The cross is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the world, but what does it really mean? In Christianity, the cross represents the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the salvation that His death brings to those who believe in Him. Here is an in-depth look at the biblical meaning and significance of the cross.
The Cross in Biblical History
Well before the time of Christ, crosses were used as instruments of cruel execution in the ancient world. Crucifixion was practiced by the Persians, Egyptians, Carthaginians, and Romans as a particularly painful and humiliating way to die. The Latin word for cross is crux. By New Testament times, crucifixion was a common punishment for slaves and rebels. Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion, although there were some exceptions.
The Bible first mentions the execution method of crucifixion in Genesis 40:19, when Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer who was to be hanged or crucified. Cross or stake executions continued through the Old Testament period, and victims were sometimes left hanging for days as a public spectacle. Deuteronomy 21:23 declared anyone hung on a tree to be cursed.
When Jesus Christ was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion was simply the Roman method of execution for criminals at that time. Little did the participants realize they were taking part in the most pivotal event in human history. Jesus transformed the cross from a symbol of condemnation into a symbol of redemption.
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
All four Gospels give detailed accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37). After being severely flogged and mocked by the Roman soldiers, Jesus carried His own cross to the place of execution at Calvary, just outside Jerusalem along a main road. This fulfilled Jesus’ own prediction that He would be killed and “lifted up from the earth” (John 12:32-33).
Nails were driven through Jesus’ wrists and feet to attach Him to the cross. He hung there for six grueling hours, bleeding and in great pain, while crowds hurled insults at Him. Two criminals were crucified alongside Him, one on His left and one on His right. At noon, darkness fell over the whole land. Then at about 3 PM, Jesus cried out “It is finished!” and died (John 19:30). When the soldiers came to break the legs of the criminals to hasten their deaths before the sabbath, they found that Jesus was already dead so did not break His legs. One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out, indicating He was truly dead (John 19:31-37).
Meaning of the Cross for Christians
For Christians, the cross has become the universal symbol of the Christian faith, embodying these key meanings:
1. Salvation through Christ’s sacrifice
The fundamental meaning of the cross is sacrifice. As Christ hung there, He took upon Himself the sin of all humanity and suffered God’s wrath in our place, so that through His sacrificial death believers could receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:19-23). Jesus paid the penalty of death that sinful humans deserved, offering Himself as a substitute, so that those who put their faith in Him might have eternal life (Romans 6:23). This free gift of salvation cannot be earned, but only received in humility and faith.
2. Victory over sin and death
The cross represents Christ’s victory over the powers of evil, sin, and death. Despite enduring unimaginable physical and spiritual agony on the cross as He bore humanity’s sins, Jesus remained sinless and victorious. His dying words, “It is finished!” declared that His purpose in coming to Earth was accomplished. The forces of darkness could not overcome Him or thwart God’s plan of redemption (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The cross represents Christ’s definitive triumph over Satan, sin, and death at Calvary.
3. God’s love and mercy
The willing sacrifice of Jesus on the cross powerfully demonstrates the depths of God’s love and mercy toward humanity. Rather than leaving us dead in our sins and under judgment, God showed His love for us by sending His only Son to die in our place, taking the judgment we deserved (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10). As Jesus hung in agony on the cross, He displayed the infinite value that God places on human souls. Such amazing, costly love calls forth our worship and gratitude.
4. Example of obedience and submission
As the sinless Son of God, Jesus did not deserve to die. Yet He willingly endured the cross in obedience to His Father’s will and out of love for us (Philippians 2:8). Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of doing God’s will and placing others above self. The cross calls believers to submit their own desires to God just as Jesus did. Through the cross, He opened the way for people to have a restored relationship with God.
5. Reconciliation and forgiveness
Sin separates people from God, but Christ’s death on the cross offers reconciliation. As Isaiah 53:5 prophesied centuries earlier, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus bore humanity’s sins so that our fellowship with God could be restored. His sacrifice makes it possible for people to be forgiven and know inner peace that comes from reconciliation with our Creator (Colossians 1:19-22). The cross is a vivid demonstration of God’s mercy and forgiveness toward sinners.
6. God’s wisdom triumphing over human wisdom
The events of the cross seemed like utter foolishness to unbelievers of the day. To Jews, the idea of a crucified Messiah was unthinkable. To Greeks, worship of a crucifixion victim was absurd. But God displayed His divine wisdom by drawing people to a crucified Savior, confounding human expectations. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, God opened the way of salvation that no human could conceive of. And to those who believe, the cross reveals the ultimate wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
Various Forms of the Cross
Over the centuries since Jesus was crucified, Christians have commemorated His sacrificial death through the symbol of the cross. This key object of faith has taken many different shapes, including:
The Latin Cross – This is the most common depiction, with the horizontal and vertical beams intersecting.
The Greek Cross – All four beams are of equal length in this version.
The Celtic Cross – Originating in Ireland, this cross adds a circle connecting the four arms.
The Jerusalem Cross – Also called the Crusader’s Cross, this shows a large Greek cross with four smaller Greek crosses in each quadrant.
The Papal Cross – Used by popes, this has three short horizontal bars near the top to represent the inscription “INRI” nailed above Jesus’ head.
The Eastern Cross – Used in Orthodox churches, this has a slanted bottom beam representing a footrest, and a slanted top beam representing the headboard the condemned person would lean against.
Regardless of shape or style, all crosses remind believers of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ and the salvation and victory made possible through His death and resurrection.
The Cross in Christian Worship and Devotion
Because of its sacred meaning, the cross plays an integral role in Christian spirituality and practice. Some examples of how the cross figures prominently in the Christian faith include:
Sign of the cross – Catholics, Orthodox, and some other Christians will make the sign of the cross over their bodies during prayer. This invokes the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and reminds them of Christ’s sacrifice.
Crosses on churches – Crosses adorn church buildings, both inside and out, as a testimony that the congregation is gathered because of Jesus’ saving work on the cross.
Prayer crosses – Small crosses or crucifixes (crosses with Jesus’ body on them) are often used by Christians during prayer as a physical reminder of what Christ did for humanity.
Cross jewelry – People often wear crosses or crucifixes around their necks as a public expression of their Christian faith. This honors God and can serve as a witness.
Songs about the cross – Hymns and praise songs referencing the cross, such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Lift High the Cross,” are commonplace in Christian worship.
The glory of the cross – In services, sermons, art, and theology, Christians celebrate the central role of the cross in making salvation possible. It represents God’s amazing grace.
So in all aspects of faith and devotion, the cross stands at the heart of Christianity, constantly pointing people to Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of the world and the blood He shed to bring redemption to humanity.
Bible Verses about the Cross
Here are some key verses from Scripture that mention the cross of Christ and explain its profound significance:
1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 6:14 – May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Ephesians 2:16 – And in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Philippians 2:8 – And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!
Colossians 1:20 – And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
So according to the Bible, the cross demonstrates God’s power, wisdom, mercy, love and grace toward humanity. It is the sacred symbol of Christ’s sacrificial death that brings salvation, forgiveness of sins, and victory over death to those who believe in Him.
The Offense of the Cross
For those who deny Jesus or wish to cling to their own righteousness, the cross is offensive and foolish. People opposed Christ during His earthly ministry, so it is no surprise that many still reject Him today. To unbelieving Jews, a crucified Messiah was unthinkable. They expected a regal deliverer who would overthrow Rome. To Greeks, worship of anyone who had been crucified as a criminal was distasteful and absurd. So the concept of Jesus as salvation seemed scandalous.
This “offense of the cross” continues today whenever people stumble over the gospel message. For those clinging to good works or religious rituals for salvation, admitting their need for a crucified Savior feels unpalatable. People don’t like admitting they are sinners deserving eternal judgment. Their pride prefers a works-based righteousness. But as 1 Corinthians 1:23 says, the cross is foolishness to those perishing. Many cannot accept that Jesus’ agonizing death paid the full price for humanity’s sins. But Scripture declares that there is salvation in no other Name (Acts 4:12). Only through repenting and trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross can people be reconciled to a holy God.
Taking Up Our Cross to Follow Jesus
After explaining to His disciples that He would suffer and die, Jesus told them, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). This does not mean we must literally be crucified. Jesus spoke these words before His own crucifixion. But He made it clear that just as He would willingly give up His life for the salvation of many, His followers must also surrender their lives to God and be willing to endure hardship, rejection, and even persecution for the sake of the gospel.
Dying to self involves repenting and changing. It requires putting selfishness to death, dying to old sinful habits and living in obedience to Christ. Being a disciple means giving up our pursuit of worldly values, pleasures, and comforts to honor God above all. It means walking as Jesus walked, valuing eternal life over the temporary things of this world. Each day believers in Christ are called to deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow Him.
The cross is a central identifying marker of the Christian faith. It is more than just a symbol or a historical event. The depth of meaning it holds reveals God’s unconditional love, saving grace, and plan of redemption for fallen humanity. The cross changed destiny for everyone. It continues to transform lives as people lift their gaze to Christ’s sacrifice and receive the salvation He offers to all who believe. The cross stands today as a beacon of hope, forgiveness, and victory to all who will trust in Jesus.