📖 Biblical Definition
Christ's repeated command in all three Synoptic Gospels: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matt 16:24). Luke adds the daily-ness: let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23). The cross was a Roman execution instrument; take up your cross meant carry the instrument of your own death — that is, accept the death sentence on the old self that following Christ requires.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
TAKE UP YOUR C, n.
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A scriptural teaching of Christ; the daily condition of discipleship.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 16:24 — "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Luke 9:23 — "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Galatians 2:20 — "I am crucified with Christ."
Romans 6:6 — "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity has decoratively stripped the cross of its execution-meaning; Christ said carry the instrument of your death.
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Modern Christianity often wears the cross as jewelry. The original meaning was visceral: a Roman execution instrument carried by the condemned man to his own death. Christ's call was unmistakable: if you would follow me, carry the instrument of your own death daily. The old self is to be put to death; the new self is to follow.
Galatians 2:20 is the application: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. The cross is not metaphor for hardship; it is the instrument of the old self's execution. Take it up daily. The new life follows from the death of the old.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G4716 — stauros — cross
G142 — airo — to take up
Usage
"Modern Christianity wears the cross as jewelry; Christ said carry your execution instrument."
"The cross is not metaphor for hardship; it is the instrument of the old self's death."
"Take it up daily; the new life follows from the death of the old."