Why then is it considered appropriate to wear the symbol of the cross around your neck? Is it right to wear the instrument that killed Jesus around your neck?
Many people feel that it shows how strong a Christian they are. Some wear it for sentimental value. Others do it purely for fashion.
But
Is this right? Would Jesus approve of it?
2007-09-17 08:01:55 · 10 answers · asked by Paul S 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ahmed Ahdoody - I am a Christian, I just want Christians to THINK about what they are doing.
What you said about it commemorating what Jesus did for us is not only unnecessary, but inappropriate. Jesus already gave us the command to do the memorial of his life at the last supper (lords evening meal). Some call it communion.
Where in the bible does it say that we must wear the death instrument around our necks?
Just out of interest, the person who promoted (and invented) the cross necklace was a jeweler and she made millions doing it. Was it purely out of faith that she did it? Sounds a bit like Christmas ehh?
2007-09-17 08:32:00 · update #1
Bambi - I'm sorry to hear about your best friend, at least we know he is only "sleeping". Very good answer by the way!
2007-09-17 10:21:51 · update #2
beattyb - If your friend dived out in front of a bullet to save you, would you say that he wasn't murdered just because he did it willingly? At his funeral would you hang miniature gun ornaments around your neck in honor of him?
To pick up your stake/cross, means to be self sacrificing. For example, if someone held a gun to your head and told you to curse God, you wouldn't do it even if it meant your life. Jesus said to pick up your cross as a parable or illustration to how a Christian should live (i.e. putting your faith before your life).
Jesus also said to pick up your cross/stake because true Christians will be persecuted just like he was.
2007-09-17 10:37:34 · update #3
Wearing a cross around your neck could also be seen as idolatry.
An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. The Hebrew terms used to refer to idols often are words rendered “carved or graven image” (literally, something carved out); “molten statue, image, or idol” (literally, something cast or poured out); “horrible idol”; “vain idol” (literally, vanity); and “dungy idol.”
What does the bible say about idols?
Exodus 20:4, 5
2 Kings 18:4
2007-09-17 10:39:17 · update #4
Jesus stated that the Cross would be used.
John 3:
14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
What does Jesus say? He will be raised up as the brass serpent was raised!
This was on a pole or a flagstaff. A flagstaff has a cross bar from which a pendant was hung. Each of the twelve tribes had a banner that hung this way.
Moses hung a brass serpent on one of these by the order of God Almighty. So that if a person was poisoned by a viper they could gaze upon it, believe, and live.
Now Christians do not use a brass viper but a simple cross. Why? So they may look upon it, believe, and live.
There is a lot of poison out there we must keep our eyes upon the goal and run the race.
This is a symbol of a Christian"s beliefs and Redemption.
Satan the Devil does not want us to use this symbol. Matter of fact, Satan knew and knows the path of Redemption, he has known what Jehovah God's path was from the beginning and has done his best to imitate it and slander it by using various versions in pagan religions where and when he could sneak it in.
And to use that word - Interestingly - this verse is followed by John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Christians do not worship the cross they use it as a sign to others of thier faith. This is the same as people that are Jewish use the Star of David as a sign of being under the Mosiac Law. Christians use the cross as a symbol as being under the discipleship of Christ.
You may not agree but these are the facts.
Here are some more ways that Satan has imitated Christ Jesus:
2007-09-18 13:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by troll to troll 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
No, Jesus would NOT APPROVE.
In May my brother/ best-friend was murdered,
weapon used: a hand gun;
And YOU won't catch me w/ 1 around my neck!
(A symbol of 1)
And for all who say "it's a symbol"...
John 4:24 says:
"God is a spirit and those worshiping Him
'MUST WORSHIP HIM WITH SPIRIT AND TRUTH' "-----
Symbols are a No-No.....
God says YOU must NOT use idols or images in worship---
Ex 20:4,5; Isa 44:9-17; 1 John 5:21
I love Jesus & my God,
How Disgusting is that?!?!
to wear a symbol around ur neck
that was the instrument of torture
for the Saviour of the whole of mankind!
If u wear it to remind urself...Uugghh!!!
YOU need to be reminded that Jesus
endured the torture stake for ur sins?
If YOU wear it, so that other ppl 'know' u r a Christian...
Is that necessary?
Jesus never said:
"wear something on the out side appearance,
so all the world knows YOU believe in me."
No, he didn't...
He did however say
that his followers would be recognizable.....
by LOVE.
Beattyb....
edit: He was murdered!!!!!,
just bc he went willingly, out of LOVE
does not mean it was a JUSTIFIABLE Killing*.
My brother willingly, fought to save lives;
he just couldn't save his own,
it was murder.
*the earthly persons responsible for putting him to trial,
be scourged & executed.
2007-09-17 08:08:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
To cherish the instrument on which Christ died does not make sense; it is utterly inappropriate. Rather than being venerated it should be loathed and abhorred. Who would think of kissing the revolver that had been used by a murderer to kill one’s loved one? It is just as senseless to bestow affection on the instrument on which Jesus met a cruel death.
2007-09-17 08:12:51 · answer #3 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Troll to Troll, that is a interesting reasoning.
Edit: I just read this to my husband and he wants to answer (remember don't be harsh he is just a believer and that's all to it).
He says, "Jesus did not die by the cross, Jesus carried the cross for mankind. Jesus died by extreme torture, loss of blood, dehydration, and exertion. The reason for Jesus death was for man salvation."
O.K. 1st. time for my hubby to share.
2007-09-18 14:00:52 · answer #4 · answered by Debs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO I wouldn't and I also don't wear a cross around my neck either. I don't need a reminder of how Jesus died, not on a cross anyway.
2007-09-17 08:28:55 · answer #5 · answered by Suzy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all, Jesus was not murdered, he gave his life willingly, the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. The cross is a reminder of that sacrifice, lest we forget. He told us to take up our cross and follow after him, and I know that doesn't mean a gold cross around your neck, but some people may just need that as a reminder, not necesssarily to show what a strong Christian they are. We should always remember what He did for us and remember to "bear our cross" daily.
2007-09-17 08:21:42 · answer #6 · answered by beattyb 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Its more a symbol of his willingness to die for the sins of others, and is thus a symbol of the faith, but its a good point.
I might wear a knife for self-protection though...
2007-09-17 08:09:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Jesus (pbuh) didnt die, read :
And [on account of] their saying: "We killed
the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, messenger of
God." They did not kill him and they did not
crucify him, but it was made to seem so to
them. Those who argue about him are in
doubt about it. They have no real knowledge
of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did
not kill him.
(Qur'an, 4:157)
2007-09-17 22:26:39 · answer #8 · answered by Kashif E 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is a really good point. When I first read your ? i thought you were some sort of wierdo, but ...
I have heard this point b4 but nver with the whole brother and knife thing.
2007-09-17 08:10:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
He gave his life for us. The cross is a symbol for for He did for us so that we will not have to suffer the same fate.
Ahh... I love non-believer's analogies. HaHa
2007-09-17 08:11:29 · answer #10 · answered by Defender of Freedom 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋