Quote:
Isn't the symbolism of the cross important? It seems to be an integral part of the gospel... symbolic of WHY Christ died.
Greetings and peace to you, again, dear LQ!
The "symbolism" of the "cross" would not be as to "why" our dear Lord died (to give his life as a ransom for many), but as to "how" he died.
Under the Law (Covenant):
"If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. -
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 This was the case for a
capital sinner (transgressor), so one committing a "high" transgression (say, murder or idolatry), and not a petty sinner (say, someone "unclean" for some reason). Christ committed NO sin... yet, he was hung as a "high" sinner pursuant to the false charge of "blasphemy" (remember, though, he taught his followers that blasphemy was
forgivable except against holy spirit - the religious leaders, however, deemed his admission to being the Son of God was a "high" transgression, although there was absolutely
nothing in the Law to support this).
Our dear Lord HAD to be executed this way, though, in order for his death to cover ALL sins... including "high" transgressions under the Law (note, because the wage of sin is death... there really is no ranking of sin - in order for ANY sin to be forgiven blood must be poured out. But until Shiloh, sins were handled differently under the Law. The penalty for ALL, however, could be
surpassed by means of the Law's
one "loophole" - love).
Had Christ undergone death as a "petty" transgressor (which would have problematic for the religious leaders as there was no death penalty for such, so how could get the people's support?), only those types of sins would have been "covered" (by his blood). As the true High Priest, however,
his "sacrifice" would have to be of a level that covered ALL sins (save blasphemy against holy spirit)... for ALL people [wanting to take advantage of it] (so, not just Israel)... for ALL time (and so, not just for a year)).]
And so he had to be hung on a stake, thus deeming him appearing to be
cursed by God... for OUR accursedness:
"All those who depend on works of law are under a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not remain in all the things written in the scroll of the Law by doing them.' Moreover, it is evident that by law no one is declared righteous with God, because 'the righteous one will live by reason of faith.' Now the Law is not based on faith. Rather, 'anyone who does these things will live by means of them.' Christ purchased us, releasing us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: 'Accursed is every man hung upon {a stake}.' This was so that the blessing of Abraham would come to the nations by means of Christ [Jesus], so that we might receive the promised spirit through our faith."That, dear one, would be the "symbolism," if there is any, of the "cross/stake." WHAT it was is nothing so important as WHY it was (a hanging on a pole/cross/stake).
I hope that helps and the greatest of love and peace to you and your dear household!
Your servant, sister, and a slave of Christ,
Shel