(03/08/2016) Represented by The Cross?

Fitness of the cross as a symbol to represent Christian belief is the topic, today.  The cross is never worshiped or held to be an object containing divine substance, and acting as if a living entity (we say, an idol).  Among the many symbols used to identify Christian gatherings and materials (e.g., a fish; ashes from Palm Sunday leaves; praying hands; the anchor; the crown of thorns; the empty tomb) the cross is probably the one most immediately recognized by those outside of the church as the household of faith.  Because Jesus living and dying upon the cross is a scene depicting divine judgment, his disciples and followers are to recognize the cross as an altar of sacrifice, and the Savior as their substitute made subject to the second death.  Believers are saved by the works of Jesus, not by their own acts, deeds and efforts.  More than this, given divine judgment is the permanent resolution of conflict and the settlement of disputes through sacred law, judgment is always a blessing; and its outcomes are correction, joy, and peace, rather than agony, misery and punishment.  For those outside the law and covenants that established the Jews as a people of GOD, the cross also creates access and a door for those relying upon GOD for grace and coming to Christ through faith.  Consider the following Scriptures and the presentation below:

1st Corinthians 1:  18, King James Version (KJV):  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Ephesians 2:  8-9, KJ V:  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

1st Corinthians 15:  55-57, KJV:  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 51:  5-8, KJV:  5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.  6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath:  for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner:  but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.  7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.  8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool:  but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Denisowator” (Level 1 with 129 points, a member since June 20, 2013) posted the following:


Christians, why do you think Christianity is represented by the cross?

(Answers from christians only please! Atheist and former Christian answers will be ignored, and if need be, reported).

Why do you think our religion is represented by the cross? The very thing which Jesus was nailed to, and the instrument of crucifixion. Do you think it's simply because it represents the human body?

Do you think it should be represented by something different? Something that is tied mroe strongly towards what we believe in?

In my opinion, we should not be represented by an instrument of slow and painful death. Because if that's the case, we might as well represent some countries with the major problems they face, rather than their flags.
What do you think? Let me know by elaborating and explaining your reasoning as much as you can.

Update:  Line 5
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THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  11-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)


“Denisowator”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  Mature Christian believers accept the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross as a fulfillment of specific divine operations in the earth to establish eternal purposes; a sacred event orchestrated by divinity; a “prophetic demonstration” (actions instead of words to convey a message from GOD); and a sign from GOD (i.e., a natural event to indicate that prophecy is authentic, truly from GOD, and is certain to be carried out and completed by divinity).  Continually acknowledging the cross has come to be an act of faith, an acknowledgment of blessings (gifts), and a way of life celebrating the Lord’s  victory over multiple unseen enemies of mankind such as death, inner conflicts, separation, sin, and wickedness.  The cross serves as a beacon to rally believers for spiritual combat, commitment, and unselfish service.  While the promises of GOD through Jesus Christ include immortality, incorruption, installation as priests and kings, a new heaven, and a new earth, the cross declares every believer also must pass through affliction, persecution, and suffering (we say, No cross, no crown!).  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 5:  10-12, King James Version (KJV):  10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 3:  12, KJV:  12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

(3.)  Matthew 13:  54-58, KJV:  54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?  55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?  57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.  58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 5:  9-12, KJV:  9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:  for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:  and we shall reign on the earth.  11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders:  and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;  12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC