Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship? Conclusion

Explaining why a simple stake was often used for executions, the book Das Kreuz und Die Kreuzigung (The Cross and the Crucifixion), by Hermann Fulda, states: "Trees were not everywhere available at the place chosen for execution. So a simple beam was sunk into the ground. On this the outlaws, with hands raised upward and often also with their feet, were bound  or nailed." 

The most convincing proof of all, however, comes from God's Word.  The apostle Paul says: "Christ purchased us, releasing us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: 'Accursed is every man hung upon a stake ["a tree," King James Version]." [Galatians 3:13) Here Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:22, 23,  which clearly refers to a stake, not a cross.  Since such means of execution made the person "a curse," it would not be proper  for Christians to decorate their homes with images of Christ on a cross.

There is no evidence that for the first 300 yeas after Christ's death, those claiming to be Christians used the cross in worship. In the fourth century, however, pagan  Emperor Constantine became a convert to apostate Christianity and promoted the cross as its symbol. Whatever Constantine's motives, the cross had nothing to do with Jesus Christ.  The cross is, in fact, pagan in origin. The New Catholic Encyclopedia admits: "The cross is found in both pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures."  Various  other authorities have linked the cross with nature worship and sex rites.

Why, then, was the pagan symbol promoted?  Apparently, to make it easier for pagans to accept "Christianity." Nevertheless, devotion to any pagan symbol is clearly condemned  by the Bible/Jehovah God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) The Scriptures also forbid all forms  of idolatry.  (Exodus 20:45, 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:14)  With very good reason, therefore, true Christians do not use the cross in worship. 

Next time: Real Hope for Your Loved Ones Who Have Died

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