Series Builders | Traditions

The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, with many meanings. At the cross, Jesus took on the sins of the world as a sacrificial lamb, that all people might be made free. (Mark 15:21-41) The blood of Christ shed at the cross was a necessary sacrifice. By giving his life, Jesus kept believers from experiencing death, or eternal separation fro God. (Hebrews 9:11-28) Although twisted by some into a symbol of oppression, this means for believers the cross is a symbol of justice and freedom. (Romans 8:1-4) So the empty cross represents atonement: the risen Christ that has redeemed us and made us sons and daughters of God. (Ephesians 1:3-12).