The Cross stands as a universal symbol of Christianity, representing sacrifice, redemption, and hope. For centuries, Christians have turned to the Cross as a source of strength, comfort, and salvation. But what does the cross truly mean to us today? Does it still hold the power to save, or has its significance faded with time? BETTY AMUKPO interrogates. Some young thinkers, explored these questions and examined the role of the Cross in our lives. In their essays, they delved into the meaning behind the Cross and its relevance to our quest for salvation and spiritual growth. Excerpts:
‘The Cross is a symbol of love, forgiveness, sacrifice’
The Cross is a sure redemption to all mankind. The Cross represents Jesus’ ultimate act of love, forgiveness and sacrifice for humanity. Jesus demonstrated the depths of God’s love for us by willingly bearing the weight of our sins. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Cross is the salvation symbol for all Christians, through Jesus’ death on the Cross and His resurrection we are offered: – Forgiveness of sin. – New life in Christ Jesus. – Eternal life and assurance of salvation. – Peace and joy. In Romans 5:8, God demonstrates His own love for us, while we were still sinners, Christ died on the Cross for us so that we will be saved. The Cross truly grants us salvation.
• Chima Anita
‘The Cross is the key to eternal life’
The Cross truly brings salvation because Jesus’ blood was shed for our redemption (Ephesians 1:7). He carried our sins and opened the way to eternal life (Colossians 2:14). Salvation is God’s free gift through Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18). Whoever believes in Him is saved and has eternal life (John 19:30). By His wounds, we are healed and set free (John 14:6). The Cross is the key to eternal life (Philippians 2:8).
• Ogoke Chima Anthonia
‘Through the Cross we have access to healing and deliverance’
Jesus’s death on the cross frees us of the consequences of our sin because Jesus chose to take our punishment to fulfill judgement against mankind. Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself so that we no longer reap the consequences for past, present and future sins. The benefit of the Cross is that we get eternal life. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We also have access to healing and deliverance through relationship with the heavenly Father. We also received God’s grace as a benefit of the Cross.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘The Cross is the bridge to salvation’
Yes, the Cross grants salvation. Through Jesus’ death on the Cross, our sins are forgiven and eternal life is offered to all who believe. Bible reference: “By His wounds you have been healed”— 1 Peter 2:24. The Cross is the bridge to salvation. The Cross is central to Christian salvation because Jesus’ death was the perfect sacrifice for sin. Humanity was separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23), but Jesus paid the price (Romans 6:23) by dying on the Cross. Through His blood, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), and by believing in Him, we receive eternal life (John 3:16). The Cross is not just a symbol—it’s the means by which grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God are made possible. Salvation is a gift, and the Cross is the proof of God’s love.
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘The Cross is not optional but a way that leads to life’
The Cross is the essential mark of our faith, because it is with the Cross the redemption of the world was accomplished. Even if the Cross remains a stumbling block or a sign of failure, shame and defeat to many, it is for us a prerequisite to follow Christ. Jesus emphasises on the Christian meaning of pain and suffering: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple”. For believers, the Cross is not optional but a way that leads to life. If we collaborate with the salvific mission of Christ by accepting pains, suffering and difficulties of ordinary life, we share in the inner life of Christ. God has rescued us through Jesus Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation. Phil. 2:12-18, Lk. 14:25-33
• Marypeace Oche
‘The Cross reconciles us with God’
Does the Cross provide Salvation? Absolutely. Jesus’ crucifixion offers salvation because He became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As stated, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). The Cross reconciles us with God (Colossians 1:20). Our responsibility is to believe, repent, and follow Him (John 3:16).
• Blossom Akalezi
‘The Cross is the foundation of Christian faith’
The Cross: Path to Salvation. Yes, the Cross grants us salvation! In Christianity, the Cross represents Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation to all people. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us from sin. The Cross restores our relationship with God. Faith in Jesus grants us eternal life with God. Believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Turn away from sin and towards God. Live according to Jesus’ words and example. The Cross is the foundation of Christian faith, offering salvation and redemption to all people. May the love and sacrifice of Jesus inspire us!
• Awaki Barnabas
‘His death satisfied God’s justice’
The Cross grants us salvation because it is the place where Jesus Christ took upon Himself the punishment for our sins. According to the Bible, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). However, God, in His love, provided a way for humanity to be saved. Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross in our place: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Through His sacrifice, Jesus paid the debt we could not pay. His death satisfied God’s justice, and His resurrection conquered death. As 1 Peter 2:24 declare, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” By believing in Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life: “Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Thus, the cross is the foundation of our salvation.
• Victory Omovon
‘The Cross grants us salvation’
Yes, the Cross grants us salvation because Jesus bore our sins and reconciled us to God through His sacrifice. As 1 Peter 2:24 states, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
• Josephine Agbo
