THE TRUE CROSS
The True Cross holds profound significance in Christian tradition, believed to be the actual cross upon which Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. Initially, the cross represented shame and suffering, yet with Christ’s death and resurrection, it transformed into a powerful symbol of hope and redemption.
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Etymology of “True Cross”
Greek:
“True Cross” is ἀληθινὸς σταυρός (alēthinos stauros), where σταυρός (stauros) means “cross which primarily means “stake” or “post.” ” and ἀληθινός (alēthinos) means “true.”
Hebrew:
“True Cross” can be rendered as אמת צלב (tzlav emet), with צלב (tzlav) meaning “cross” and אמת (emet) meaning “truth.”
The significance of the cross in Christian faith as a true symbol of sacrifice and redemption.
Symbol of Transformation
In the Bible, the cross is mentioned in several key passages that highlight its importance.
- Paul writes,
” The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
( 1 Corinthians 1: 18 )
This illustrates how the cross, once a sign of reproach, has become a source of divine strength for believers.
- Moreover, Paul states,
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
( Galatians 6: 14 )
This underscores the transformative power of the cross in the life of a believer, marking a shift from worldly values to a focus on spiritual redemption.
- The narrative of the cross does not end with Christ’s death we see that Christ’s obedience unto death led to His exaltation.
he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
( Philippians 2: 8- 11 )
Hence, what was once a symbol of humiliation has become a cornerstone of faith and a source of salvation for many.
The Cross: A Beacon of Hope and Redemption
The True Cross embodies the paradox of Christian faith: from suffering comes glory, and from death comes life. It serves as a reminder of the depth of God’s love and the hope found in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
1. The Place of Judgment
The cross of Jesus stands as the ultimate place of judgment, where He bore the weight of humanity’s sins.
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. ( Isaiah 53: 5 )
Jesus took upon Himself the judgment meant for sinners, suffering in our place.
2. The Place of Justice
The cross also represents divine justice.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6: 23 )
Here, we learn that sin cannot go unpunished; it requires a payment. The crucifixion of Jesus illustrates God’s hatred for sin and His commitment to justice.
From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God made it clear that disobedience has consequences. The cross serves as a stark reminder of this truth, demonstrating that while God loves humanity, He cannot overlook sin.
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5: 21 )
3. The Place of God’s Love
The Cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for humanity.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
( Romans 5: 8 )
God’s love is not conditional; it was offered to us even when we were unworthy. Through His death on the Cross, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve—our sins and the separation from God. This act of sacrifice highlights the depth of God’s love, illustrating that He was willing to give His only Son for our redemption.
The Cross stands as a symbol of love and grace. It reminds us that, despite our flaws and failures, God’s love reaches out to us, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. In this way, the Cross is not just a place of suffering, but a place where God’s immense love is manifested and made available to all who believe.
4. The Place of Salvation
The Cross of Christ represents the ultimate place of salvation. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers redemption to all who believe.
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 18)
This underscores the divine power inherent in Christ’s sacrifice.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. ( 1 Corinthians 1: 30)
Here, we see that Christ not only provides salvation but also embodies divine knowledge and wisdom.
For those seeking salvation, the invitation is clear come near to the presence of the crucified Christ. God has prepared this place of salvation for us, where we can find forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. The Cross stands as a powerful reminder of God’s love and the transformative grace available to all who draw near.
5. The Place Where the Devil Was Defeated
The Cross of Jesus Christ is not only a symbol of sacrifice but also the decisive battleground where the forces of evil were defeated.
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. ( Colossians 2: 15 )
This verse highlights that through His death, Jesus dismantled the power of satanic principalities and made a public spectacle of them.
At the Cross, Jesus achieved a monumental victory over sin, death, and the devil. His sacrifice not only redeemed humanity but also ensured that the enemy was rendered powerless. This is a profound reminder that the struggles we face are already overcome through Christ’s victory.
The Cross is, therefore, the place where the victory of Jesus was secured and where the defeat of satanic forces became evident. For believers, this means that we can live in the assurance that the power of evil has been broken, and we can walk in the freedom that Christ provides.
For Whom Did Christ Die?
The Cross of Christ signifies the profound truth that Jesus died for every human being.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ( John 3: 16 )
This verse emphasizes that God’s love extends to all, offering salvation to anyone who believes.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ( Acts 17: 30 )
God’s desire is for everyone to turn to Him, highlighting His inclusive love. This reinforces that Christ’s sacrifice was intended for all humanity scriptures. Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. Jesus spread the Gospel far and wide, commanding His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ( Matthew 28: 19 )
His death was a gift for the salvation of everyone, echoing the reality that just as Adam’s disobedience brought sin into the world, Jesus provided redemption through His obedience and sacrifice.
While many still do not come to Him, this does not reflect a failure of Christ, but rather the fallen nature of humanity. The invitation to salvation remains open, calling all to draw near to Him and accept the grace offered at the Cross.
This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
( 1 Timothy 2: 4 )
This highlights that the Cross is central to God’s desire for universal salvation. Jesus’ death was not just for a select few but for everyone, making the way for all to enter into a relationship with Him.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. ( Titus 2: 11 )
The Cross is the ultimate expression of this grace, demonstrating that salvation is accessible to all who believe. It reflects God’s intention to offer His love and mercy to every individual, regardless of their background or past.
What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. ( Hebrews 2: 9 )
This emphasizes that Jesus willingly took upon Himself the suffering of death on the Cross so that every person could experience the gift of salvation. His sacrifice defeated sin and death, offering hope to all humanity.
He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
( 1 John 2: 2 )
This affirms that the Cross is not just a moment of suffering but a pivotal point in history where Jesus became the substitute for all humanity’s sins. His bloodshed provides a means of atonement for everyone, reinforcing the idea that no one is excluded from the for opportunity forgiveness.
The Cross stands as the pivotal point of God’s plan for salvation, embodying His immense love and grace for all humanity. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, the Cross offers redemption and forgiveness, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their past. It signifies the defeat of sin and death, inviting all to come and experience the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. The Cross is not just a symbol of suffering, but a beacon of hope, demonstrating that God’s desire is for every person to be saved and to know the truth. Ultimately, it calls us to respond to His love, embracing the salvation freely offered through the blood of Jesus.