Crossing The Line

There are many things I do not get. However this one really perplexes and bothers me . Why do those who have no confession of faith use the cross . You see it on  clothing , on jewelry , tattoo art . You name it , the cross is everywhere . But do they truly understand what they wearing if do not proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.

In the west , the cross is a Christian symbol .  Yes it has ancient history but since the death of Christ , it has become a symbol inherently Christian . As a Christian it is a symbol that signifies a display of the love of God , the wrath of God, the sinfulness of man and the forgiveness , reconciliation that was accomplished by Jesus Christ.

[18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV)

For the believer it is our hope , our redemption. It is the place that our sin was dealt with when Jesus was made to be sin who knew no sin , that we might to saved . It is a place where God showed mercy towards His elect , where divine justice was satisfied by the willing sacrifice of Son . It is a place of redemption,where sinners who repent are reconciled to God.

[19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,    [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
( Colossians 1: 19-20 ESV)

Much more could be said but a Christian can at least understand the of cross as a symbol of our sin but als the  love of God(John 3:16), where our sinfulness was dealt with.

But I will be blunt . If one does not confess Christ ,it is a symbol of execution. A place were criminals were put to death . It was a cruel and painful way to die . One was stripped  usually before crucifixion and flogged . It was a shameful way to die .It was considered so horrible and shameful in the first century that it was not spoken of in polite company.  Displaying a cross you condemn yourself , for we all are guilty of putting Jesus there. For those who do not confess Christ , the cross condemns them , it is a place where the hate against God's Son was brought to bare. In fact they are enemies of the cross. Only when we acknowledge we are guilty of putting Jesus there , that He was taking our rightful place to face the wrath of God , does the cross turn from a place of condemnation to reconciliation. Then we can sing this wonderful the hymn , When I Survey The Wondrous Cross by  Watts,and truly comprehend the depth of the cross.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
   On which the Prince of glory died,
   My richest gain I count but loss,
   And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
   Save in the death of Christ my God!
   All the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   That were a present far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   Demands my soul, my life, my all.

 The only question is what side of the cross are you on. Kneeling in faith and repentance , thanking God for giving His Son , that we might be saved or haters of God , standing condemned before its shadow. There is no middle ground.