Why do Christians use the Cross — and why do some churches show Jesus upon it?
The Cross is the central Christian symbol because it recalls the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. It is not merely an ornament placed in a church; it is a visible reminder of the Gospel and of what Jesus endured and accomplished for us.
There are two principal forms commonly seen in Christian worship: the Crucifix, showing Jesus upon the Cross, and the plain Cross, without the figure of Jesus.
THE CRUCIFIX
The Crucifix shows Jesus upon the Cross.
Its purpose is not to suggest that Jesus is still hanging upon the Cross. Rather, it deliberately places before our eyes the historical reality of His Passion and Death.
When we look upon the Crucifix, we are reminded:
Jesus suffered.
Jesus was crucified.
Jesus died.
Jesus gave Himself for us.
The Crucifix therefore calls us to remember the cost of our redemption and the depth of the love which Jesus demonstrated upon the Cross.
It is a visual proclamation of the words of Jesus:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
— St. John 15:13, AKJV
THE PLAIN CROSS
The plain Cross presents the same central symbol without the figure of Jesus.
It can direct our thoughts particularly towards the Resurrection and victory of Jesus. The Cross is empty because Jesus did not remain in the grave. Death did not have the final word.
The plain Cross can therefore proclaim:
Jesus died — but Jesus is risen.
The Cross was not defeat.
The Cross became the sign of victory.
The empty Cross does not diminish the Passion. Rather, it invites us to see the Passion in the light of the Resurrection.
SHOULD ONE BE PREFERRED TO THE OTHER?
There is no need to make the Crucifix and the plain Cross rivals.
They can be understood as two complementary proclamations of the same Gospel.
The Crucifix reminds us of what Jesus endured for us.
The plain Cross reminds us that Jesus conquered death.
One directs our hearts towards Calvary; the other readily evokes the empty tomb and the risen Jesus.
Both ultimately point us to the same Lord.
A REMINDER TO THE CHRISTIAN
Whether we see a Crucifix or a plain Cross, the important question is not simply what is hanging upon the wall, but what the Cross means in our own life.
Jesus did not ask His disciples merely to admire the Cross. He said:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
— St. Matthew 16:24, AKJV
The Cross therefore becomes personal.
To look upon the Cross is to be reminded that following Jesus involves faith, obedience, sacrifice, repentance and love.
The Christian must not merely wear the Cross, display the Cross or kneel before the Cross.
The Christian must learn to follow the One who died upon it and rose again.
THE ANGLICAN CATHOLIC UNDERSTANDING
Within the Anglican Catholic tradition, the Crucifix has a legitimate and venerable place because Christianity is not an abstract philosophy. It is rooted in the historical life, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
The Crucifix makes the Gospel visible.
The plain Cross makes the Gospel visible in another way.
Neither symbol saves us.
Jesus saves.
And the Cross continually calls us back to Him.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— St. John 14:15, AKJV
REMEMBER
The Crucifix says: Remember what Jesus did for you.
The plain Cross says: Remember that Jesus is risen.
The Christian life says: Now follow Him.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND A REMINDER TO HIS PEOPLE.