The Cross: 10 Reasons Why it’s Not Just a Decoration

I personally love crosses and I always have. I think they are beautiful as jewelry, as wall decorations, and in just about any form or fashion. I do not know where this attraction for a cross came from, but I do know I have had it since I was a little child. Before I knew Christ as Savior and before I can even remember, crosses have always drawn me, even as my eyes would be attracted by a sunset or a pretty color, such as my favorite color of purple.

 

However, the cross in Biblical times was a disgraceful thought. To think of a cross meant shame, dishonor, cruel and unusual punishment. In fact, the cross became identified with the early Christians and it was not to decorate sanctuaries. The very word Christian (meaning little Christos) was a derogatory name that the people of “The Way” were called by mockers. So, the cross really is a crossroad, and identifier of who we are as Christians. The crossroad is met at the cross of Christ Himself where one has the God-given freewill to either follow Christ or reject God’s forgiveness through His Son Jesus via the cross. Here are 10 reasons why the cross is not just a decoration:

1.       The cross is the penalty of sin to be paid on humanity’s behalf. (Philippians 2:8)

2.       Jesus, who knew no sin, received our sin onto Himself on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

3.       Christ died on the cross while we were still yet sinners. (Romans 5:8)

4.       The cross reveals how hideous sin is to a holy God. (Deuteronomy 21:23, Hebrews 12:2)

5.       God is not a God who sits back and wishes humanity to be free of sin, but suffers in humanity’s stead on the cross. (1Peter 4:1)

6.       The cross of Christ is the doorway to God. (John 14:6)

7.       Without the cross there would not be a victory of the resurrection. (Mark 8:31)

8.       Jesus lived the perfect (sin-free) life, died, and rose again, making Him Lord of all. (1 Corinthians 15:3-5; Philippians 2:11)

9.       Salvation comes from hearing the message of the cross, which gives salvation by believing in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and confessing Jesus as Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)

10.   A person who enters into a relationship with Christ because of His death on the cross has gained victory over sin, death, and Satan. (Revelation 12:11)

So, the cross really is a crossroad, a fork in the road of life. Which way we decide to go is up to us, yet salvation is available to all, so we are without excuse. (Romans 1:20) Which will it be? Follow “The Way” of the cross, or follow the road that is wide and broad? (Mathew 7:13)

Blessings,
©Darla J. Smith
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