The Meaning of the Cross

Historically, the cross served as being a symbol of death, suffering, and execution. In today's world however, it means much more than that. For Christians, the cross is of an immense importance because of the fact that it provides simplicity, direction and motivation in people's chaotic lives. Most importantly, it is a representation of the affirmation of faith. Jesus was sent to earth to spread the word of God and to die for the sins of the Christian people. Therefore, the symbol of his heroic death, the cross, is something that Christians will continuously praise and hold in high authority. The death of Jesus forms the idea of liberation for his people. Christians understand the idea of "Christ's death and resurrection setting man free from his bondage to sin and death" (McGrath 120). Jesus saved his people by sparing himself, and the cross represents this courageous act that he partook in. For the Christian people, the cross has a significant identity: It is the symbol of Christ bringing about the idea of life rather than death, love rather than hatred and joy rather than sorrow. People look to the cross as a figure in which they can always rely on, and which will help them through the most difficult of times. It is something that is, and will always be there for people, just as Jesus was there for them when they needed him most. Jesus stated that he came "to give his life as a ransom for many" (McGrath 119). Jesus was successful with this goal, sparing the lives of many innocent people. His death is viewed as a "ransom," meaning he was sent as the people's way out, or their liberation. Jesus' death not only symbolizes liberation, but the fact that he died to save everyone, and in his death, everyone's sins were forgiven. It symbolizes the power of God in that he will always overcome evil and sin, and that we all can make ascension just as Jesus did. He suffered in his life, as we all have to in order to overcome sin and temptation. The cross