What is the…
cross
and what is its significance to true followers of Jesus Christ?

As described in the New Testament, the cross is a terrible instrument of execution called crucifixion. A cross was used for the execution of Christ.

Types of crosses

Ancient crosses used for excutions took various forms.

1. I —the crux simplex —a pole, a “single piece without transom”

2. ☓ or ✕ —the crux decussata —the so-called “Saint Andrew’s cross”

   Tradition says the Apostle Andrew, brother of Peter, was martyred on this form of cross.

3. T —the crux commissa —or “Saint Anthony’s cross”

4. ✝ —the crux immissa —or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross on which our Savior died

Title posted atop Christ’s cross

Above our Lord’s head, on the projecting beam, was placed the “title” INRI. What does that inscription mean? Answer

• Why do all four Gospels contain different versions of the inscription on the Cross? Answer

Emblem of The Cross

After the conversion, so-called, of Constantine the Great (313 AD), the cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity. He pretended at a critical moment that he saw a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, “In hoc signo vinces,” i.e., By this sign thou shalt conquer, and that on the following night Christ himself appeared and ordered him to take for his standard the sign of this cross.

In this form a new standard, called the Labarum, was accordingly made, and borne by the Roman armies. It remained the standard of the Roman army till the downfall of the Western empire. It bore the embroidered monogram of Christ, i.e., the first two Greek letters of his name, X and P (chi and rho), with the Alpha and Omega.

Metaphorical crosses

The word “cross” in the Bible is sometimes also used to refer to any severe affliction or trial.

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. —Matthew 10:38 NASB (also see: Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21)

The true importance of The Cross

“The place where God has supremely destroyed all human arrogance and pretension is the cross.” —Donald Arthur Carson, Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

The Apostle Paul wrote,

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. —1 Corinthians 1:17-18 NASB

Also see: Ephesians 2:16; Hebrews 12:2; Galatians 5:11; 6:12; Gal. 6:14; Philippians 3:18

More information

• What is crucifixion?
• Did Jesus really die? Answer
• How did Jesus Christ die? Answer
• If Jesus is God, how could he die? If Jesus died on the cross, then how can he be alive today? Answer
• How and why did Christ greatly humble Himself for our sake? (humiliation of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God)
• What is a christian?
• What is a true Biblical Christian?
• What does the inscription “INRI” mean? Answer
• Why do all four Gospels contain different versions of the inscription on the Cross? Answer
• What kind of cross was Jesus crucified on? Answer
• Is Jesus Christ a man, or is he God? Answer
• Was Jesus Christ God, manifest in human form? Answer
• Is Jesus Christ really God? Answer
• If Jesus was the Son of God, why did He call Himself the Son of Man? Answer
• TRINITY—How can one God be three persons? Answer
• JESUS’ CHARACTER—Is Christ’s character consistent with his high claims? Answer
• About JESUS CHRIST—Answers to frequently-asked-questions
• The Resurrection of Jesus Christ—provides questions and answers for skeptics, kids’ activities, and valuable resources.
• Discover the good news that Jesus Christ offers
• Why is the world the way it is? If God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and loving, would He really create a world like this? (filled with oppression, suffering, death and cruelty) Answer
• Do you understand God’s Story? Take a short journey through the Bible, from Creation to eternity, summarizing of the Bible’s most important records, in chronological order.
• Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer
• How good is good enough? Answer
• Will all mankind eventually be saved? Answer