The Cross — Spiritual Meaning
The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, an instrument of execution transformed into a sign of sacrifice, redemption and hope, and much older than Christianity as a shape.
Sacrifice and Redemption
For Christians the cross stands for Christ's death and resurrection, the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. It is a symbol of both suffering and victory.
Before Christianity
Crosses appear in many ancient cultures as cosmic symbols, representing the four directions, the meeting of heaven and earth or the axis of the world.
The Cross Within
Many contemplatives read the vertical beam as the soul's reach toward God and the horizontal as love extended to others.
Key spiritual meanings of Cross
- Sacrifice
- Giving for the sake of others.
- Redemption
- Restoration through grace.
- Hope
- Victory over death.
- Axis
- Heaven and earth joined.
- Direction
- The four quarters.
- Love
- Vertical and horizontal devotion.
Frequently asked questions
What does Cross mean spiritually?
The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, an instrument of execution transformed into a sign of sacrifice, redemption and hope, and much older than Christianity as a shape.
Sacrifice and Redemption
For Christians the cross stands for Christ's death and resurrection, the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. It is a symbol of both suffering and victory.
Before Christianity
Crosses appear in many ancient cultures as cosmic symbols, representing the four directions, the meeting of heaven and earth or the axis of the world.
The Cross Within
Many contemplatives read the vertical beam as the soul's reach toward God and the horizontal as love extended to others.
What are the 6 spiritual meanings of Cross?
1. Sacrifice: Giving for the sake of others. 2. Redemption: Restoration through grace. 3. Hope: Victory over death. 4. Axis: Heaven and earth joined. 5. Direction: The four quarters. 6. Love: Vertical and horizontal devotion.