The Meaning of the Cross

By Gary Webb

THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL
The heart of the message of Christ is focused on the cross where He died. Today, many people fail to understand what the death of someone 2000 years ago has to do with their life in the here and now. Without that insight, we can lose perspective about what God accomplished there. We can fail to appreciate its benefits for us as we walk through life's opportunities and obstacles. These short chapters call for clarity and reflection for those who really consider the power and meaning of the cross. The book is presented in three sections: 1) The Meaning of the Cross, 2) The Offense of the Cross, and 3) Three Voices at Calvary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Webb
• Release date: Oct 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9780985209216

Book preview

The Meaning of the Cross

by Gary Webb

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Copyright © 2012 by Gary Webb.

ISBN: 978-0-9852092-1-6

Table of Contents

The Meaning of the Cross

The Offense of the Cross

Three Voices at Calvary

The Meaning of the Cross

The Common Confusion about the Cross

Many people are confused when they try to understand the meaning of the cross. That’s because it is a symbol that sends mixed signals in our warped culture. The profound spiritual significance of the cross has escaped the notice and appreciation of modern, well-educated people, even in this supposedly Christian country.

Some years ago, in a public park in Eugene, Oregon, a sand and gravel company erected a giant cross. They did not have permission to do so. However, through the years the cross became a symbol to the people of Eugene. Especially at Christmas, when the cross was lighted brilliantly and sent its rays of faith and hope shining through the city, did the people appreciate it.

But with the current feelings of anti-religion becoming more prominent, a movement to have the cross removed gathered momentum. A lawsuit was filed by a Unitarian minister and the court ruled that the cross had to be removed because it violated the principle of the separation of church and state. An appeal was made to the State Supreme Court.

The higher court ruled that the cross could stay because it was simply a symbol, universally accepted, and now has no religious significance, and thus does not violate the principle of the separation of church and State. —Ministers’ Research Service

We see the cross high on the steeple of many churches. We see huge crosses hanging on the hairy chests of vulgar rock singers. In contrast, we see beautiful gold crosses suspended from the necks of innocent young girls on the way to church. Anyone who has seen the movie Mississipi Burning is reminded of the atrocities committed against black people