful religious jewelry of the cross.