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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Symbolism
The cross is a central symbol in Christianity, representing the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It signifies the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity and is a powerful emblem of faith, redemption, and salvation. The cross is often depicted as a vertical beam intersected by a horizontal one, and it is widely used in Christian iconography, liturgy, and architecture.

Biblical References
The New Testament provides numerous references to the cross, emphasizing its significance in the Christian faith. In the Gospels, the crucifixion of Jesus is detailed, highlighting the physical and spiritual dimensions of His sacrifice.Matthew 27:32-56,Mark 15:21-41,Luke 23:26-49, andJohn 19:17-37 describe the events leading to and including the crucifixion.

The Apostle Paul frequently discusses the theological implications of the cross. In1 Corinthians 1:18, he writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This verse underscores the transformative power of the cross for believers.Galatians 6:14 further reflects Paul's view: "But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Theological Significance
The cross is central to the doctrine of atonement, which posits that Jesus' death reconciled humanity with God. This sacrificial act is seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and typologies, such as the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) and the suffering servant inIsaiah 53. The cross is also a symbol of victory over sin and death, as articulated inColossians 2:14-15: "having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Practical Implications for Believers
For Christians, the cross is not only a historical event but also a call to discipleship. Jesus invites His followers to take up their own crosses, as seen inMatthew 16:24: "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'" This call to self-denial and commitment is a fundamental aspect of Christian living.

The cross also serves as a reminder of God's love and grace.John 3:16 encapsulates this message: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The cross is thus a source of hope and assurance for believers, affirming the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context
Historically, crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders. The use of the cross as a symbol of faith was initially met with scorn and derision, as it represented a form of shameful death. However, early Christians embraced the cross as a symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death, transforming it into a sign of hope and salvation.

Over the centuries, the cross has become a universal symbol of Christianity, appearing in various forms such as the Latin cross, the Greek cross, and the Celtic cross. It is used in religious art, jewelry, and architecture, serving as a constant reminder of the central tenets of the Christian faith.

Topical Bible Verses

John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Topicalbible.org

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence across (the Rom....
... 4715, 4716. stauros. 4717 . an upright stake, hence across (the Rom.
instrument of crucifixion). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine...

1276. diaperao -- tocross over
... tocross over. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaperao Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ap-er-ah'-o) Short Definition: Icross over Definition: Icross over, pass...

4362. prospegnumi -- to fasten to (spec. to across)
... to across). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prospegnumi Phonetic Spelling:
(pros-payg'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I fasten to Definition: I fasten to...

3586. xulon -- wood
... wood. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: xulon Phonetic Spelling:
(xoo'-lon) Short Definition: a staff,cross, anything made of wood Definition...

1224. diabaino -- to step across
... to step across. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diabaino Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ab-ah'-ee-no) Short Definition: Icross, pass through Definition: Icross...

4717. stauroo -- to fence with stakes, to crucify
... crucify. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: stauroo Phonetic Spelling:
(stow-ro'-o) Short Definition: I crucify Definition: I fix to thecross, crucify;...

4008. peran -- on the other side
... Word Origin akin to pera (on the further side) Definition on the other side NASB
Word Usage beyond (8),cross (1), other side (13), over (1)....

5051. teleiotes -- a completer, finisher
... 2: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the 747 and (5051 ) of the (operation of) (4102 ),
who in place of (473 ) joy set before Him, endured across (4716 ), despising...

3846. paraballo -- to throw beside
... land. Word Origin from para and ballo Definition to throw beside NASB Word
Usage crossed over (1). arrive,cross over. From para...

953. bebeloo -- to profane
... pollute, violate. Cognate: 953 (from 952 ) -- properly, tocross over --
literally, walking past a threshold . This is illustrated...

Strong's Hebrew

5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... 2), circulating (1), come (2), come around (1), come over (3), comes (3), continue
(2), continued (13), continued through (1), contrary (2),cross (29),cross...

5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... A primitive root; tocross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or
figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to...

Library

Cross
...Cross.Cross, Ada Cambridge, the daughter of Henry Cambridge, was born at Norfolk,
England, November 21, 1844. In 1870 she married Rev....

The WondrousCross.
... The WondrousCross. WHO can tell out the story of thecross! There was a
time when we thought we knew much of it; but oh! the depths...

The Finding of theCross.
... Chapter III Writings. 7. The Finding of theCross. It is said in a certain
"tolerably authentic chronicle," according to Voragine...

The Joy of theCross
... The Joy of theCross. Long plunged in sorrow, I resign My soul to that dear hand
of thine,.... I taste no sweets in you; Unknown delights are in thecross,....

TheCross and Crown.
... TheCross and Crown. At last He cried, with a loud voice: "It is finished!"
Perhaps not many on earth heard it, or cared about it...

Words from theCross
... VOLUME II: ST. LUKE Chaps. XIII to XXIV WORDS FROM THECROSS. 'And when
they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there...

The Title on theCross
... THE TITLE ON THECROSS. 'Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on thecross.'
"John 19:19. This title is recorded by all four Evangelists...

The Glory of theCross
... THE GLORY OF THECROSS. 'Therefore... train. He had gone out on his dark errand, and
that brought theCross within measurable distance of our Lord....

When on the CruelCross
... When on the cruelCross. tr., John Brownlie 6,6,8,6. Kurie, anabainontos sou en
to stauro.... d^1). I. When on the cruelCross. The Lord was lifted high,....