(1) About two thousand years ago a man named Jesus (Yahshua) walked this earth and claimed to be the Son of God, the Messiah or Christ that had long been promised to the Hebrew people. His birth and ministry are recorded in four of the books of the Holy Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As the record shows, however, the religious leaders became jealous of his popularity, so they instituted a plot against him, seized him, conducted a mock trial, condemned him to death, and finally had him executed as a malefactor. After his death one of his followers, who became known as the apostle Paul, wrote: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:39) To the young man Timothy the apostle wrote: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." -- 1 Timothy 2:5,6.

(2) Since then the followers of Jesus have cherished the promises recorded in the Bible of everlasting life for those who exercise faith in the Lord Jesus. (John 3:16) And, rightly, Christians should remember the death of our Lord Jesus as he commanded us, by the emblems of wine and unleavened bread. (1 Corinthians 11:20-26; Luke 22:17-26) This we believe should be done each year on the anniversary of his death, Nisan 14. However, no thought of special powers is given in the scriptures to the emblems used to represent Christ's body and blood.

ROOTS OF THE CROSS

(3) The religious use of the cross-symbol, however, was not originally associated with the death of the Lord Jesus. According to the book, The Cross - Its History and Symbolism:

(4) "The cross is probably the oldest symbol in the world. Centuries before the Christian era ancient crosses were in use as pagan emblems. They have been found carved in stone dating back to remote ages." (page 16)

(5) In The History of the Cross we read:

"The cross as a symbol was equally known among the Chaldeans, Phoenicians, and Aztecs. The ancient Greeks, the Babylonians, the East Indians, and the Egyptians used the cross....

(6) "In India, the moving story of Krishna tells of this god-man's crucifixion. Thus the story is common to Indian religious iconography." -- The History of the Cross, by Norman Laliberte and Edward N. West, 1960, page 25.

(7) "There have been ancient crosses, the handiwork of western Indian tribes of North America, with four arms of equal length with symbols of the four winds....

(8) "Excavations in America and Mexico have brought forth crosses of many forms and designs made by the aborigines during the mound building period....

(9) "It is curious and interesting to find these evidences of similar civilizations and religious beliefs existing in pre-historic times in both the eastern and western worlds. These crosses made by widely separated and alien peoples, similar in shapes and designs, have been found carved in stone and engraved on metals and shells and as decorations on pottery.

(10) "Almost from the beginning of recorded history there was another cross in frequent use known as the Tau Cross. In form it resembled the letter T. It has been called the cross of the Old Testament as it was known to the Jews. They may possibly have become familiar with it during their bondage to the Egyptians, as a cross much resembling the Tau Cross with a loop at the top appeared frequently in Egyptians heiroglyphs and carved on their ancient sepulchers and monuments. It was known as the Cross of Horus, an Egyptian god, and is usually held in the hand of a god, king, or priest. It was the symbol of life, and has been called the Key of Life.

(11) "In varied forms, the Tau Cross appeared throughout the ancient world. The Phoenicians adapted it to a crude representation of their goddess, Astarte -- 'she who gives life.' The Greeks transformed and beautified the handled cross of the Egyptians into a representation of their Goddess of Life, somewhat similar in appearance to the figure of woman with outstretched arms in the form of a cross.

(12) "Another form of cross known as the Greek Cross was used by various ancient races. It was simple in design, an upright line crossed at right angles by a horizontal line.

(13) "The primitive Greek Cross, in use a thousand and more years before the Christian era, was in form the same as the modern Christian Greek Cross. Recent excavations in Athens have unearthed ancient crosses similar in design to the familiar cross of the Greek Catholic Church in use at the present time. Its form is unchanged from the ancient Pagan Cross, except that it is usually embellished with ornamentation....

(14) "Among the Romans and all Latin peoples another ancient cross was much in use. It resembled the Greek cross with a long arm extending below. It was called originally the Latin Cross and is now known as the Christian Cross. From three ancient crosses, the Tau, the Greek, and the Latin, have evolved all the varied forms and designs of the Christian Crosses." -- The Cross -- Its History and Symbolism, pages 19-21.

(15) Many people in the popular Christian religious groups may be surprised to learn that the cross they are now using in worship was actually adopted from pagan idol worship. They may also be surprised to learn that the early Christians did not use any form of cross.

(16) "The cross was not used by the early Christians as a symbol and did not come into general use until three centuries after the death of Christ." (The Cross - Its History and Symbolism, page 40)

(17) "It may be safely asserted that only after the edict of Milan, A.D. 312, was the cross used as the permanent sign of our Redemption. De Rossi positively states that no monogram of Christ discovered in the catacombs or other places can be traced to a period anterior to the year 312 ....

(18) "The oldest crucifix mentioned as an object of public worship is the one venerated in the Church of Narbonne in southern France, as early as the 6th century." The Ecclesiastical Review, September 1920, page 275.

CROSS AND THE BIBLE

(19) In most popular Bible translations we do find the words "cross" and "crucify," etc., used in reference to the death instrument of Jesus. The word "cross" is, however, probably a mistranslation of the koine Greek word stauros.

(20) Many are aware of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" (JWs) belief that Jesus did not die on a cross, and think that this idea originated from them. There were others, however, who held to this idea long before the JWs took up the teaching. We have not been able to obtain a specific date, but JWs evidently did not begin their avoidance of the cross symbol until either the 1930s or 1940s. However long before this, back in 1896, J. D. Parsons wrote in his book, The Non-Christian Cross: "There is not a single sentence in any of the numerous writings forming the New Testament, which, in the original Greek, bears even indirect evidence to the effect that the stauros used in the case of Jesus was other than an ordinary stauros; much less to the effect that it consisted, not of one piece of timber, but of two pieces nailed together in the form of a cross.... It is not a little misleading upon the part of our teachers to translate the word stauros as 'cross' ...without carefully explaining that that was at any rate not the primary meaning of the word in the days of the Apostles, did not become its primary signification till long afterwards, and became so then...despite the absence of corroborative evidence." (Pages 23, 24) Even earlier, in the year 1874, we find the following in The Imperial Bible Dictionary (Edited by P. Fairbairn, London, 1874, Vol. I, Page 376): "The Greek word for cross, [stau·ros'], properly signified a stake, an upright pole, or piece of paling, on which anything might be hung, or which might be used in impaling [fencing in] a piece of ground. . . . Even amongst the Romans the crux (from which our cross is derived) appears to have been originally an upright pole." Additionally, Bullinger, who died in 1913, said concerning the word stauros: "It never means two pieces of timber placed across one another at any angle, but always of one piece alone. Hence the use of the word xulon (No. 2, above) in connection with the manner of our Lord's death, and rendered "tree" in Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29. Galatians 3:13. 1 Peter 2:24. This is preserved in our old English name rood, or rod. See the Encycl. Brit., 11th (Camb.) ed., volume 7, page 505d."(Companion Bible, Appendix 162, See the full quote close to the end of this document) According to the Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, "STAUROS....denotes, primarily, an upright pale or stake. On such malefactors were nailed for execution. Both the noun and the verb stauroo, to fasten to a stake or pale, are originally to be distinguished from the ecclesiastical form of a two beamed cross. The shape of the latter had it's origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used of the symbol of of the god Tammaz (being in the shape of the mystic Tau, the initial of his name in that country and adjacent lands, including Egypt. By the middle of the 3rd cent. A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system pagans were recieved into the churches apart from regeneration of faith, and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence the Tau or T, in it's most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the cross of Christ."

(21) Most Greek lexicons do give "Cross" as the primary meaning of the Greek word stauros, and often add "stake" as a second meaning. However, it is possible that the meaning of "cross" was attached to the Greek word stauros as related to the instrument upon which Jesus died at least a century or more after Jesus' death. In the second and third centuries after Christ died the pagans who liked the idea of salvation through Jesus did not want to give up their pagan idolatrous traditions. A great falling away from true worship occurred, as more and more of the teachings and practices of Greek and Rome were supposedly "Christianized" by being brought into the apostate church.

(22) The pagan idol gods and goddesses were "renamed" to make them appear "Christian," while the same pagan idolatry was continued towards them. The Tau symbol could have been one of the idols introduced into the apostate church, through its association with the Latin crux, which word in Latin was used to translate the Greek stauros.

(23) Thus to avoid the apparent nature of their idolatry, the cross could have been adopted to represent Jesus. Thus, when people prayed to the cross it would appear that they were actually praying to Christ rather than the cross. One author writes: "When Christians pray in front of a cross they are not praying to the cross itself, but rather to the deity represented by the cross. However, some traditions, the Greek and Russian Orthodox, for example, believe that the icon itself is invested with supernatural power. There is some controversy over this."* Of course, even the heathen make the claim that their idols are used to "represent" their deities. Yahweh said, however, "You shall not make an engraved image [representation] for yourself, [nor] any likeness [of anything] that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 5:8,9) Nevertheless, for many centuries only the cross-symbol was used in worship; Christ was not represented as being "on the cross."
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http://www.awildorchid.com/religion.htm

(24) "By the 7th century, however, it had become customary to represent the whole figure of Jesus, alive and robed, as the triumphant Christ, in front of the cross but not attached to it. Gradually, . . . Christ was portrayed naturalistically in a loincloth and crown of thorns, nailed to the cross." (Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, Volume 7, page 352) This is something we should note! It was not until several hundred years after Jesus died that he was portrayed on a cross!

(25) The above facts seem to indicate that Jesus was probably not hung on a cross, as we see crosses today. Instead, he more than likely was nailed to an upright stake. We know that the Greek words stauros and stauroo are used to described the manner of execution of criminals at that time. We have found no conclusive evidence that the Romans did indeed use a Tau-shaped cross to execute Jesus. Everything we have seen presents more speculation and assumptions than hard facts. At this late date, we have found nothing that is conclusive, either that Jesus died on a stauros with a crossbeam, or that he died on a simple upright stake.

(26) Why, then, do we read in most history and references books that he was hung on a cross? We know that most historians tell us that the Romans "crucified" criminals during the time Jesus was on earth. There is some evidence that the Romans did indeed crucify by use of the a stake with a crossbeam at the time of Jesus. Nevertheless, the word "crucify" comes, not from the Greek, but Latin. It is based on the Latin word "crux", which can mean either an upright pole, or a stake with a crossbeam. Thus "crucify" does not necessarily mean that one is put to death on a stake with a crossbeam. The Latin words crucifigere and crux were used with reference to any instrument upon which a person was executed, whether an upright pole with or without a crossbeam. Therefore, the use of the words themselves in writings to do not provide adequate proof that Jesus was actually executed on a pole with a crossbeam. Thus, every time we read about a crucifixion in the time period of Jesus, it does not necessarily mean that such ones were hung on a stake with a crossbeam.

(27) In Acts 5:30; 10:39; and 13:29 another Greek word is used to describe the instrument upon which Jesus was hung. This Greek word is xylon, which means simply "tree or stake" or "a piece of wood." This gives added proof that the instrument of Jesus' death was not a cross.

(28) Additionally, Jesus needed to die on a stake in order to fulfill the law, thereby removing its curse. -- Deuteronomy 21:22,23; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24.

(29) While many more references could be cited, what we have presented here does indicate that, at least, it is not clear that Jesus died on a cross or an upright stake or tree. Of course, it really does not matter whether Jesus died on a cross with a cross beam or just an upright pole; it is the act of his death that should be important to us; not the instrument (or image of the instrument) of his death. We, therefore, will not quibble over the shape of the stauros upon which Jesus died. However, we do have evidence that long before Jesus came the heathens used the cross in similar fashion as now done in popular Christianity.

IS THE CROSS USED AS AN IDOL TODAY?

(30) While the shape of the instrument of Jesus' death is really not the point that should be our major concern concerning the cross, what is of more concern should be whether one should use the Tau as an object of worship, as is done in the Catholic and some other Christian denominations. There is nothing wrong with the shape of cross in itself. That shape and the very word, "Tau", is used in many alphabets, as in English in the English T. That shape has come to be associated with death and the resurrection. Imagine that you lived long ago and wanted to mark the grave site of loved one. So you might fasten two pieces of wood together so that you could inscribe your loved one's name across the crossbeam. From this standpoint, the cross shape, in itself, does not represent any pagan deity. Nevertheless, in the Restoration Light documents, we do not use the cross, nor the "cross and crown symbol", at all, because, although we realize that the symbol itself is not an idol, it is possible that by doing so some with weak consciences (1 Corinthians 8:7,10) may conclude that it is proper to worship the cross image after the manner of Catholicism, or as is done in some Pentecostal and Baptist groups (in exorcism, bowing down and praying before the image, seeking protection by use of a cross image, giving praise to the cross image that should go to God through Jesus, etc.).* So the question should be: Even if Jesus was hung on a stake with a crossbeam, do the scriptures warrant giving their devotion to such a symbol as pagans have in the past? We will discuss this in greater detail later.
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*See our publication: "Idolatry Provokes Yahweh's Anger"

(32) Heathen religions looked to the cross for comfort long before Jesus was born. The ancient Egyptians used to wear the cross as a necklace so that it would be close to the heart. The cross was worn on garments and displayed on buildings. Adoration was given to the cross in prayer and song. Today we find many in the popular Christian groups who give the cross the same kind of fidelity that pagans did ages before Christ came to the earth. In some churches, candles and incense, along with prayer, are offered before the cross. In most churches the cross is revered very similarly to ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Churchgoers today often look to the cross for protection and comfort just as heathens did. It is worn around the neck and displayed prominently on top of church buildings. It is sung to and sung about with all the reverence of idolatrous worship. Indeed, as the article quoted earlier states: "The oldest crucifix mentioned as an object of public worship is the one venerated in the Church of Narbonne in southern France, as early as the 6th century." (The Ecclesiastical Review, September 1920, page 275, italics ours) Thus these church records openly admit that the cross was being worshipped by church adherents. Should this not send an alarm to all who want to worship "in spirit and truth"?

KEEP YOURSELVES FROM IDOLS

(32) The true Christian will want to obey the words of his Lord as given through the apostle: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." -- 1 John 5:21.

(33) Therefore we note that the cross has long been associated with heathen idolatry. Satan has always been active to deceive people in their worship, and the cross can be insidiously woven into the popular forms of Christian worship in order to hinder true worship in "spirit and truth." (John 4:23,24) It is the flesh that desires something to see, feel, touch, etc., in connection with worship. "We are keeping our eyes, not on the things seen, but the things unseen." - 2 Corinthians 5:7.

(34) We believe that it would advantageous for Bible Students, both for the faith of others as well as their own faith, to refrain from using the cross symbol, including the cross and crown symbol, even if it is simply being used as a symbol and not an as an instrument of worship. In the first century there were many Gentiles who became Christians. Did they keep the idols they had been using in worship? The Bible record shows that when Gentiles became Christians they "turned to God from idols." -- 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

(35) It has been claimed by some that no one "worships" the cross today. The facts speak otherwise. A survey on the internet will reveal that the "cross" symbol is being prayed to, used an occultic charm for protection, claimed to have healing powers, etc., especially in Catholic and Neo-pagan communities, and sometimes in Protestant communities. Here are some quotes from various sites concerning the cross: "Up to today many Irish homes have a St. Brigit's cross for protection."* Once occult site tells us to "take two leaves and place them inside shoes in form of a cross for protection on the road." ** A Catholic site offers a prayer to the cross for protection.^ Many sites sell crosses "for protection." The cross is often used as supposed source of power to supposedly exorcise evil spirits. We encourage one to do a search of the internet for phrases like "cross for protection", "worship the cross", "pray to the cross", "bow before [or, to] the cross", etc.
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*http://inanna.virtualave.net/brigit.html
**http://home.earthlink.net/~charlesbarbera/eweeleggua.html
^http://www.geocities.com/catholicprayerpage/holycross.html

(36) Furthermore, the Bible plainly tells us not to use idols that are used by the heathen in their ceremonies in our worship. "And what connection has God's temple with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; as God said 'I will dwell among them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be to me a people.'" "Flee from idolatry." - 2 Corinthians 6:16,17; see also verses 18-21; 1 Corinthians 10:14; Exodus 20:4,5.

(37) Therefore, our recommendation is that any Christian or Christian congregation that has been involved in such things as using the cross in worship should immediately rid themselves of all idolatry lest they find themselves outside God's favor. -- Deuteronomy 4:25,26; Jeremiah 7:29,30; 22:8,9; 1 Corinthians 10:19-22.

(38) Along this line, we note that God gave Moses instructions to construct a serpent to use as a standard or ensign: "The people spoke against God, and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread. Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. The people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh, and against you; pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us. Moses prayed for the people. Yahweh said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard: and it shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the standard: and it happened, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of brass, he lived." (Numbers 21:5-9) Although many believe that this standard was in the shape of a cross, there is no evidence of such. This standard, however, surely does prefigure Jesus (and his sacrificial death upon the stauros), to whom we look for salvation from sin and death. (Hebrews 9:28; 10:10; 12:2) As a banner, this serpent and the pole upon which it was placed, was not an idol. The source of the healing obtained by looking upon the standard did not come from the image itself, but from Yahweh. However, the Israelites became very idolatrous. They adopted many of the idols of the nations, but as they did so, they also treated the brazen serpent that Moses has made as a idol. Thus, the good King Ahaz, in destroying the idols in of the land, also destroyed the brazen serpent, because children of Israel burned incense to it, as they did to other idols. Today, incense is often replace by the use of candles, which are burned before images in the same manner that many heathen burn incense to idols. This should be an warning example to us, that, even if the cross symbol in itself is not considered an idol, its usage by others in idol and occult worship is enough for us to get rid of it. -- 1 Corinthians 10:6,7.

(39) Remembering that you belong to Jesus, and not to popular forms of religion, we believe the proper course should be to take a stand to obey him. "He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father." (John 14:21)

(40) "Therefore, go and teach in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." If you are truly a disciple of Jesus, you have been given a commission by him to preach the good news of his glorious kingdom.

(41) "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." (Luke 10:2-12) As in the days of Jesus, we are in another harvest period here in the end of this age. We need to go forth in the harvest work, preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) In preaching the truth of the Good News, we should search for those who are truly seeking to "worship in spirit and truth." We need to teach them Bible truths, so that they, also, may be disciples of Jesus, woshipping in spirit and truth.

(42) It may be that you are associated with a religious group that actively uses the cross in ceremonies and as an object of worship. You may try to present these matters to that group, if you are permitted to do so. It is possible that the congregation might have a hearing ear for truth.

(43) It is very likely, however, that if you present the truth in some congregations that are given to great ceremony in using the cross, you will meet a fervor which could indicate what is really in their hearts regarding the cross-idol, despite what their words might say. We should remember, however, that there are many who make use of the cross symbol as the death of Christ who may not have any carnal devotion to the symbol itself. It is not our thought that we should refuse to fellowship with some simply because they might use this symbol and have references to in their hymn books. (In many hymns we can replace the word "cross" with "stake", "death", or another appropriate word.) As long as they do not give blatant worship toward the cross symbol, such as bowing before, offering gifts or prayers to it, etc., seeking some kind of occultic protection from it, etc., we do not feel that it would be proper for us to refuse fellowship with our fellow Christians, yet at the same time we need to be, as Paul was, advocates for getting rid of anything that might lead one into idolatry, or condoning idolatry in others. The vast majority of Bible Students that hold to the "ransom for all," (See our publications: Understanding Kingdom Mysteries and The Restoration of All Things.) are very strong on using the cross and crown symbol, and there are several hymns in the Bible Students' hymn books that do at least hint at cross worship. We should not refuse them fellowship for this, however. We believe that most of the Bible Students brothers and sisters do seek to worship in spirit and truth, despite the display of the cross and crown symbol. Thus Bible Students who see the need to stop using the cross symbol may have to stand alone for a while, but the holy spirit will help you if you are faithful. (Jude 1:20-24; Romans 8:27,28; Proverbs 1:27) We should remember also that Jesus spoke of several classes of his servants. Some would not know what do. Some would know but still would not do it. (Luke 12:42-48) While taking a stand against the use of the cross so as not to appear to justify idolatry in those whose conscience is weak, one could continue to seek fellowship with those who do not see the need to get rid of the cross, all the while giving reminders that the cross is being idolized and used in occult ceremonies by many. In all things, we should remember that it is not our own conscience that is of utmost importance, for the true worshipper knows an idol is nothing. However, by our seeming approval we can lead others into idolatry, thus making ourselves sharers in another's idolatry. (1 Corinthians chapters 8 & 10 -- espcially, 1 Corinthians 10:15-21; See: pureidolatry.html) Regardless, you must always remember that you are not completely alone, for Yahweh, the true God, will be with you.

(44) To take a stand to discard usage of the cross-image does not mean that we should esteem the death of Christ any less; indeed, as Christ died on that despised stake, so we should be willing to bear the reproach of Christ in enduring whatever this world may heap upon us for his name's sake. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the stake [stauros] of our Lord Jesus the Christ, by whom the world is put on the stake [estaurwtai] to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14, Corrected rendering = see also 2 Corinthians 12:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:16) Indeed, going to extremes concerning usage of the cross could lead us to deviate from the central issue of the fact that Jesus did come and die for our sins, as well as cause unnecessary division, distrust, and even hatred for our brothers in Christ who have not seen any need to get rid of all usage of the cross.

(45) So let us tell people about the glorious good news about Christ, the ransom he has provided for the world, and his kingdom. "For Christ sent me . . . to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the stake of Christ should be for no purpose. For the preaching about the stauros is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God.... But we preach Christ hung on a stake, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness." - 1 Corinthians 1:17-23, Corrected rendering.

(46) Some have sought to defend the use of the cross in many different ways. Usually these focus on trying to demonstrate that Jesus died on a stake with a crossbeam. We wish to make note that this line argument actually sidetracks and turns the focus away from the genuine scriptural concern of involvement with idolatry. We need to realize what is happening here! One hymn that appears in most church hymnbooks, as well as Hymns of Dawn is called the "The Old Rugged Cross", which includes the following lyrics: "And I love that old cross, . . . I'll cherish the old rugged cross . . . I will cling to the old rugged cross . . ." The words here are very enticing toward endearment in the heart to an object that the traditional church admits as an object of worship! Is this an insidious attempt of the devil to divert the praise that belongs to Yahweh and his Son Jesus through idolatry? It is easy to take such love, such heart cherishment of a symbol to such extremes that one actually gives that worship which belongs to Yahweh to an image -- in this case an image that is promoted to represent the sacrificial death of God's Son! We need to greatly impress that God's Word condemns this as idolatry! -- 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9,10; 8:1-10; 10:14-31.

(47) Some have placed such a strong emphasis on the cross symbol as the "mark of the cross" as "the seal of salvation" that it does come very close to mimicking the phraseology of ancient heathen idol worshippers as well as that carried on today in the churches, both Catholic and Protestant. Notice, now, Hislop's observation: "The mystic Tau, as the symbol of the great divinity, was called `the sign of life;' it was used as a amulet over the heart; it was marked on the official garments of the priests, as on the official garments of the priests of Rome; it was borne by kings in their hand, as a token of the dignity or divinely-conferred authority." Do you see the similarity between "seal [mark] of salvation" and "sign of life"? We do not believe that our Christian brothers who use such terminology concerning the cross would consider themselves idol worshipers. Yet by utilizing the pagan cross-idol as "the seal of our salvation," after the same spirit of the heathen, one could unwittingly lend himself to an idolatrous spirit, and in effect, give support to those who would use the cross as an object of worship. We need to present the truth. The mark of the cross image has nothing whatsoever to do with our salvation, but the act of his death on a stake (or if you prefer, crucifixion - the act by which Jesus was put to death) of Christ has much to do with it. The use of the cross as an object of worship, however, represents a desire to worship according to the flesh, not the spirit. It tends to lead people in worship along the lines of the flesh rather than the spirit. We do not believe that the cross-symbol, being a symbol of false religion and a false salvation, should ever have been adopted as a symbol of the death of Jesus. We believe the use of the cross as an object of worship, or in occultic ceremony, to be a detestable thing before Yahweh, as can be seen from such scriptures as 1 Chronicles 16:26; Psalm 96:5; Ezekiel 16:36,37; 37:23.

(48) Some have argued that they don't "worship" the cross, but they only use it as a symbol and reminder of the redemption. This may be true, but we need to remember that such reminders should not be needed by those who worship in spirit and truth. Additionally, in the Bible we find that Yahweh did not tell his people to adopt the idols of the nations to represent Christ. He told them NOT to adopt the idols of the nations! -- Exodus 20:4,5; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1 Corinthians 10:14,19-21.

(49) Some have reasoned that as long as they do not literally bow down to the cross they can use it in worship but are not worshiping it. But worship has to do with sentiments of the heart (Ezekiel 14:3-7; 11:21; 17:1,9; 20:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) and not necessarily literal bowing of the knees before an object. Eating food that has been sacrificed to idols does not involve actual bowing before the idol, yet such who eat food sacrificed to idols can make themselves partakers of another's idolatry by doing this. -- 1 Corinthians 10:14-31.

(50) Not only this, why would a true disciple of Jesus feel that he needs a symbol known to be associated with heathen idolary to represent Christ or our salvation through him? Does such actually represent worship in spirit and truth? -- John 4:21-24.

(51) But doesn't the Bible say that to a believer an idol is nothing, and therefore we can take the things of idols and use them in our worship? Those who reason such are misreading the apostle's argument in 1 Corinthians 8:4. The context shows that Paul is referring to things sacrificed to idols, and how a Christian can come to be in communion with idol, even though he knows an idol is nothing. Paul argues that even if a food or anything is sacrificed to an idol, the food or item offered is not of itself defiled. Therefore, we can eat of any food even if it has been offered to idols, or we can recieve clothes or whatever else even if they have been offered to idols, as long as they are not presented to us as being sacrificed to idols, as to get us to accept an offering to an idol. (1 Corinthians 10:27,28) If we have been told that the food (or whatever else might be presented) is sacrificed to an idol, we should not partake, lest we become partakers with demons. "For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? But I say that the things that the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink of the cup of Yahweh and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of Yahweh's table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke Yahweh to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?" -- 1 Corinthians 10:22; See also All Things Are Pure.

(52) And then Paul says in his second letter to Corinth: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God said: `I will dwell in them and walk among them, I will be their God, and they will be my people.' [Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27] Therefore `Come out from among them and be separate, says Yahweh. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.' [Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41] `I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says Yahweh Almighty.' [2 Samuel 7:14] Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) Now if we turn to Ezekiel 20:41 and read the context we can see that the filthiness of flesh and spirit that the apostle referred to is idolatry -- profaning God's name with use of idols (See especially Ezekiel 20:39,40).

(53) If a person professes to be a believer in the ransom of Christ, and is partaking of these things, such a person should seriously ask himself: Why do I wish to risk provoking Yahweh's jealousy by continuing to use the cross, trees, and the many of forms of idolatry adopted from paganism to profane God's name? "Do we provoke Yahweh to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" -- 1 Corinthians 10:22.

(54) It appears that some in Corinth were involved in some form of idolatry, or else the apostle would not have spent so much time on the matter. Yet he called them "beloved," and exhorted them to repentance. "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." -- 1 Corinthians 10:14.

(55) But now many centuries have passed. Many of God's people observe the things of the flesh because of its strong traditional hold on the nominal people of God. Thus Jesus said concerning his return: "When the Son of man returns, will he find the faith in the earth?" (Luke 18:18) By this he hints that the true pure faith will be hard to find in these last day. He further says even of his own servants in these days: "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few." (Luke 12:47,48) Thus there is a judgment of God's servants in these last days. Let us strive to be as the one represented by the faithful steward. (verse 42) The faithful servant really searches the scriptures according to the spirit to provide from their treasure appropriate food for the fellow-members of the household of faith things both old and new. -- Matthew 13:52.

(56) Should we therefore go into meetings where the cross (or cross and crown) is prominently displayed and hymns are sung concerning the adoration for the cross that might make us feel uneasy? We must remember that we know a cross is nothing; but not all view the cross in this manner. A lot depends on the way the cross is viewed by the group as whole. Some say they only view the cross as a symbol. Most of the Bible Students use the "cross and crown" symbol as an ensignia, a standard, similar to the manner that standards or ensigns were used in Old Testament times. We have no authority from God to disfellowship them for such, nor to set ourselves up to make such a display a test for fellowship. We are not to try to judge their hearts, but we should try to get them to see that even this could effect others who cherish the cross into giving an improper heart affection to it. Most church groups make a lot out of the cross (as they do many other material objects). In some churches, there is even a pledge of allegiance given to the cross or a flag with a cross-symbol. Attending such a meeting where such activities take place in itself, of course, would not be wrong. We could attend and just not participate in anything that we would feel uncomfortable in participating. Some questions we have to ask ourselves are: By attending am I giving those who actively use the cross as an object of worship, or in occultic ceremony, the thought that I approve of what is being done? If by any means I am giving others the understanding that I agree with their heart affection for the material idol, then I could make myself a partaker in their conscience, and therefore in their offerings. This, we believe, is what the scripture says, for it is the other person's conscience that is to be considered, and whether we become participators in their conscience by showing approval of their idol worship, although we have knowledge that an idol is nothing. -- 1 Corinthians 10:28,29; 2 Corinthians 6:16.

(57) If at all possible, one might try to gain a hearing that all may come to see that worship of the cross, or occultic practices connected with the cross, as well other forms of material worship, are not approved by God. Thus the whole congregation, as a congregation, could be given an opportunity to repent, even as Paul sought repentance in the Corinthian congregation. -- 2 Corinthians 7:1,9.

(58) But what if the congregation fails to repent of blatant affinity to the material adoration of the cross, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, etc.? Then the enlightened Christian, being desirous of having approval of his Master over all else, would have to obey his Master's words through the apostle as he quoted from the words of Yahweh himself: "Come out from among them, and be separate. . . . Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17) This is both a command and a promise of the Father himself!

(59) Notice that Yahweh says that HE will receive us if do separate ourselves from idols, such as the cross-idol. Likewise, this promise can be ours if we have to make a decision not to remain in a group that is involved in material worship of an organization, a man, or group of men. The leaders of such religious groups or organizations preach themselves. "We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants' for Christ's sake." We have Yahweh's promise that he will receive us! "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (separateness to God) in the fear of God." -- 2 Corinthians 7:1.

(60) In withdrawing association from a group that continues in blatant idolatry, we should not want to leave them with the feeling that we are doing so just to be contentious. Rather, our attitude should be to still love them and aid all everywhere to repent. However, this may be hard to so, for in many cases our actions will be misunderstood by those whose minds cannot see beyond the material which they often mistake for being spiritual.

(61) But where do we go if we find ourselves cut off from the brothers whom we have loved so well, perhaps for many years? We should still have love for them. But for their good and ours we need to let them know the truth. We will not encourage them to let go of material worship as long as they do not really see the need to do so. And if they see us as though we are going along with it, putting up with it, etc., they will not realize the seriousness of the matter. Thus we could not give our hand of full fellowship to such a group, even though we may be able to visit their meetings from time to time. We must remember Yahweh's promise that he will receive us. We will have to rely more than ever on his spirit and will be compelled to spend more and more of our time in study of His Word and in His service. We may have to do so alone for a time. It may take years. But eventually many of those who really belong to Yahweh will begin have their eyes opened. Thus you may be used by Yahweh to start a small congregation of Bible Students desiring true worship in your home, or in some other agreeable meeting place.

(62) Are we, then, suggesting a division amongst the brothers of Christ? Yes and no, depending on the manner of viewing the matter. Yes, Jesus said he came to cause division. "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three." (Luke 12:51) His preaching caused division everywhere he preached. (John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19) Likewise, the apostles' preaching caused division. (Acts 28:25) Divisions will make manifest those approved by God. (1 Corinthians 11:19) Thus do not let any man rob you of serving in true worship, in spirit and truth, under the guise that one should remain loyal to a congregation, an organization, a popular fellowship, a prominent pastor, etc. This is NOT the way to have Yahweh's approval. At the same time, the holy spirit can work a unity amongst those who manifest the approval of Yahweh through worship in spirit and truth. Indeed, we believe we are entering the final harvest, wherein the final separation of the wheat and tares will be take place. (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43) The wheat represents those truly dedicated to Yahweh, the true sons of the kingdom living at the end of this age. (Matthew 13:38) These, we believe, will not be many compared to the massive numbers in the nominal churches.

(63) We have dealt with this at some length because we see that idolatry, that is, the diversion of love that should to go to Yahweh through his appointed channel, that is, his Son, will be a great test upon those professing to be God's people in the end of the age. Where does our affection really lie? Does it lie with material things we feel an affinity to? Do we mistake the feeling we receive by use of religious objects for true spirituality? Is our mind on the material -- adoring crosses, giving our sentiments over to pagan idols (Christmas trees, Easter sunrise worship, etc.) and certain occultic rituals? How important is this to you? More importantly, how important do you perceive this to be to Yahweh? -- 1 John 2:15.

Many point to historical records which use certain Greek and Hebrews words that are translated as "crucify" as proof that criminals were executed on a stake with a crossbeam. Crucifixion, as the word was used in Latin, does not necessarily mean to be put to death on a stake with a crossbeam, as it could also refer to being put on an upright stake. Thus looking back in historical records where the use of words that were translated into Latin by the various forms of *crux* do not necessarily prove that the shape of the instruments used had a crossbeam, or that they were in the shape of the Tau.

Objection Two:
John 20:25

John 20:25 - The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

The claim is made that in the Greek the word used here for "nails", helos, is in the plural. Therefore, there was more than one nail used in the hands of the crucifixion of Christ. This is presented as proof that Jesus did die on a stake with a crossbar. Since the plural -- nails -- is used, this is thought to imply that Jesus' hands were attached to a crossbar with one nail in each hand.

In reality, the scripture is irrelevant as to the whether the stauros had a crossbeam, as it only proves that "nails" [plural] were used in his hands. This could have happened by nailing nails through each hand as they were extended upward on each side of an upright pole. With each hand extended upward along each side of the upright pole, then the "sign" could still be placed above Jesus' head between his upstreched arms.

Objection Three:
Taking Up One's Cross

Christ tells us in Matthew 10:38 'and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.' And in Matthew 16:24 / Luke 9:23 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me." We are asked: If The Cross Was The Object Of Paganism why did Christ state these things?

These scripture is often quoted as "take up his cross" or "take up the cross" as meaning to take up the cross-symbol as being the cross of Jesus. However, if we examine this closely, we believe we will see that this is not what Jesus is saying.

Some have even quoted this scripture for justification of wearing the cross for protection, or using the cross as an idol-like representation of Jesus.

Christ tells us in Matthew 10:38 'and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.' And in Matthew 16:24 / Luke 9:23 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me."

As discussed before, the Greek word translated "cross" is "stauros", which may or may not mean a stake with a crossbeam. http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=4716

Its root word means "to stand" or "to cause to stand".
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=2476

The Greek word translated "take up" is "Lambano", which carries a variety of shades of meanings, including: "to take away what is one's own".
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=2983

Every true follower of Christ should take up and bear his own "stake" as in sacrifice, that which he has in this life, so that he has supreme love for God through Jesus. In the context, this is what Jesus is speaking about, that whatever we have in this life of possessions, family, friends, and even our own present life, must be "hated" in comparison with love for God and his Son. Thus the Christian must daily sacrifice all interest in this world, even though it brings opposition from family, friends, or our own desires and interets, that he might be fully submissive to Christ. -- Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-25; 14:26,28-33.

These scriptures may or may not have reference to the Roman method of execution; it is certainly not referring to the exact instrument upon which Christ died, but rather our own personal "stauros" in life.

However, there is nothing in any of these scriptures that should give one the idea that to "take up" our cross means to idolize the stauros, wear the stauros for protection, pray to the stauros, etc., regardless of what shape is meant by "stauros".

Objection Four:
Crucified With Christ

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me

Galatians 2:20
Westcott & Hort Interlinear, as obtained from the Bible Students Library CD

christw sunestaurwmai zw de ouketi
TO CHRIST I HAVE BEEN PUT ON STAKE TOGETHER. I AM LIVING BUT NOT YET
5547 4957 2198 1161 3765
egw zee de en emoi christos ho de nun zw
I, IS LIVING BUT IN ME CHRIST; WHICH BUT NOW I AM LIVING
1473 2198 1161 1722 1473_3 5547 3739 1161 3568 3569 2198
en sarki en pistei zw tee tou huiou tou
IN FLESH, IN FAITH I AM LIVING TO THE (ONE) OF THE SON OF THE
1722 4561 1722 4102 2198 3588 3588 5207 3588
theou tou agapeesantos me kai paradontos
GOD OF THE (ONE) HAVING LOVED ME AND HAVING GIVEN BESIDE
2316 3588 0025 1473_6 2532 3860
heauton huper emou
HIMSELF OVER ME.
1438 5228 1473_1

The above scripture is often presented to us as proof of the shape of the instrument upon which Jesus died. Yet, in actuality, Paul's use of the Greek word sunestaurwmai* (Strong's # 4957) says nothing about the shape of the instrument upon which Jesus died. It only denotes that some form of crucifixion is involved. As far as the Christian is concerned, this is not speaking of literally being put on a death instrument with Christ, but it refers figuratively to the new creature's daily walk, following in the path of self-sacrifice that Jesus followed, even in suffering and persecution, remaining faithful to death. Paul himself, who wrote this, was not literally crucified, but ended his course by being beheaded -- as a Roman citizen.
=========
*Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: Cross, Crucify
http://www.menfak.no/bibelprog/vines?word=¯t0000616
See also: Thayer and Smith. "Greek Lexicon entry for Sustauroo". "The KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon".
http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=4957&version=kjv.

Objection Four:
Crucified the Sinful Nature

Another scripture we are sometimes given as proof that Jesus died on "cross" is: Galatians 5:24: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions & desires.

Galatians 5:24
Westcott & Hort Interlinear, as obtained from the Bible Students' Library CD

hoi de tou christou ieesou teen sarka
THE (ONES) BUT OF THE CHRIST JESUS THE FLESH
3588 1161 3588 5547 2424 3588 4561
estaurwsan sun tois patheemasin kai tais
THEY PUT ON STAKE TOGETHER WITH THE PASSIONS AND THE
4717 4862 3588 3804 2532 3588
epithumiais
DESIRES.
1939

Again, Paul's use of the Greek word *estaurwsan* says nothing about the shape of the instrument upon which Jesus died.

Objection Five:
Galatians 6:14

Sometimes we are given Galatians 6:14 along with such statements as: The only reason you avoid usage of the cross is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:14
Westcott & Hort Interlinear, as obtained from the Bible Students Library CD

emoi de mee genoito kauchasthai ei mee en tw
TO ME BUT NOT MAY IT OCCUR TO BE BOASTING IF NOT IN THE
1473_3 1161 3361 1096 2744 1487 3361 1722 3588 1487_1
staurw tou kuriou heemwn ieesou christou di hou
STAKE OF THE LORD OF US JESUS CHRIST, THROUGH WHOM
4716 3588 2962 1473_8 2424 5547 1223 3739
emoi kosmos estaurwtai kagw kosmw
TO ME WORLD HAS BEEN PUT ON STAKE AND I TO WORLD.
1473_3 2889 4717 2504 2889

Again, the use of the Greek words *staurw* and *estaurwtai* says nothing about the shape of the instrument upon which Jesus was put to death. The use of the word *staurw* in this sentence, however, relates to the act of being put on a stake, the actual sacrifice, and not to the actual instrument of death itself. Nevertheless, the emphasis that some place on this text does bring up the implication of cross idolatry as related to the cross-symbol itself, rather than the actual suffering for the cause of Jesus.

Objection Six:
Philippians 2:8

Philippians 2:8: And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on the cross!

This scripture is often presented as proof that Jesus died on a cross, and not an upright stake.

Philippians 2:8
Westcott & Hort Interlinear, as obtained from the Bible Students Library CD

kai scheemati heuretheis hws anthrwpos etapeinwsen
AND TO FASHION HAVING BEEN FOUND AS MAN HE MADE LOWLY
2532 4976 2147 5613 0444 5013
heauton genomenos hupeekoos mechri thanatou
HIMSELF HAVING BECOME OBEDIENT UNTIL DEATH,
1438 1096 5255 3360 2288
thanatou de staurou
OF DEATH BUT OF STAKE;
2288 1161 4716

Again, as with other scriptures presented above, there is nothing in this verse that shows that the shape of the instrument of death had a crossbeam.

Please note that we do not hold that the instrument upon which Jesus was put to death definitely did not have a crossbeam as the heathen tau idol; we only state that evidence is lacking that it did. Nevertheless, it to us it would seem that if the NT writers intended that we take the shape of the tau and use it in worship as the heathen religions did, then they would have referred to the instrument of Jesus' death as "tau" rather than stauros. Additionally, the Greek Tau (which symbol was worshipped and is worshipped and used in occultic practices even to this day) was translated into Latin as crux as well as was the Greek stauros -- both words are translated by the Latin word *crux*, which may be the way the Greek Tau shape was read back into the Greek word stauros.

We don't know for sure the shape of the death instrument upon which Jesus was put to death, but prefer to refer to it as stake, as this is the most accurate translation, and usually turns one's attention away from any idolatrous attitude toward a symbol.

The problem with use of the Cross symbol in worship is that it tends toward idolatry, as many tend to actually worship the symbol itself in their heart, which mimics the idolatrous worship of the heathen. Thus some often pray to the symbol, sing praises to it, put their trust and faith in it (rather than in the sacrifice which it is supposed to represent), use it for protection, to ward off evil, and even in exorcisms. Some even present gifts to the cross symbol. Many do not realize that the gifts presented before the Cross symbol in some churches actually mimics heathen practices that are still carried on today in pagan and heathen religious ceremonies.

Reading historical documents, it appears that the heathen who came into the church in the latter part of the first century and/or the early part of the second century continued the same idol worship of the Tau as before, only they supposedly did so to honor Christ. The Tau (Cross) is still worshipped in the churches to this day. To root this idolatry out of our hearts and to separate ourselves from participation in another's idolatry of the cross is of greater importance than the actual shape of the stauros.

Objection Seven:
Another Gospel?

Aren't you preaching another gospel by saying we should get rid of the Cross?

Part of the gospel message is to repent from dead works, which includes repentance from idolatry. (Matthew 3:1,2,7,8; 4:17; Luke 3:7,8; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8:22; 26:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 6:1; 1 John 5:21) We should not want to accept Jesus as our savior without repentance and a sincere desire to obey to the good news.

However, there are many who view the Cross symbol itself as their protection and salvation -- in effect, the "cross" symbol itself becomes their "gospel". Such a message is not the good news which Jesus and his apostles preached. To preach this gospel of the cross - salvation in the cross symbol - is in itself another gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4) Why? Because it diverts the focus from the act of Jesus' death -- his death on a stake -- for our salvation to the supposed instrument of his death. Such does promote an atmosphere to continue the reverential attitude toward the supposed Sacred (or Holy) Cross (remember the Sacred Tau?) that was practiced by the heathen long before Christ came.

Objection Eight:
Archaeology

Hasn't archaeology proven that Christ did die on a cross?

While there has been much said of the findings made by archaeologists, as far as we know all that they have actually found is that some form of crucifixion was practiced by the Romans. (The word "crucifixion" is taken from the Latin crux, which does not necessarily mean a stake with a cross beam.) In 1968 a team of archaeologists did find a body of a man that had been nailed to a stake (or crucified). However, from what is presented, it appears that the archaeologists have just assumed that he was nailed on a stake with a crossbeam.

However, even if they did find conclusive evidence that Jesus did die on a stake with a crossbeam, this does not give us the right to disobey the many commands given in the Bible by adopting the pagan symbol of the Sacred Tau as an object of worship, etc.

Objection Nine:
Nails and Sign

Doesn't the use of the word "nails" and the sign placed above his head indicate that Jesus was put to death on a cross, not an upright stake?

No, not necessarily. We realize that many have shown Jesus as though nailed on an upright stake with his hands above his head with one nail going through both hands. And then in such pictures the sign is often placed above his hands, not above his head. This does not accurately describe what is in the Bible, for the sign was placed above his head, not above his hands. But the Biblical description could still be true even is Jesus had been put to death on an upright stake rather than a cross. Assigning sides to the stake, both arms could have been upstretched, each along one side of the stake; one hand could have been nailed to one side, while the other hand could have been nailed to the other side, thus allowing the sign to be placed above Jesus' head (between his arms).

But as we have already stated, it is not the shape of the instrument of Jesus' death that is important. It is important that we put faith in the sacrificial act that occurred on the stauros, and keep ourselves from idolatry.

Objection Nine:
No One Worships the Cross

This is a common fallacy. In various forms, many people often state something to the effect that no one today (except perhaps Catholics) actually worships the cross. Therefore it is not a matter that should concern us.

We have shown in the above study that there are many forms of worship being carried on today that involve the cross image. We cannot emphasize this enough! Satan is out to deceive as many as possible into some form idolatry or another, and the cross symbol is one of his greatest forms of deception. With cross idolaty so prevalent all around us, one wonders how anyone could possibly think that no one is actually worshiping the cross today. Of course, it is not very often that even the heathen will claim that they actually "worship" their idols and images, but from the scriptures we see that they do. Likewise, in Christian circles, many can deceive themselves into thinking they are not worshiping the cross, when actually they are, or they can deceive themselves that they do not contribute to others' worship of the cross simply by their use of the cross symbol, etc.

As stated in our study above, idolization of the cross takes many forms. One does not have to bow before the cross, or pray to the cross, in order for the cross to become an idol in their hearts and lives. We have mentioned above that many wear the cross symbol, or display the cross symbol as a means of protection. Many neo-pagans make use of the cross in their occult ceremonies, and these occultic ceremonies are even mimicked in many churches. Others use the cross symbol to supposedly "exorcise" evil spirits. Again, in effect, such usage of the cross symbol is the same as offering a prayer to the cross.

We present below some sites on the WEB that give examples of various idolatrous usages of the cross. We do not agree with the content of these sites.

http://www.mcn.org/1/Miracles/Crossesb.html
http://www.saintclare.com/news/mar00nws.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08355a.htm
http://skepdic.com/exorcism.html
http://www.hazlett.net/gm/archives/00000073.htm
http://www.truecatholic.org/exorcismsimple.htm
http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7079.asp
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/09/06/what.is.exorcism/

Footnote One: The Interlinear scriptures quotations in this document are taken from Westcott & Hort Greek / English Interlinear NEW TESTAMENT coded with Strong's numbers, as it appears on "The Bible Students Library" CD-ROM.)

Some related quotes:

The Cross and Crucifixion. This Is Appendix 162 From The Companion Bible.    In the Greek New Testament two words are used for "the cross" on which the Lord was put to death.    1. The word stauros; which denotes an upright pole or stake, to which the crimminals were nailed for execution.    2. The xulon, which generally denotes a piece of a dead log of wood, or timber, for fuel or for any other purpose. Is is not like dendron, which is used of a living, or green tree, as in Matthew 21:8; Revelation 7:1,3; 8:7; 9:4, etc.    As this latter word xulon is used for the former stauros, it shows us that the meaning of each is exactly the same.    The verb stauroõ means to drive stakes.1    Our English word "cross" is the translation of the Latin crux; but the Greek stauros no more means a crux than the word "stick" means a "crutch".    Homer uses the word stauros of an ordinary pole or stake, or a single piece of timber.2 And this is the meaning and usage of the word throughout the Greek classics.3    It never means two pieces of timber placed across one another at any angle, but always of one piece alone. Hence the use of the word xulon (No. 2, above) in connection with the manner of our Lord's death, and rendered "tree" in Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29. Galatians 3:13. 1 Peter 2:24. This is preserved in our old English name rood, or rod. See the Encycl. Brit., 11th (Camb.) ed., volume 7, page 505d.    There is nothing in the Greek of the New Testament even to imply two pieces of timber.    The letter chi, , the initial of the word Christ , was originally used for His Name; or . This was superseded by symbols and , and even the first of these had four equal arms.    These crosses were used as symbols of the Babylonian sun-god, , and are first seen on a coin of Julius Cæsar, 100 - 44 B.C., and then on a coin struck by Cæsar's heir (Augustus), 20 B.C.4    On the coins of Constantine the most frequent symbol is ; but the same symbol is used without the surrounding circle, and with the four equal arms vertical and horizontal; and this was the symbol specially venerated as the "Solar Wheel". It should be stated that Constantine was a sun-god worshipper, and would not enter the "Church" till some quarter of a century after the legend of his having seen such a cross in the heavens (EUSEBIUS, Vit. Const. I. 37).    The evidence is the same as to the pre-Christian (phallic) symbol in Asia, Africa, and Egypt, whether we consult Nineveh by Sir A. H. LAYARD(ii 213), or Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians, by Sir J. GARDNER WILKINSON, iii. pages 24, 26, 43, 44, 46, 52, 82, 136.    Dr. SCHLIEMANN gives the same evidence in his Ilios (1880), recording his discoveries on the site of prehistoric Troy. See pages 337, 350, 353, 521, 523.    Dr. MAX OHNEFALSCH - ICHTER gives the same evidence from Cyprus; and these are "the oldest extant Phoenician inscriptions"; see his Kypros, the Bible, and Homer : Oriental Civilisation, Art, and Religion in Ancient Times, Plates XIX, XXV, XXVI, XXX, XXXI, XXXII, XL, LVIII, LXIX, etc.    The Catacombs in Rome bear the same testimony : "Christ" is never represented there as "hanging on a cross", and the cross itself is only pourtrayed in a veiled and hesitating manner. In the Egyptian churches the cross was a pagan symbol of life, borrowed by the Christians, and interpreted in the pagan manner. See the Encycl. Brit., 11th (Camb.) ed., volume 14, page 273.    In his Letter from Rome Dean Burgon says : "I question whether a cross occurs on any Christian monument of the first four centuries".    In Mrs. Jameson's famous History of our Lord as Exemplified in Works of Art, she says (volume ii, page 315) : "It must be owned that ancient objects of art, as far as hitherto known, afford no corroboration of the use of the cross in the simple transverse form familiar to us, at any period preceding, or even closely succeeding, the time of Chrysostom"; and Chrysostom wrote half a century after Constantine!    "The Invention of the Cross" by Helena the mother of Constantine (in 326), though it means her finding of the cross, may or may not be true; but the "invention" of it in pre-Christian times, and the "invention" of its use in later times, are truths of which we need to be reminded in the present day. The evidence is thus complete, that the Lord was put to death upon an upright stake, and not on two piece of timber placed at any angle. NOTES    1 There are two compounds of it used : sustauroo = to put any one thus to death with another (Matthew 27:44. Mark 15:32. John 19:32. Romans 6:6. Galatians 2:20; and anastauroo = to rise up and fix upon the stake again (Hebrews 6:6. Another word used is equally significant : prospegnumi = to fix or fasten anything (Acts 2:23.    2 Iliad xxiv. 453. Odyssey xiv. 11.    3 For example, Thucydides iv. 90. Xenophon, Anabasis v. 2. 21.    4 Other coins with this symbol were struck by Augustus, also by Hadrian and other Roman emperors. See Early Christian Numismatics, by C. W. King, M.A.

Most examples of crosses with possible early Christian implications have been found in Palestine. ..One ought not to deny the existence of these common cross sign in the Mediterranean area, nor reference to them by early Christian writers, but they have no connection with the crucifixion of Jesus. In Roman style Christian art that implication first appears at the earliest in the fourth century and certainly by the fifth. Tzaferis finds no Christian crosses in Palestine before mid-fourth century. —- Ante Pacem—Archaeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine (1985) pages 26-29.

Beside scourging, according to the gospel accounts, only the simplest form of Roman crucifixion comes into consideration for the infliction of punishment upon Jesus, the hanging of the unclad body on a stake, which, by the way, Jesus had to carry or drag to the execution place to intensify the disgraceful punishment. . . . Anything other than a simple hanging is ruled out by the wholesale manner in which this execution was often carried out: 2000 at once by Varus (Jos. Ant. XVII 10. 10), by Quadratus (Jewish Wars II 12. 6), by the Procurator Felix (Jewish Wars II 15. 2), by Titus (Jewish Wars VII. 1). -- Paul Wilhelm Schmidt, Die Geschichte Jesu (The History of Jesus), Vol. 2, Tübingen and Leipzig, Die Geschichte Jesu (The History of Jesus), Vol. 2, Tübingen and Leipzig, 1904, pp. 386-3941904, pp. 386-394

Nothing seems to have surprised the first Spanish adventurers in Mexico and Peru more than the extraordinary similarity to those of the old world, of the religious beliefs, rites, and emblems which they found established in the new. The Spanish priests regarded this similarity as the work of the devil. The worship of the cross by the natives, and its constant presence in all religious buildings and ceremonies, was the principal subject of their amazement; and indeed nowhere--not even in India and Egypt--was this symbol held in more profound veneration than amongst the primitive tribes of the American continents, while the meaning underlying its worship was identical. In the west, as in the east, the cross was the symbol of life-sometimes of life physical, more often of life eternal. -- W. Scott-Elliot, The Story of Atlantis, Chapter 6: "Similarity of Religious Belief, Ritual and Architecture." 1896

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See also our studies on:
[Idolatry Provokes Yahweh's Anger]
and our [Idolatry Resource Page]

Last Update of the document: June, 2004

Some related books:

History of the Cross
by Henry Dana Ward, Paul Tice

Paperback: 108 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.30 x 9.06 x 6.02
Publisher: Book Tree; (July 1, 1999)

Book Description (Obtained from Amazon)
As many have suspected, there is much more to the true, authentic history of the Christian religion than what we had originally been told. Some claims regarding the Church's history are accurate, some are not. The most extreme claims against the religion come from the atheist camp and often remain unproved. But this book is completely different. It comes from a devout Christian, Henry Dana Ward, a believer in Christ who backs himself up with scholarly research and facts. Why, then, was this book written if it goes against traditional beliefs and acceptance? It is because the traditional beliefs surrounding the cross and its worship are wrong! It took time for us to eventually accept the cross in its current form and to worship it and, according to Ward, this was a pagan symbol that should never have been adopted. Idols were not to be worshipped by the earliest of Christians, and the cross was no exception to this rule. Not worshipping the cross is consistent with early Christianity and is not heretical. Its lack of worship is part of Christianity's foundational beliefs and its exclusion should be part of the religion's current structure, according to Ward. Revering the cross is based on lies, deception, and ignorance. Ward shows how the lies began, who spread them, and how and why they did it.

The Masculine Cross and Ancient Sex Worship - 1874 -- by Sha Rocco
Contents: Origin of the Cross; Phallus; Triad; Vocabulary; Yoni; Fish and Good Friday; Tortoise Earth Mother; Fourfold God; Religious Prostitution; Communion; Buns and Religious Cakes; Crucifixion; Christna; Phallic and Sun Worship

Why the Cross is a Sham

War against the Idols : The Reformation of Worship from Erasmus to Calvin -- by Carlos M. N. Eire
Book Description, Obtained from Amazon.com: In the second decade of the sixteenth century medieval piety suddenly began to be attacked in some places as "idolatry," or false religion. This study calls attention to the importance of the idolatry issue during the Reformation

The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop
Traces the origins of many idols that are used in worship, including the cross.

History of the Cross - by Henry Dana (1999)

Latin Cross-Christian or Pagan? -- by Baron Porcelli

Amulets and Superstitions : The Original Texts With Translations and Descriptions of a Long Series of Egyptian, Sumerian, Assyrian, Hebrew, Christian - Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis, Sir Budge,

They Came Before Columbus - by Ivan Van Sertima

Some related links:
We provide the following links on the WEB that provide more information concerning the "Cross" and stauros that we feel may be beneficial for further study. Our provision of these links does not mean that we agree with all that is stated on the pages, nor the authors of these pages necessarily agree with our presentation concerning the Cross.

http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext05/cross10h.htm
The Non-Christian Cross - An Enquiry into the Origian and History of the Symbol Eventually Adopted as That of Our Religion by John Denham Parsons, 1896. This book is important since it was written long before Joseph Rutherford adopted a similar stance concerning the cross.

http://members.cox.net/srice1/books/parsons/parsons.htm - Another source for Parons' book above.

The Cross and Crucifixion -- Appendix 162, Companion Bible.
Alternate sources: Appendix 162
Appendix 162

The History of the Cross

The Cross: Its Origin and Significance -- Christian Churches of God

The Christian Cross by Avram Yehoshua

Sola Gratia: Cross Idolatry -- Howard Hart, Reformed Church

Question -- Is the cross a pagan symbol?
http://www.biblebell.org/mbag/mailbagay.html

Kinds of Cruxes

The Cross/Stauros of Christ (Dyland Desmarais): A JW's response to The Watcman Expositor concerning Greek grammar and archeology.

A Reply to: Jehovah Witnesses And The Symbol Of The Cross - An Answer by one of the Jehovah's Witnesses Concerning the Cross.

The Cross - An Idol Around Your Neck - Written by a JW

The Sign of the Cross - Stewarton Bible School, Scotland

The Cross - Symbol of Christianity?
(TrueBelievers.net) Shows that the Cross is not unique to Christendom.

The Sign of the Cross
From The Two Babylons
Another Source for the above with some added comments evidently by the site owner(s)

Origin of Rome's Unbilical False Teachings

16th Century Reformation Heresies Repudiated

New? Movement by Bob Vun Kannon
This is an article from LandMarks Magazine. (This is a 7th-Day Adventist site.)

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