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Danielle1234
Guest
I know obviously the cross represents Jesus Christ but why do people wear it? Does it remind people that Jesus is always with them or reminds them of what Jesus did on the cross?
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Richie_2uk
Guest
Hello Danielle1234 well some people are not taking the bible verse seriously. Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, 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."
people wear a cross or a crucifix with Jesus on the cross. For comfort, for closeness. and many other reasons. But Jesus tells us clearly in EXODUS 20: 4 not to make any carved images, thats pictures, carved metal, wood or any material. in the likeness of heaven, that means, what represents heaven, above, Its about how people worship idols, and a Cross, or crucifix, or painting, pictures of Christ Jesus, is classed as worshiping Idols. or carved idols. In some countries, they worship a cow, and statues. and have pendants of budha,s necklaces of idols.
Leviticus 26:1 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God."
Isaiah 42:8 "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
Exodus 34:17 “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal."
people wear a cross or a crucifix with Jesus on the cross. For comfort, for closeness. and many other reasons. But Jesus tells us clearly in EXODUS 20: 4 not to make any carved images, thats pictures, carved metal, wood or any material. in the likeness of heaven, that means, what represents heaven, above, Its about how people worship idols, and a Cross, or crucifix, or painting, pictures of Christ Jesus, is classed as worshiping Idols. or carved idols. In some countries, they worship a cow, and statues. and have pendants of budha,s necklaces of idols.
Leviticus 26:1 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God."
Isaiah 42:8 "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
Exodus 34:17 “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal."
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kennethcadwell
Guest
People wear it to show a profession of there faith, to let others know that they believe Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and our happy to show that.
The scripture in Exodus 20:4 that talks about not making a carved image of any likeness that is in heaven talks about why you are not to do that in verse 5. ( It is if you are making it to serve or worship it. ) To have a picture of Jesus, or wear a cross, or having a cross hanging on your wall is not wrong if you are not worshipping it or serving it. Example would be the temple that was built here on earth was a replica of what is in heaven, so Solomon would have been in the wrong when he was commissioned to build it. He was not though because God had him build it.
The scripture in Exodus 20:4 that talks about not making a carved image of any likeness that is in heaven talks about why you are not to do that in verse 5. ( It is if you are making it to serve or worship it. ) To have a picture of Jesus, or wear a cross, or having a cross hanging on your wall is not wrong if you are not worshipping it or serving it. Example would be the temple that was built here on earth was a replica of what is in heaven, so Solomon would have been in the wrong when he was commissioned to build it. He was not though because God had him build it.
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Ugly
Guest
Really, it simply comes down to being fashionable. The large majority of people who wear it thinks it looks good, not about a symbol of faith.
I remember reading about when Russia was freed from communism and western influences flooded Russia, such as Madonna and pop stars, also many missionaries charged into Russia. One missionary was commenting how amazed he was that cross necklaces were common so quickly. When he questioned a young girl, obviously strongly influenced by this new western surge of trends, why she wore a cross her reason was 'Madonna'. She saw pop star Madonna wearing them and using them in videos so she related the cross to being something about fun, entertainment, sex. Not a symbol of faith.
Many immoral, blatantly immoral people will be a cross necklace, ring, tattoo, etc.. sometimes its a heritage thing, such as a celtic cross, being more about their heritage than their faith. There are many reasons why non-believers and people who generically believe in God wear crosses.
But really, the cross is the most powerful symbol in Christianity, and what better way to take away some of that power and influence than make it such a common trinket that no one gives it a second thought? No conviction. No reminder of what it's really about. It's just another piece of jewellery that is there to make things look good.
I remember reading about when Russia was freed from communism and western influences flooded Russia, such as Madonna and pop stars, also many missionaries charged into Russia. One missionary was commenting how amazed he was that cross necklaces were common so quickly. When he questioned a young girl, obviously strongly influenced by this new western surge of trends, why she wore a cross her reason was 'Madonna'. She saw pop star Madonna wearing them and using them in videos so she related the cross to being something about fun, entertainment, sex. Not a symbol of faith.
Many immoral, blatantly immoral people will be a cross necklace, ring, tattoo, etc.. sometimes its a heritage thing, such as a celtic cross, being more about their heritage than their faith. There are many reasons why non-believers and people who generically believe in God wear crosses.
But really, the cross is the most powerful symbol in Christianity, and what better way to take away some of that power and influence than make it such a common trinket that no one gives it a second thought? No conviction. No reminder of what it's really about. It's just another piece of jewellery that is there to make things look good.
Some people wear it as a reminder, others wear it as an accessory, and some wear it as a statement of faith.
Those who choose to wear it for a reminder or a statement of faith...use it in the same manner as candles and yellow ribbons are used for remembering/supporting troops and their sacrifice.
Those who choose to wear it for a reminder or a statement of faith...use it in the same manner as candles and yellow ribbons are used for remembering/supporting troops and their sacrifice.
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biscuit
Guest
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CEF
Guest
Very good question, people wear cross bracelets or necklaces for two possible reasons. To show other people in public that they are for Jesus Christ. Another one could simply be to remind whoever is wearing it of what He I'd on the cross to remember His love. That's why I wear mid its different for everybody because everybody has there own opinions.
I wouldn't classify it as carved idols wearing a cross of having paintings and such. Reason I say this is most Churches you walk into have these very symbols and art work in their own halls to represent their faith. My wife and I have a cross in the center of our wedding bands and it represents our faith and belief in God and that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins to Champion us and the Savior of all of man kind. It is a symbol of our faith. There is no idol worship in any of it. Not in my opinion anyway.
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Chezz
Guest
If you have to wear a cross to show others you're a Christian then you're seriously doing it wrong.
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Ugly
Guest
The problem with wearing a cross as a sign of faith points back to my original post. Crosses are so common they have lost meaning to the public at large. So while you think you're making a show or taking a stand, the rest of the people barely notice the cross you're wearing. It's not really a valid witness anymore.
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Ugly
Guest
Don't think that was ever the issue of the thread to begin with. A young believer was just curious and trying to grow in her understanding of her the world around her in regards to her faith. She's been asking many good questions and trying to grow and learn. Lets not try to make light of her enthusiasm with irrelevant, critical attitudes.
I made a general statement. As I see it its a non-issue. And I believe we are free to wear or not wear crosses. Not critical to the OP at all, maybe more then to some of the follow-up replies.
No offense, but who are you to tell someone they are doing it wrong? It's not your place to say what is right or wrong or mine or anyone elses for that matter in how they choose to show their faith. What works for you may not work for others and vice versa.
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Leon
Guest
The reply "If you have to wear a cross to show others you're a Christian then you're seriously doing it wrong." I think was more meant as - If you were a committed God Fearing Christian, it would show in your actions, reactions and love that flows from you, so perhaps wearing a cross as I do would in my case would be a reminder as to what Christ had done for me.
The answer is already in the question. I wear a cross necklace because I'm a christian.
That's a good way to look at it Leon. Maybe it was just my lack of sleep last night just the way it read to me came across rude. Why I was like no offense, but. lol My thing is people show love in different ways and it's no different with our faith. I don't always say it myself, but I try to show it. Some people are more verbal and have to say it. Some like to express it in what they wear or how they dress such as jewelry or clothing items or even their art work be it paintings, drawings, music, etc., etc.. I am not one to say because there is no real way to say who is wrong or right so I say well it's definitely different more often then not. lol
I think everyone's heart is in the right place just like children we are all stumbling around trying to work things out. Something my wife taught me years ago is that everyone is responsible for their own spiritual destiny and salvation. So at the end of the day I tell people you have to choose what is right for you. Jesus teaches us about love, love of each other, our enemies, and of the Father. I don't think there is ever a wrong way to express it as long as it comes from the heart.
I think everyone's heart is in the right place just like children we are all stumbling around trying to work things out. Something my wife taught me years ago is that everyone is responsible for their own spiritual destiny and salvation. So at the end of the day I tell people you have to choose what is right for you. Jesus teaches us about love, love of each other, our enemies, and of the Father. I don't think there is ever a wrong way to express it as long as it comes from the heart.