THE CROSS is a symbol - more universal in its use, more important in its significance than any other in the world.
~ George Willard Benson
8. THE ISAAC CROSS
This cross is made of a bundle of flags or sticks used for a fire. Genesis 22:3. God tested Abraham asking him to male a burnt offering of his only son as done with animals. Isaac carried the wood - lugging it to Mt. Moria - the site where he would be sacrificed. Abraham laid Isaac upon the wood (sticks). This cross signals that Isaac was a type of Christ who was: (a) the only Son of God, (b) Who carried His cross to the place of sacrifice. But a New Testament difference emerges - "God spared not His own Son". God sacrificed Him for us all. Genesis 22:2
9. THE CROSS RAGULEE
The Rugged or Ragged Cross. A cross unpolished, unadorned with protrusions on its four arms resulting from lopped-off branches. It was called the knobby or knotted cross. Rough! It signals hard suffering, sad shame, and deep discomfort that comes to the one crucified. The date of origin is unknown.
10. THE CROSS OF THORNS
A symbolic Latin cross out of which are protruding or growing - thorns. The crown of thorns woven and worn by Jesus was pressed upon His Holy Head in ridicule of His Kingly office. The thorns in the cross are symbols of the pain of all the mockery endured by Christ in His passion. On the shield of Joseph of Arimathaea ( 1 st Century) both a thorny cross and Holy Grail are pictured. It is legendary that he brought both to Glastonbury.
Matthew 27:29 John 19:2
11. THE PASSION CROSS
The ends of this cross are sharpened into
points. It suggests the idea of piercing ergo, the suffering of our Lord. It is sometimes called the Cross of Suffering.
12. THE SCOURGE CROSS
This cross symbol is derived from the form of an ancient type of crutch. It is symbolical of the Savior's power to heal men's bodies and souls. Also known as the Jerusalem Cross.
Matthew 11:5, Maffhew 15:31,
Matthew 21:14, Luke 14:13
13. THE NAIL CROSS
This Nail Cross can be made of nails shaped out of wood or metal (as in the case of the one gracing our Walkway of Crosses) - actual, real nails. The outstanding feature of this Nail Cross is that the nails pierce a circle. A circle is a symbol of God
who has no beginning and no end. Jesus claimed this attribute for Himself. The point is - they nailed
God to the cross - God died. Result: Those who believe join the circle and have eternal life. Was Jesus nailed to the Cross? Thomas asks in John
20:25 "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails... Psalm 22. This cross symbolizes the excruciating pain and extreme agony of the Lord's
death.
14. THE PIERDE CROSS
A simple Latin Cross is punctured by holes where the wounds of Christ touched the Cross. The nails pierced His hands and feet. Are we sure Jesus was nailed to the Cross? John 20:25.
15. THE CONTOUR CROSS
A contemporary cross of unique design and concept. A Latin cross and the body of a person on that cross are blended or molded together whereby the cross and the person become one and the appearance is a "human cross". The crown of thorns is a visual addition that crowns the cross as a person. "Christ was crucified on a tree". This cross not only has been placed on the Walkway of Crosses but also "graces" our sanctuary. It is seen on the west wall of Narthex. Matthew 14: 12
16. THE CROSS NOWY
Any cross with a sphere or round disc at the junction of its limbs is termed NOWY such as the Greek Cross Nowy. This Greek Cross Nowy is embellished with matching solid semi-circles at the end of each cross beam. The symbolism of the center circle is eternal life i.e. which comes by the Cross: "This is life eternal to know Jesus Him crucified." The semi-circles at the end of the cross members emphasizes the Words of Christ "that He would draw all sins unto Himself". This special treatment of the Nowy Cross was found in a cemetery in Ireland that was profuse with original cross designs. John 12:32
