The Cross

There is also the history about Constantine’s mother Helena, who unearthed the actual Cross of Christ. This was a ‘cross’ and not a ‘pole,’ and the history of this find has also been recorded in both general and Ethiopian as recorded the Kebra Negast. The symbol of the cross can also be seen within the arrangement of the four gates in the North, South, East and West sides of the camp of ancient Israel.

The symbol of the cross can be best seen foreshadowed in the historical event of Israel’s redemption from Egypt at Passover. Here the two side posts and the upper door post of the houses where the Passover was to be eaten, were to be struck with the blood of the sacrificial lamb:‘And they shall take of the blood and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.’ (Exod. 12:7).

You will notice that ‘two side posts and the upper door post’ of the houses consisted of an upright section for either side of the door and a cross section for the top, which perfectly symbolises the cross!

The greatest physical proof that I have come across to confirm that the cross is indeed a Christian symbol is in the art of Heraldry. The art of Heraldry, which is as ancient as man himself, shows that every nation, every family, and every person has an identifying symbol which tells exactly who, and what, it, or he, is, and from where they came from? Hence the use of national flags, ensigns, banners, or more usually, Coats of Arms and Crests. And this was God's design and not mans, and you can read about the origins of this art from your own Bible! (See Gen. 49. Deut. 33 and Exod. 25).

For example, if you see a coat of arms with a 'lion' blazoned upon it you can be sure that it has some connection with the Tribe of Judah; a Star of David (Twelve Pointed Star) is represents Israel; a Serpent represents the tribe of Dan and so on. And so in the same way when you see a 'cross' you will instantly identify it with Christianity!

It's the crucifix that's an unchristian symbol, as it transgresses the second commandment:'Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (three dimensional object), or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them….’ (Exod. 20:4-5).

The problems that occur with such symbols as the cross - even if it is an ordinary one - and saints, is that people WORSHIP them! But there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a cross as a symbol on your person, or displayed on a wall. Just like there is nothing wrong with having a picture of the queen or Armstrong, or Selassie, or even the Pope, on your wall - or in these days, even on a T shirt or a medallion of some sort.

The problem is not with the symbols, emblems, objects or saints, but with the people who worship them. From being mere symbols of identification and communication, men make idols out of them and thus they become their objects of worship!

The apostle Paul tells us:‘Yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.’ (I Cor.14:19) And though Paul was here referring to speaking in tongues, the same goes for everyday communication.

If you wear a turban everyone can see that you are probably, or are at least associated with being, a Muslim, or a sheikh. If you were to wear a Star of David you would be most certainly connected with Israel, or the Jews. And so if you wear a cross you will instantly be recognised as being a Christian! Just as the Rastas through their dreadlocks, their red gold and green apparel, and other trappings displaying these colours, such as the banner, their images of Haile Selassie I, the Lion of Judah and son, are instantly recognised as being Rasta!

Many people will not use the name Jesus for the same reason, because they say it’s a pagan name and that it should be Yeshua, or whatever - and all is confusion. And though their is no doubt that that Yeshua is the original Hebrew Name of Our Lord - Jesus is the English or Roman equivalent - how on earth are you going to get through to those who only know Him as Jesus? You will have to first explain all the confusion before you start, which will inevitably lead to even further confusion.

For example, if you have an important message for a China-man who only understands Chinese, how are you going to get through to him unless the message is interpreted in his own language?‘And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, how shall he prepare himself to the battle?’ (I Cor. 14:7-8).

The Kebra Negast explains, for example, that there is a 'crown' on the Ark of the Covenant with a 'cross' on the top, as you can see in the picture below; that when Moses struck the rock twice it was to make the sign of the 'cross' as a symbol of Christ. When the priest sprinkled the blood on the mercy seat of the Ark, or when he made a ‘wave’ offering unto the Lord, it was done in a 'cross' action - symbolising the manner in which Christ would be nailed to His cross!

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