Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship

THE cross is loved and respected by millions of people. The Encyclopedia Britannica calls the cross "the principal symbol of the Christian congregation." Nevertheless true Christians do not use the cross in worship. Why not?

An important reason is that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross.  The Greek word generally translated "cross" is stau-ros' means "an upright pole or stake."  The Companion Bible points out:  "[Staur-ros'] never means two pieces of timber placed across one another at any angle. . . . There is nothing in the Greek of the [New Testament] even to imply two pieces of timber.

In several texts, Bible writers use another word for the instrument of Jesus' death. It is the Greek word xy'lon.  (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 10:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) This word simply means "timber" or "a stick, club, or tree." 

Next time: Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship

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