Free Christian Illustration: A Christian Cross

Free Artwork: A Christian Cross

The cross, an ancient Roman instrument of suffering and death, has become the ultimate symbol of the Christian's hope in eternal life and the forgiveness of sins. 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 Christ's resurrection from the dead on the third day makes His death 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.

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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