For centuries, symbols have been used as a means of identification, often in an immediate, compact, and powerful way. For some two thousand years, Christianity has had a symbol that is universally recognized—a simple cross. Yet the cross represents not the character, life or teaching of the founder of Christianity, but the gruesome way in which he was put to death while still in his early thirties.
For millions today, a cross has become little more than a charm or good luck bracelet, tattooed on their bodies, or worn as jewelry. The huge gap between the original event and the current symbol therefore raises some massive questions:
- Why has the symbol remained so universally popular?
- Was there anything unique about the crucifixion of Jesus?
- Why was he put to death?
- What difference can it make to me today?
Here is a volume that answers all these questions—and many more—and makes it crystal clear that in the death of Jesus lies our only hope of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
