The Bible is a religious book that is used as a point of reference for all of life’s circumstances for Christians. Believed to be written by God-inspired prophets and disciples of the Messiah Jesus Christ who died for all our sins on the cross. With famous and increasingly popular fashion trends of wearing religious symbols as jewelry, what does the Bible say about wearing a cross?
The Bible is an important book to a total of 2.3 billion Christians in the world today and that is a significant number that influences a large population of the global society. It was written, compiled, and distributed for the main purpose of spreading the good news of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for mankind.
Revered as the Son of God, Jesus Christ is the main character focus of the entire Bible for agreeing to give his life and blood for the cleansing of everybody’s sins. This is said to have historically happened 2000 years ago in Calvary where Jesus is said to have been nailed to a cross.
This event is pivotal to the Christian faith so it is understandable how important and significant their opinion is and how close this issue is to their heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Wearing A Cross?
Pagan Ties
While Christians revere the Salvation and journey of Christ, it is interesting to learn that the cross was a pagan religious symbol from the days of old. Babylonians are famous for popularizing the cross and it is evident in their historical monuments. It was associated with the pagan god of fertility, Tammuz.
In the book of Deuteronomy 12:29-32, God commands his people never to mix his works with those of pagan gods. He expressly mentions not to worship or honor him in the same way that pagan gods are worshipped. Associating the pagan symbol of the cross to God’s word is considered sacrilegious and a great sin.
Apart from the pagan ties, the cross is a religious symbol and according to the Bible, God cautioned his people against forming signs and figures with which to honor him by in 1 Corinthians 10:14. They were instead directed to carry their faith in their hands according to Deuteronomy 6:8. He also forbids the prideful adornment of shiny ornaments with the intent to garner attention and to be admired in 1Peter 3:3.
Another interesting detail of the cross is that seven different types exist in the world and they all symbolize different things. A lot of people wear them for the different symbolism that they represent. You would be wrong to think that ever cross is a religious symbol. It would be hard to differentiate which meaning you were wearing it for so if you care about people’s perception, you might want to skip this accessory.
A Cross or a Tree?
Bible scholars also argue on the story that Jesus was crucified on a cross. Although crucifixion was a common death sentence in those days, the Hebrew term used to refer to the structure Jesus was hung on defines a tree or pole. So, there is still an unfinished discussion on how the cross is a significant Christian symbol.
Whether or not Christ was crucified on a cross or a tree, the fact remains he died for the sins of the world. Christians firmly believe that wearing the cross simplifies and even comes close to spitting on the work done on the cross.
Others feel that is acceptable and that it accentuates one’s reverence to the works of Christ. To this crowd, wearing a cross could be seen as the ultimate gesture of pride in identifying with Christianity and a small way of encouraging others to join and express themselves in a fun way.
To this, the conformist group retorts that a true Christian would be seen through deeds and actions and by actively living a Christ-centered life. They feel strongly that no real Christian with true reverence to the Bible would need to wear any ornament to display or prove their Christianity.
Disciples’ Example
Through the Bible, we get to learn of men who followed Jesus closely and they did write a huge chunk of the New Testament. They are referred to as disciples of Jesus. Their knowledge of and close association with Christ the Messiah makes their input in the Bible invaluable.
The New Testament is what Christians of today refer to especially in their day to day lives. The disciples, through their scriptures, give plenty of instructions of ways in which Christians should conduct and live their lives.
As we read about their lives, there is no mention of their wearing of any crosses to represent their belief in and reverence for Christ.
As Christians, the disciples are the first best examples of a happy, fulfilled through challenging life.
Modern-day Christians who are committed to the Christ-like way of life, strictly follow the Bible’s instructions. Wearing a cross would have probably never crossed their minds and if it did, it would be a definite no.
21st Century
At the end of the day, we are living in the 21st Century now and a lot of these old historical myths, legends, and stories are just that: fables.
When it comes to wearing jewelry, many people feel it is right to wear whatever tickles your fancy.
If you like to wear cross jewelry, you may try to limit your wear of them around religious and official functions to try and keep the peace and because you care so much.
That, however, does not guarantee that if you only wear it to picnics or nights outs you will never offend anyone, is highly unlikely.
Conclusion
As with any other thing that we choose to put on our bodies, the jewelry cross should be a matter of personal preference, and regardless of what you believe it to mean, if you like how it looks, wear it.
The Bible is a great book no doubt but it is written based on ancient predictions of a future world that is not what we are living today.
Using it to limit individual freedom of expression in this age is not great at all.
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