-Removed-Really?
Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, right...
Christ Predicted this and used it as a symbol of what we must do as Christians:
Matthew 1624 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
The same word for 'cross' here is used later[1] in Luke 23:26 when we are talking about his actual crucifixion.
Both of these are important events in the Gospels, and we see Christ telling us to take up our cross.
Why not wear a cross? As a symbol of taking up your cross, so to speak?
[1] https://biblehub.com/greek/stauron_4716.htm
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@suzianne saidThe JWs here have always rejected the trappings of paganism that were adopted by Christianity. This was never an element of JW dogma [hardle "a particularly ridiculous" one] that I remember anyone here seriously objecting to, least of all divegeester. The doctrinal disagreements lay elsewhere, as you well know.
I find it absolutely hilarious that, after numerous arguments with various JWs here about the ridiculousness of their dogma, you end up adopting a particularly ridiculous portion of their dogma.
I have to admit, I never saw that one coming.
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@philokalia saidEither way, Jesus is speaking metaphorically when He is speaking of us taking up our own crosses.
Really?
Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, right...
Christ Predicted this and used it as a symbol of what we must do as Christians:
[quote]Matthew 1624 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses ...[text shortened]... l of taking up your cross, so to speak?
[1] https://biblehub.com/greek/stauron_4716.htm
My opinion is, that this is Old Testament Law that was for the Jews in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled this law; and we now live under God's Grace; and, His Holy Spirit leading us.
However, through the Old Testament Laws, we can learn much on how God want's us to act and be. However, we are now under the Spirit of the Law; and not the Letter of the Law.
I think both side of this debate are fairly correct; as long as people do not begin to worship the objects, including a cross. One's opinion of what a cross means to them can vary greatly, as we see here.
Either way, Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone. 🙂
@philokalia saidYou totally missed the point of what Jesus said if you think wearing a cross has any value. To pick up ones cross means to deny oneself of worldly pleasures. To follow Christ means to keep his commandments. Wearing a cross counts for nothing and nowhere did Jesus say to believe in his crucifixion. Churches continue to twist the bible and create their own doctrine.
Really?
Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, right...
Christ Predicted this and used it as a symbol of what we must do as Christians:
[quote]Matthew 1624 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses ...[text shortened]... l of taking up your cross, so to speak?
[1] https://biblehub.com/greek/stauron_4716.htm