The instrument of Christ's atoning death β the central act of redemption in all of history. More than a method of execution, the cross is the meeting point of divine justice and divine love, where the wrath of God against sin was fully satisfied in the body of Jesus Christ (Col 2:14). It is simultaneously the greatest shame and the greatest glory in creation. Beyond the historical event, Christ commands every believer to "take up his cross" β a daily, volitional death to self that defines true discipleship (Matt 16:24). The cross is the defining symbol and substance of the Gospel.
CROSS, n. An instrument of capital punishment among the Romans and others, consisting of two pieces of timber placed across each other, either in the form of a T or X. The cross of Christ, on which he suffered, is represented as of the former kind. Christ's sufferings are often called his cross. The cross is the symbol of the Christian religion, and of suffering and patient submission to it.
Modern culture has stripped the cross of its offense (1 Cor 1:18). It has been reduced to a fashion accessory, a decorative symbol, or a vague cultural marker of religion β emptied of its blood, its substitution, and its demand. "Carrying a cross" is used loosely to mean any personal burden or inconvenience, severed from its call to self-denial and death to self. The prosperity gospel removes the cross entirely, replacing suffering with success. Progressive Christianity sentimentalizes it as merely a symbol of love without wrath or justice.
Matthew 16:24 β "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
1 Corinthians 1:18 β "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Galatians 2:20 β "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Colossians 2:14 β "...canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
Galatians 6:14 β "Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
G4716 β stauros (ΟΟΞ±Ο ΟΟΟ) β an upright stake or post; the instrument of crucifixion
G4717 β stauroΕ (ΟΟΞ±Ο ΟΟΟ) β to crucify; to impale on a cross
G4625 β skandalon (Οκάνδαλον) β the offense/stumbling block; what the cross represents to unbelievers
"The cross is not merely where Jesus died β it is where every Christian must die daily to themselves."
"Paul determined to know nothing among the Corinthians except Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2) β the cross is the whole content of biblical preaching."
"To take up your cross is not to endure a chronic illness or a difficult neighbor; it is the active, chosen death of self-will in obedience to Christ."