Posted by Chris on 10/27/2006, 10:24 am G4716 - stauros (Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21) (Mar 10:21) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 'Take up his cross' - was this a Hebraism, a saying common among people at that time, or was our Lord indicating the means of his death? Why I ask, I have just listened to part of a tape in which it was suggested that it was the laying down of His life that mattered, the means was not important, it did not have to be death on a cross. The cross itself did not kill him, for no man took his life from Him, He lay it down. The following verses show the use made of the 'cross' in the teaching of Paul, it seems to have been used symbolically to illustrate self denial (as in the previous verses by our Lord Himself) or the death of Christ and all that implies for those who believe in Him unto salvation. Does anyone have anything they can add to my thinking here? Can you think of OT prophecy that indicated the cross as the means whereby Christ would die? (1Co 1:17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1Co 1:18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (Gal 5:11) And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. (Gal 6:12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (Gal 6:14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Eph 2:16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (Phi 2:8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phi 3:18) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (Col 1:20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Col 2:14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (Heb 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. There is so much that could be said about these verses alone, I do hope you will add your thoughts to mine. Thank you Chris
81.151.115.95
Dear Forum,
From the base of G2476; a stake or post (as set upright), that is, (specifically) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively exposure to death, that is, self denial; by implication the atonement of Christ: - cross.
'And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.'
Message Thread:
« Back to thread