The Cross

Mormon view: In Mormonism the cross is not embraced like it is in Christianity. Mormons believe that because Jesus died on it, it just represents the method of his death. When you ask why they don't embrace the cross, a common response is something like this: "Well, if one of your loved ones died in a car accident or was shot, you wouldnt want to keep the gun or car, would you?" This was similar to the response I got when I asked about it. As a child I was not allowed to wear a necklace with a cross on it. Embracing the coss was frowned upon.

Christian view: It is not the physical object itself that is important to a christian, but rather what it represents is important to christians. To a christian the cross does not merely represent the method of Christ's death. It represents: Love, peace, hope, being reconciled to God, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, fulfillment of the law, forgiveness of sins, dying to our old self, new life. Jesus endured on the cross and made peace through the cross, he reconcied us by the cross. Our old self dies on the cross with Christ when we are reborn. We take up our cross and follow him <---This means to deny yourself, be willing to suffer for Christ.

1 Cor.1:17-18
¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
 ¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 Mat.16:24
²⁴ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Gal.6:14
¹⁴ But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Eph.2:16
¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Col.1:15-20
¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
 ¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
 ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
 ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
 ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
 ²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.