Is the crucifix significant , the sign of the cross too and why?

[Breezey]

I really need to know, thank you!

 

[Limoncello4021]

Because Jesus chose to die on a Cross to save us, and told us to pick up our Cross daily and follow Him.

 

[Vico]

The sign of the cross is, per Bert Ghezzi on the Meaning Behind the Ancient Gesture: a confession of faith; a renewal of baptism; a mark of discipleship; an acceptance of suffering; a defense against the devil; and a victory over self-indulgence.

Significance of the Sign of the Cross | EWTN

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[MockSock]

Because Jesus chose to die on a Cross

That’s a point. Why a cross and not some other method of execution? I never really thought about that.

I’m guessing there is a reason but I don’t know it.

Sorry if I’m changing the subject.

 

[Vico]

Limoncello4021:

Because Jesus chose to die on a Cross

That’s a point. Why a cross and not some other method of execution? I never really thought about that.

I’m guessing there is a reason but I don’t know it.

Sorry if I’m changing the subject.

Crucifixion, designed to maximize pain and suffering, was the method of capital punishment used by the Persians, Seleucids, Carthaginians, and Romans.

 

[Breezey]

So what if he died by some other means. Let say stabbed. So what’s the sign going to be like. So is the sign of the cross really relevant

 

[Vico]

Christians sign themselves with the sign of the cross – Latin signare “to set a mark upon, mark out, designate; mark with a stamp; distinguish, adorn.” – and prayer to the Holy Trinity.

 

[Convert3]

But He did die on the cross, so your question is irrelevant.

 

[Zaccheus]

So what if he died by some other means. Let say stabbed. So what’s the sign going to be like. So is the sign of the cross really relevant

We use the instrument of HIs death. Had He died by being stabbed I suppose we would use a dagger or sword as the sign. What’s relevant is that He died for us.

 

[Breezey]

My question is what makes it significant can you answer that

 

[Convert3]

As was stated above, it was a cruel death used in that time. He foresaw His death, yet still willingly went to die on the cross for me, for you and for all mankind. He didn’t deserve that kind of death, but He did it so we, who are not worthy, would be made worthy.

 

[Limoncello4021]

Not sure what answer you are looking for. The cross—death by crucifixion— is significant because God Himself chose to make it significant, in His plan for our salvation. That’s THE significance. Period. When God has shown us and told us something is significant believers take it to heart.

 

[jochoa]

Absolutely yes, the crucifixion and sign of the cross are significant!
One of the greatest connections with the Christ’s death by crucifix and the Sign of the Cross is the connection to the greatest commandment.

In order to be perfect at the greatest commandment, one must be patient and kind for God with all feelings, thoughts, will, and spirit, even amidst unjust cruelty, through death.

During his crucifixion, Jesus is trying to love us with all his being, yet we bind him up.
We bind up his thoughts when we do not want to study his Word, which connects to placing a crown of thorns on his head.
We bind up his feelings when we do not let him embrace us, which connects to his wide open arms restricted by nails.
We bind up his will when we do not let him walk with us in life, which connects to the nailing of his feet.
We bind up his spirit when we choose not to follow him, which connects to piercing him to ensure he is dead.

And the Sign of the Cross is the reminder to love God (forming a representation of the Holy Trinity with your hand, including a gentle kiss at the end) with all your mind/thoughts (touch forehead) and with all your heart/feelings (touch chest/heart/body) and with all your strength/will (touch arms) and with all your soul/spirit (forming the cross for union with Christ’s death).

Thanks for sharing the wonderful question!

 

[KMC]

Crucifixion was THE way for the state to kill someone during that time. It had several qualities that other forms of killing (like stabbing) did not have:

• It was quite public - I suppose a stabbing could be, however, with a crucifixion the victim would hang up high on display for all to see. This has the double effect of killing the person, and sending a message to everybody else: “you better behave or you will die like this too”
• It was designed for maximum pain - I suggest a book by Dr. Frederick Zugibe, doctor of forensic medicine, called “The Crucifixion of Jesus: A Forensic Inquiry”. He details what Jesus went through during the passion. Stabbing would not come close to delivering this level of pain, and duration of pain.
• It was designed to slowly kill - I would imaging that stabbing a person would kill them fairly quickly. I’m sure you could stab someone in ways to deliver pain over an extended period, however, you would have to think it through, and stay there with the person. Crucifixion was a tried and tested way to kill someone slowly, and not have to stay present to continue to torture the person.
• It was designed to humiliate - While stabbing could be used to humiliate, crucifixion was designed (in addition to killing) to humiliate. The victim is naked on a cross for sometimes days.
• It was the method used by the government - Crucifixion was what happened to someone who went crossways with authority…stabbing was not.

Jesus not only freely accepted this most painful and humiliating way to die, He transformed the symbol of pain and death into a symbol of everlasting life. He transformed the Roman kingdom’s preferred method of capital punishment into the Kingdom of Heaven’s symbol of salvation.