Free Christian Graphic: Symbol of the Cross of Jesus Christ

Free Artwork: A Symbol of the Cross of Jesus Christ

Why is the cross, an ancient Roman instrument of suffering and death, a symbol of the Christian's hope in eternal life and the forgiveness of sins? (For a purely Scriptural answer, read the New Testament book of Colossians, chapters 1 and 2.) As with everything else in the Christian faith, this symbol and its meaning to believers is centered in the person of Jesus Christ.

The miracle of His resurrection from the dead on the third day makes the death of Jesus unique in human history. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection is foretold in the ancient Hebrew Scriptures, starting with Moses in the book of Genesis. Passages in the Psalms and in the prophet Isaiah give astonishing clarity to the suffering of God's Anointed One (the Messiah), as well as to the great work of salvation God's Son would accomplish.

On Earth, Jesus was put to death by the decisions and actions (or inactions) of ordinary men, sinners, who were obedient to the darkest elements of human nature: greed, jealousy, envy, fear, selfish ambition, rage and hatred. But above, behind and beyond those mortal men and their sins was the plan of God, who had determined in eternity past to save human beings from the awful consequences of sin.

The Bible declares this amazing truth in many beautiful, eloquent and forceful ways throughout its pages. Certainly, one of the most famous passages revealing God's work of saving grace in Jesus Christ is found in John 3:16, where Scripture says that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

This passage is by no means the only place in Scripture where God reveals His purpose in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, but it's all anyone needs to know in order to be saved. God's promise is clear: whoever believes in Jesus Christ will be rescued from sin and death.

Do you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Do you follow Him each day? If not, I urge you to get to know Him now. Don't rely on religion alone or on the traditions of a church or on the popular media for the most important information you will ever receive about life, death and eternity. Get the facts.

Go directly God in prayer, admitting your need of a savior, and to the pages of Holy Scripture where God's Spirit provides the eternal truth that will set you free. Learn the facts about who Jesus was and is, what He did and what He is doing now. Decide for yourself if He is worthy of your faith. Your place in eternity depends on that knowledge and that decision.

Jim Sutton

The graphic above may be freely used by Christian churches, domestic and foreign faith missions, Sunday schools, VBS and other Bible study leaders, and individual believers actively involved in non-profit personal or group ministry. It may not be used commercially without written consent of the artist and publisher of this site.

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