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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable
- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. --
Philippians 4:8 |
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CRUCIFIX OR CROSS? |
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There are many symbols used in
Christianity. The two most commonly worn as jewelry to show a person's
belief are the crucifix and the cross. Without even considering the other
factors of size, adornment, or type of material used, both symbols are
powerful reminders of our faith. So what's the difference between the two?
Why do some people choose one over the other?
A crucifix is a representation of Jesus Christ hanging upon the cross.
There's no dramatic image ever recorded, before or since, that has the same
impact on a Christian's heart, mind, and soul. Jesus lived on the earth but
a short time, never meeting the majority of the people, and then gave his
life for all of us - those people living at the that time and all of those
yet to be born. He gave his own life in the supreme sacrifice so that we're
all assured forgiveness of our sins and eternal life.
If the crucifix presents such an image, what about the cross? A cross
is what remains after Jesus is removed. This is not to say he's completely
removed from our faith, but taken down from the cross. Jesus remained on the
cross for less than a day. The cross still reminds us of the sacrifice of
life but also of what happened after Christ's physical death. He wasn't left
on the cross. Three days after his death, he arose from the grave and now
sits at the right hand of God.
It doesn't matter which symbol a person wears. It's all up to personal
choice. What matters is that as long as they remain true to their faith, the
promises represented by both the crucifix and the cross will be realized.
Either one interprets the ending of the physical manifestation of God on
earth equally well. Both are symbols of God fulfilling his promises of one
great and final sacrifice and the never-ending love and compassion he has
for all mankind. |
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