Cross
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Cross in the Bible?
The cross is a structural form of execution device consisting of an upright post and a horizontal crossbeam, historically utilized by the Romans. Following the conversion of Emperor Constantine, the symbol was adopted by the Church, leading to the veneration of relics purported to be fragments of the instrument of crucifixion.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the cross as a historical instrument of Roman punishment clarifies the severity of the penalty Jesus endured, emphasizing the theological concept of substitutionary atonement where the innocent suffered the fate of the guilty to reconcile humanity with God.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.