The Cross of Christ
Virtually all people, Christian or not, understand that a crucifix
is used as a symbol of belief in Christ. It’s engraved on rings, worn around
necks, and even tattooed into people’s flesh so that they can carry the symbol
of Christianity wherever they go. We have come to recognize places of worship
based on the religious symbol attached to the building. Islam, Judaism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on; Each religion has a unique identifier. In some
cases, we will even become aggressive or outright violent, in defense of our
religious symbols. Why, though? Is it right to attach these symbols to our faith
and hold them above all else in our life? Is that not a form of idolatry?
Exodus 20:3-6
“You are to have no other gods before me. You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline. You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, Adonai your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot."
Commandment #2 literally instructs us to NOT make images of any kind. We are not supposed to make them, bow down to them, or serve them. I see no exceptions listed within the 2nd Commandment. Some people claim that we’re not bound by the 10 commandments or that symbols representing Christ or God are not included because it begins by stating “You are to have no other gods before me.” Since the crucifix represents Christ, then it’s somehow okay.
The purpose of our worship without idols is to show our faith and maintain faith even though we cannot see. By needing an image to aid in our worship it emphasizes weakness in our faith. We are meant to worship truly and spiritually; meaning that our worship requires no support of outside imagery.
John 4:19-24
“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet,” the woman replied. “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that the place where one has to worship is in Yerushalayim.” Yeshua said, “Lady, believe me, the time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Yerushalayim. You people don’t know what you are worshipping; we worship what we do know, because salvation comes from the Jews. But the time is coming — indeed, it’s here now — when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly.”
The New Testament makes multiple remarks on how God should not be worshipped through man-made items.
Acts 17:24-29 “The God who made the universe and everything in it, and who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in man-made temples; nor is he served by human hands, as if he lacked something; since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything to everyone.
Exodus 20:3-6
“You are to have no other gods before me. You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline. You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, Adonai your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot."
Commandment #2 literally instructs us to NOT make images of any kind. We are not supposed to make them, bow down to them, or serve them. I see no exceptions listed within the 2nd Commandment. Some people claim that we’re not bound by the 10 commandments or that symbols representing Christ or God are not included because it begins by stating “You are to have no other gods before me.” Since the crucifix represents Christ, then it’s somehow okay.
The purpose of our worship without idols is to show our faith and maintain faith even though we cannot see. By needing an image to aid in our worship it emphasizes weakness in our faith. We are meant to worship truly and spiritually; meaning that our worship requires no support of outside imagery.
John 4:19-24
“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet,” the woman replied. “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that the place where one has to worship is in Yerushalayim.” Yeshua said, “Lady, believe me, the time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Yerushalayim. You people don’t know what you are worshipping; we worship what we do know, because salvation comes from the Jews. But the time is coming — indeed, it’s here now — when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly.”
The New Testament makes multiple remarks on how God should not be worshipped through man-made items.
Acts 17:24-29 “The God who made the universe and everything in it, and who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in man-made temples; nor is he served by human hands, as if he lacked something; since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything to everyone.
“From
one man he made every nation living on the entire surface of the earth, and he
fixed the limits of their territories and the periods when they would flourish. God did this so that people would look for him and perhaps
reach out and find him although in fact, he is not far from each one of us, ‘for in him we live and
move and exist.’ Indeed, as some of the poets among you have said, ‘We are
actually his children.’ So, since we are children
of God, we shouldn’t suppose that God’s essence resembles gold, silver or stone
shaped by human technique and imagination."
A crucifix is nothing more than an object crafted by human hands and imagination. It is a tool used for executing criminals. Yet, many Christians think it is appropriate to tie such a symbol to Christ and God. It takes glory from God. There are even songs devoted to the cross. I often hear people talk about the “Cross of Christ.” Allowing one symbol of faith paved the way for additional symbols of faith. You have the crucifix, Bible, Rosary, Mary, etc. Instead of praying to man-made objects or carrying around symbols to show our faith shouldn’t we show our faith through our words and actions? Shouldn’t we remain strong in our faith without having something physical to hold, look upon, and/or bow down to?
A crucifix is nothing more than an object crafted by human hands and imagination. It is a tool used for executing criminals. Yet, many Christians think it is appropriate to tie such a symbol to Christ and God. It takes glory from God. There are even songs devoted to the cross. I often hear people talk about the “Cross of Christ.” Allowing one symbol of faith paved the way for additional symbols of faith. You have the crucifix, Bible, Rosary, Mary, etc. Instead of praying to man-made objects or carrying around symbols to show our faith shouldn’t we show our faith through our words and actions? Shouldn’t we remain strong in our faith without having something physical to hold, look upon, and/or bow down to?
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