Today, points are shared on the meaning and value of the cross for Christian believers. Within the church created by the Lord, the cross is not an instrument used in practicing magic, nor is the cross an object of worship. Even so, many disciples and followers of Jesus Christ experience the living presence of the Savior as their own indwelling Spirit responds to a cross or crucifix. Certainly, their awareness may be released from focus upon material objects, personal problems, and issues of living in the world. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Melanie” (Level 4 with 3,449 points, a member since September 29, 2014) posted the following:
A question for Christians. Why do you have crosses? Do you like glorifying a torture instrument? Is Jesus happy with that?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); 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)
“Melanie”, the cross can only be celebrated by those having balance, joy, respect, and wisdom from GOD. Continuing to live upon the earth, Christian believers are surrounded by carnal, material, and social elements that may draw and fix their attention. Maintaining freedom that allows one to serve GOD in mature ways requires sacred knowledge and active practice of sacraments that shield the mind and heart from secular meanings, processes and values as well as from sin. Sin has not been created by GOD, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, GOD as the Law Giver, and all Creation that relies upon sacred law as a platform for divine order. The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. While sin can not be destroyed or eliminated as an ordinary object, sin can be spiritually discerned, resisted, and overcome. Among “born again” Christians, who have received deposits of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity, the cross proclaims the triumph and eternal victory of Jesus Christ over multiple forces and influences. The cross also declares peculiar achievements of each believer who has had help from GOD to overcome obstacles to their new life in Christ. Included are anger, covetousness, death, deceit, enmity, evil, fear, hate, ignorance, sin, suffering, ungodliness, and wickedness. The cross is not something cute and shiny worn as jewelry to appear in fashion. Nor is the cross an object of worship (we say, an idol). The cross may be acknowledged as an altar whereon the highest offering from mankind has been laid; yet, were believers to “glorify” the cross itself, they would be guilty of worshiping a false god, a lifeless object, a dead thing that may not act for their salvation. Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:
(1.) Philippians 3: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
(2.) 1st Corinthians 1: 18-24, 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. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
(3.) Galatians 6: 12-15, KJV: 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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