The question of whether a believer should wear a cross necklace is an interesting one, as it invites reflection on the significance of religious symbols in the Christian faith. The cross is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable symbols of Christianity, representing the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no Biblical record to show that the early believers wore a cross necklace.
Some Christians take a stand against wearing the cross necklace because they believe it is easier to wear a cross than it is to “bear” the cross. On the other hand, some Christians wear a cross as they feel it is a way to show their faith. However, whether or not a Christian should wear a cross necklace is a matter of personal conviction, and it is important to explore biblical principles to understand how a Christian should approach the use of religious symbols like the cross.
While the Bible does not explicitly address the wearing of cross necklaces, it provides principles that can guide believers in making informed decisions about such practices. This exploration will consider the meaning of the cross in Christianity, the potential benefits and risks of wearing religious symbols, and biblical principles that can help believers discern whether or not it is appropriate to wear a cross necklace.
The Significance of the Cross in Christianity
The cross holds profound significance in the Christian faith. It is the instrument through which Jesus Christ brought salvation to humanity by dying for the sins of the world. The Bible emphasizes the importance of the cross and what it represents in several passages.
1. The Message of the Cross
In 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV), the apostle Paul declares:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Here, Paul highlights the stark difference in how the cross is perceived by believers and unbelievers. To those who are perishing, the cross may seem like a symbol of defeat or foolishness, but to those who believe, it represents the power of God for salvation. This verse underscores the spiritual meaning of the cross as the foundation of the Christian message. Wearing a cross necklace could be seen as a way to identify with this message and to visibly declare one’s faith in Christ’s redemptive work.
2. The Sacrificial Love of Christ
The cross is also a symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love. John 3:16 (NKJV) expresses this clearly:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Jesus’ willingness to die on the cross demonstrates the depth of God’s love for humanity. The cross serves as a reminder of this love, and for some believers, wearing a cross necklace may be a personal reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and their own commitment to live a life that honors Him.
3. The Call to Take Up the Cross
Jesus also taught that following Him involves a personal commitment to carry one’s own cross. Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) records Jesus’ words:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'”
In this context, the cross represents more than just a physical symbol; it signifies a lifestyle of self-denial, surrender, and commitment to following Christ. The act of taking up one’s cross is a daily decision to live in obedience to God’s will, even in the face of hardship and sacrifice. Christian’s are called to bear a cross. This cross, however, is spiritual. It is a matter of the heart surrendering as did Jesus when He prayed, “not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV). The Savior taught, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38, NKJV). Thus, the most important cross to bear is the one of the heart.
Wearing a cross necklace may serve as a visible reminder of this commitment, but it is important to recognize that the true essence of “taking up the cross” is found in how one lives out their faith, not in the wearing of external symbols.
Biblical Caution Against the Use of Religious Symbols
While the cross is a powerful and meaningful symbol for Christians, the Bible also warns against the improper use of religious symbols. It is important to consider these warnings when evaluating whether or not a believer should wear a cross necklace.
1. The Danger of Idolatry
The Bible strongly cautions against idolatry, which involves giving undue reverence or worship to created objects rather than to God. Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV) contains the second commandment, which addresses this issue:
“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; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…”
This commandment warns against the creation and worship of images or physical representations of spiritual realities. While wearing a cross necklace in itself is not idolatry, there is a danger if the object becomes an object of veneration or if one places too much spiritual significance on the symbol rather than on Christ Himself. The cross, as a piece of jewelry, should not become a substitute for genuine faith or devotion.
There is a tendency that people may be caught up in superficial issues. They don’t focus on the essence of Christianity and the love of God that was displayed on the cross. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
Therefore, as Christians, the focus should not be on whether or not a person wears a cross. It should be about having a daily living experience with the Lord. A Christian should declare by words and actions, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV).
2. The External vs. the Internal
In the New Testament, the word ‘cross’ is used in a symbolic metaphor. It’s never used in the Bible as a physical icon. The power of the gospel is in the One who was crucified on the cross. Like Paul, we should be “determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NKJV).
Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent emphasis on the internal state of the heart rather than external appearances or rituals. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) provides a clear example of this principle:
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This verse reminds believers that God is primarily concerned with the condition of their hearts, not with external symbols or appearances. While wearing a cross necklace may be a visible expression of faith, it is essential to remember that true faith is demonstrated through one’s relationship with God and obedience to His Word.
Similarly, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for focusing on outward displays of piety while neglecting the more important matters of the heart. Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV) records Jesus’ strong words to the Pharisees:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
This passage serves as a warning to avoid focusing on external symbols or appearances while neglecting the inner transformation that God desires. Wearing a cross necklace should never become a substitute for genuine faith, repentance, and a life of obedience to God’s commands.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to wear a cross necklace is a personal one that each Christian must make based on their own convictions and understanding of biblical principles. The cross is a powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love and the message of salvation. However, the Bible also cautions against placing undue emphasis on external symbols and warns against idolatry. Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes the importance of the heart and internal faith over external appearances.
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