{"id":86903,"date":"2024-07-29T00:01:42","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T08:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=86903"},"modified":"2024-07-27T09:22:51","modified_gmt":"2024-07-27T17:22:51","slug":"the-cross-and-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/church-history\/the-cross-and-jesus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cross and Jesus?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nJesus and the cross: Jesus\u2019s crucifixion is displayed on the fifth-century C.E. wooden doors of the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. (Wikipedia)<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

The Biblical Archaeology Society<\/em> (BAS) had this in one of its weekly newsletters:<\/p>\n

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Jesus and the Cross<\/h2>\n

Throughout the world, images of the cross adorn the walls and steeples of churches. For some Christians, the cross<\/a> is part of their daily attire worn around their necks. Sometimes the cross even adorns the body of a Christian in permanent ink<\/a>. In Egypt, among other countries, for example, Christians wear a tattoo of the cross on their wrists. And for some Christians, each year during the beginning of Lent, they receive the cross on their foreheads in ash.
\nClearly, today the cross is accepted as the most popular symbol of Christianity. But, interestingly, most scholars believe that early Christians did not use the cross as an image of their religion because crucifixion<\/a> evoked the shameful death of a slave or criminal.1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Scholars believe that the first surviving public image of Jesus<\/a>\u2019s crucifixion was on the fifth-century wooden doors of the Basilica of Santa Sabina, which is located on the Aventine Hill in Rome.2<\/a><\/sup> Since it took approximately 400 years for Jesus\u2019s crucifixion to become an acceptable public image, scholars have traditionally believed that this means the cross did not originally function as a symbol for Christians.3<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

… Perhaps the earliest portrayal of the cross by Christians occurred in the iconography of their papyrus manuscripts, specifically the Staurogram<\/a>, or shape of the cross made by the overlapping of the Greek letters \u201cRho\u201d and \u201cTau\u201d (\"\").11<\/a><\/sup> A more obvious depiction of the cross is seen in a third-century gem in the British Museum, which depicts a crucified Jesus with an inscription that lists various Egyptian magical words. …<\/p>\n

Undoubtedly, though, Constantine\u2019s adoption of the cross was the most important development that resulted in its becoming the preeminent symbol of Christianity.<\/p>\n

According to Eusebius, the day before the Battle of Melvian Bridge, Constantine earnestly prayed for victory against his co-emperor Maxentius. Constantine\u2019s prayer was answered, and a most marvelous sign appeared to him from heaven. Eusebius relates that Constantine saw a cross of light in the sky, above the sun, bearing the inscription, \u201cConquer by this\u201d (Life of Constantine<\/em> 28). That night, Eusebius reports, Jesus explained to Constantine the meaning of the vision. Constantine was directed by Jesus to create a new banner with the symbol of the cross created by the Greek letters \u201cChi\u201d and \u201cRho.\u201d This well-known symbol in Christianity, which is usually referred to as the Chi-Rho (\"\"<\/a>), became known as the standard of the cross.<\/p>\n

According to the fifth-century Christian historian Sozomen, Constantine abolished crucifixion in special reverence for the power and victory he received because of the symbol of the cross (History of the Church<\/em> 1.8). This abolishment certainly changed the Roman perception of the cross. Simply put, Constantine\u2019s public endorsement of the cross changed its connotation from a repulsive device for executing slaves, foreigners, and Roman citizens of low social standing into a revered, public symbol.<\/p>\n

Constantine did not create the symbol of the cross. Rather he adopted it as a new symbol for his empire that had converted to Christianity. Of course, this means that when the artisans depicted the crucified Jesus on the wooden doors of Santa Sabina in the fifth century, the cross was no longer an offensive image. (Jesus and the Cross. Biblical Archaeology Society. February 23, 2020 https:\/\/www.biblicalarchaeology.org\/daily\/biblical-topics\/crucifixion\/jesus-and-the-cross\/?mqsc=E4109490&dk=ZE0223ZF0&utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=BHDWeek%20in%20Review%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=ZE0223ZF0<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

No, today faithful Christians still do not use crosses as religious symbols, as they clearly were not used as such by early faithful followers of Jesus.<\/p>\n

But yes compromisers, Egyptian magi, and Emperor Constantine did. And, the ‘acceptance’ of crosses was pushed by Constantine and many who would follow his lead.<\/p>\n

The Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> put out the following video on our Bible New Prophecy<\/a> YouTube channel.<\/p>\n

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\n22:34 <\/a><\/div>\n
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Origin of the Cross <\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Do you know the origin of the cross? Was Jesus crucified on a cross? What do the Greek words often translated as cross or crucify actually mean? When did crosses get adopted by certain churches? Which groups called crosses \u2018the mark of the Beast\u201d? Have Catholic and other writers warned against the cross? Could the Antichrist use crosses to deceive? What do ancient Egypt and Babylon have to do with the cross? Dr. Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to the video titled: Origin of the Cross<\/a><\/p>\n

It may be of historical interest to note the following statements in the article on the Paulicians in The Catholic Encyclopedia<\/em> (bolding mine):<\/p>\n

They honoured not the Cross, but only the book of the Gospel…They were Iconoclasts, rejecting all pictures<\/strong>… The whole ecclesiastical hierarchy is bad, as also all Sacraments and ritual. They had a special aversion to monks…Since Gibbon the Paulicians have often been described as a survival of early and pure Christianity<\/strong>, godly folk who clung to the Gospel, rejecting later superstitions, who were grossly calumniated by their opponents…<\/p>\n

…the Cathari also<\/strong> renounced priestly vestments, altars, and crosses as idolatrous. They called the cross the mark of the beast<\/strong>, and declared it had no more virtue than a ribbon for binding the hair. (Fortescue, Adrian. Paulicians. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. Nihil Obstat.<\/em> February 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur.<\/em> +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 23 May 2010 <http:\/\/www.newadvent.org\/cathen\/11583b.htm>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, groups that traced their history to original early Christianity (see also Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a>) did not use crosses and further claimed, that after the Greco-Romans pushed them, that the cross was a mark of the beast.<\/p>\n

Does this claim seem too far-fetched for modern times?<\/p>\n

Consider the following report from Ecumenical News<\/em>:<\/p>\n

A Salvadoran Cross that is a now an icon of Christian unity was dedicated and placed in the World Council of Churches’ Chapel in Geneva, Switzerland on the first day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.<\/p>\n

The 2-metre high cross from Salvador has become known as the Lund Cross from the Swedish city where Lutherans and Roman Catholics met at the end of 2016 to commemorate the 500th Reformation anniversary.<\/p>\n

“On behalf of the World Council of Churches, we receive this cross as a gift of communion,” said World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit at the ceremony.<\/p>\n

“May the historical step that it symbolizes reminds us that Christ’s cross transforms our conflict into communion, and we are reconciled as one creation, joined by the one sprit {sic} of God and Creator. Behold the life-giving cross.”<\/p>\n

A sign of continuous commitment with the one ecumenical movement the Lund Cross was created for that joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation in Lund and Malm\u00f6, Sweden, on 31 October 2016.<\/p>\n

The week of prayer for its part is traditionally celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul. …<\/p>\n

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in his 18 January sermon in the chapel spoke on the message of the cross which is the work of Salvadoran artist Christian Chavarr\u00eda Ayala, a man who has lived in the shadow of death squads in his country.<\/p>\n

The cross is rich with symbols, and shows a baptismal font, branches of the true vine, and Jesus inviting people of all nations to share bread and wine.<\/p>\n

The Lund Cross was painted by Ayala, a Lutheran from El Salvador in the typical colorful style of his country.<\/p>\n

“People create crosses from their own experiences,” said the artist, who as a child lived through the Salvadoran civil war and grew up in a refugee camp in Honduras. …<\/p>\n

In his sermon, Koch reminded those in the chapel that the cross was present during the signing of a Lutheran-Catholic Joint Statement signed by Pope Francis and Bishop Munib A. Younan, who was Lutheran World Federation President on that historic day. …<\/p>\n

Dedicating the cross LWF’s Junge said, “In gratitude for the Lutheran and Catholic Joint Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in Lund, Sweden, we present the Lund Cross to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. 01\/18\/18 http:\/\/www.ecumenicalnews.com\/article\/salvadoran-cross-that-is-christian-sign-of-unity-is-dedicated-at-ecumenical-center-in-geneva\/60489.htm<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, the head of the World Council of Churches, the head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and other ecumenists are promoting the cross as an ICON and a symbol of their ecumenical plans.<\/p>\n

The Lutherans, which commissioned the Salvadorian cross, reported the following about it:<\/p>\n

The cross depicts the Triune God\u2019s creative, reconciling and sanctifying work. …<\/p>\n

The cross depicts the Triune God\u2019s creative, reconciling and sanctifying work. At the base of the cross, the hands of God hold all things together, as is recorded in Colossians 1:17 and Hebrews 1:3.<\/p>\n

Jesus Christ, Word of God, is at the center of all life, incarnate, redeeming, reconciling, sustaining all creation, and renewing our lives by his death and resurrection made present in the Eucharist. The vineyard and the vine represent both Christ and the people of God. …<\/p>\n

The Eucharist represents the visible and full church communion for which we dearly long. At the table, our Lord Jesus Christ offers himself as nourishment for the journey, strengthening the communion of saints established in baptism, reconciling all people as walls of division are broken down. …<\/p>\n

The images on this cross embody reconciliation: God\u2019s call to communities of faith to be places of reconciliation and peace, God\u2019s call to all the baptized to be ministers of reconciliation, engaging the path of goodness that offers reconciliation to all humanity and all creation. God embraces this splendid universal communion. https:\/\/www.lutheranworld.org\/news\/salvadoran-cross<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As far as the “Triune God” message, consider that it was not until the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. that it was formally adopted by the Greco-Romans, see also the article Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?<\/a> As far as the eucharist goes, early Christians literally broke unleavened bread to recount Jesus’ final Passover–see also Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Does God embrace this “splendid universal communion\u201d that differs from the Bible and the early Christian church?<\/p>\n

No.<\/p>\n

Consider the following:<\/p>\n

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)<\/p>\n

3 … contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)<\/p>\n

17 “Come out from among them
\nAnd be separate, says the Lord.
\nDo not touch what is unclean,
\nAnd I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Early Christian leaders did NOT seek unity with those who were heretical and introduced foreign concepts–instead they denounced them (see Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a>), including specifically the first one who is believed to have introduced the mystical eucharist (see Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist?<\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n

The Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> has put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy<\/a> YouTube channel:<\/p>\n

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17:12 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Beware of the \u2018Ecumenical Cross\u2019 <\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Catholic Encyclopedia\u2019 reported that in the first millennium of the Christian era, there were those who considered that the \u2018cross\u2019 would be the \u2018mark of the beast.\u2019 Is this too far-fetched to be possible now? As it turns out, in the 21st century, the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, and the Lutherans have embraced the \u2018Lund Cross,\u2019 also known as the Salvadoran cross, for purposes of ecumenical unity. Furthermore, writings by various Catholic saints and some claiming to see Marian apparitions have pointed to a group, in the end times, that will wear some type of cross to persecute those that do not. Is the cross an original symbol that early Christians venerated? Could a cross be \u2018a\u2019 or \u2018the\u2019 mark of the beast or the mark of final Antichrist? Dr. Thiel addresses this as well as other aspects of the ecumenical agenda.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to our video: Beware of the \u2018Ecumenical Cross.\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

Before going further, let me also state that the word \u201ccross\u201d is not actually in the original New Testament. The Greek word stauros, which is often translated as cross, properly means “a stake or post” (Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.).<\/p>\n

Perhaps it should be mentioned that crosses are part of various pagan religions, and hence some type of cross could appeal to many who do not profess Christianity.<\/p>\n

Although it is well documented that early Christians DID NOT venerate the cross or use it as any type of icon, in the fourth century the “cross” became a military symbol after a sun-worshiping Emperor claimed to have a vision and a dream:<\/p>\n

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In 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine I the Great was in Trier, Germany where he had an unexpected vision of a cross that appeared in the sky. Constantine\u2019s soldiers, the majority of whom were pagans, placed the sacred image of the cross on their shields (Mangan C.M. In This Sign You Conquer, 10\/15\/03 Copyright \u00a9 2004 Catholic Online).<\/p>\n

He {Constantine} said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription, Conquer by this…in his sleep the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign which he had seen in the heavens, and commanded him to make a likeness of that sign which he had seen in the heavens, and to use it as a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies….At dawn of day he arose, and communicated the marvel to his friends: and then, calling together the workers in gold and precious stones, he sat in the midst of them, and described to them the figure of the sign he had seen, bidding them represent it in gold and precious stones…<\/p>\n

Now it was made in the following manner. A long spear, overlaid with gold, formed the figure of the cross by means of a transverse bar laid over it. On the top of the whole was fixed a wreath of gold and precious stones; and within this, the symbol of the Saviour’s name, two letters indicating the name of Christ by means of its initial characters, the letter P being intersected by X in its centre…<\/p>\n

The emperor constantly made use of this sign of salvation as a safeguard against every adverse and hostile power, and commanded that others similar to it should be carried at the head of all his armies. (Eusebius. The Life of Constantine, Book I, Chapters 28,30,31).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This type of cross is known as a labarum:<\/p>\n

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The Labarum<\/strong> (\u2627) was a vexillum (military standard) that displayed the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ” (Greek: \u03a7\u03a1\u0399\u03a3\u03a4\u039f\u03a3<\/span>, or \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2) \u2014 Chi<\/em> (\u03c7) and Rho<\/em> (\u03c1). It was first used by the Roman emperor Constantine I…<\/p>\n

Though modern representations of the chi-rho sign represent the two lines crossing at ninety degree angles, the early examples of the Chi-Rho cross at an angle that is more vividly representative of the chi<\/em> formed by the solar ecliptic path and the celestial equator. This image is most familiar in Plato’s Timaeus…Of Plato’s image in Timaeus,<\/em> Justin Martyr, the Christian apologist writing in the second century, found a prefiguration of the Cross (Labarum. Wikipedia, viewed 03\/04\/09).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So we see that the Chi-Rho existed from at least the time of Plato (a pagan philosopher), but was adopted by Constantine centuries after Christ died. The heretic Justin<\/a> was probably one who originally encouraged its adoption, and he apparently got it from Plato. Constantine’s mother Helena later claimed to find a piece of Jesus’ ‘cross’ and this helped popularize interest in crosses in the empire.<\/p>\n

As far as the end times go, there is a Catholic writer who indicated that the image or perhaps mark of the beast may be something that resembles that Constantinian cross:<\/p>\n

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Priest P. Huched\u00e9<\/em> (19th century): Antichrist will further make all men, great and small, rich and poor, freemen and bondmen, bear a sign on their right arm or their forehead. (Apoc. <\/em>13:16). What this sign shall be time alone will reveal. Yet there are some {Catholic} commentators of the Holt Writ, who, according to a special revelation pretend to say that it shall be formed out of the Greek letters X and P, interlaced…which resembles the number of Christ. (Cornelius a Lapide in Epis. 2 to Thes.). No one can either buy or sell without this mark, as specified in the Apocalypse (13:17). (Huched\u00e9, P. Translated by JBD. History of Antichrist. Imprimatur: Edward Charles Fabre, Bishop of Montreal. English edition 1884, Reprint 1976. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 24).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

If the cross is a symbol of the future Antichrist\/Beast power, as Priest P. Huched\u00e9 indicates it will be (and it is in a book with an official imprimatur), perhaps those who come from faiths descended from Emperor Constantine should be concerned about their religion now–before it becomes even further removed from the original faith. The Bible indicates that the true Christians will NOT have the symbol\/mark needed to buy or sell when the two beasts of Revelation 13 are in power, but only those that will follow those beasts will (Revelation 13:16-17)–and while crosses may not necessarily be required everywhere, other Catholic writings suggest that in certain places, they will be.<\/p>\n

Although all real scholars admit that the original Christians would not kill or intentionally participate in military service<\/a>, after Emperor Constantine claimed to see a spear in the sky with a traverse bar (see Constantine is Why \u201cChristians\u201d War<\/a>), the group that accepted his authority then allowed him to convene what is known as the Council of Nicea in 325. A.D.<\/p>\n

Before going further, let me state that a cross was used by the followers of the militaristic sun-god called Mithraism, which Emperor Constantine supported.<\/p>\n

The 20th and 19th century writers Manly Hall and Albert Pike wrote respectively:<\/p>\n

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Candidates who successfully passed the Mithraic initiations were called Lions and were marked upon their foreheads with the Egyptian cross.<\/strong> (Manly P. Hall Manly P. Hall (Author), J. Augustus Knapp (Illustrator) The Secret Teachings of all Ages. Originally published 1926, reprint Wilder Publications, 2009, p. 45)<\/p>\n

Mithras signed his soldiers on the forehead with a Cross. X is the mark of 600, the mysterious cycle of the Incarnations. (Pike A. Morals and dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. First published 1871. Forgotten Books, 1962<\/span>, p. 246)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Catholic scholar Cumont wrote:<\/p>\n

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A curious bas-relief recently published shows us the spectacle of this sacred repast (Fig. 38). Before two persons stretched upon a couch covered with pillows is placed a tripod bearing four tiny loaves of bread, each marked with a cross. … these love feasts are evidently the ritual commemoration of the banquet which Mithra celebrated before his ascension. (Cumont F. The Mysteries of Mithra<\/span>. Open Court, 1903. Original from Harvard University, Digitized Feb 15, 2008, p. 160)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Crosses were not originally part of Christian worship (for details read What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol?<\/a> and\/or watch a related YouTube video: Origin of the Cross).<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Before going further, it may be of interest to note that a Mithraic temple was in the news some time back:<\/p>\n

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In central London, seven meters underground, lies an ancient Roman temple to a mysterious god called Mithras.<\/p>\n

Nearly 2,000 years after the temple was frequented by the all-male members of an exclusive, enigmatic cult, it has now been faithfully restored and opened<\/a> to the public.<\/p>\n

A light display in the recess of the temple depicts the cult statue of Mithras slaying a bull, an image that was the central icon of the cult. …<\/p>\n

It is believed that soldiers and merchants gathered in these secret temples drinking, feasting and performing rituals that may have involved simulating death and rebirth, and even some nakedness. …<\/p>\n

Variations of the bull-slaying cult statue — known as the Tauroctony — feature a scorpion on the bull’s testicles, a dog and snake licking the blood, and various zodiac signs and allusions to Sol the sun god. http:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2018\/01\/12\/europe\/london-temple-of-mithras\/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+rss%252Fcnn_latest+(RSS%253A+CNN+-+Most+Recent)<\/a><\/p>\n

Now the ancient cult of Mithras is being represented. In fact, there are some 600 people a day visiting a restored temple underneath the London headquarters of the business news outlet Bloomberg. …<\/div>\n
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\u201cMost people today don\u2019t realize how much of a hold ancient pagan beliefs, practices and images still have on their lives,\u201d said Joseph Farah, author of The Restitution of All Things: Israel, Christians and the End of the Age.<\/i> \u201cIn fact, pagan values and traditions have never left us. Even Jews and Christians are impacted by them. And they are not innocent because the gods of paganism are actually demons, according to the Bible. It\u2019s not something to be played with. http:\/\/www.wnd.com\/2018\/01\/now-people-going-ga-ga-over-temple-of-mithras\/#V5C3az8alRmLw63t.99<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So, this pagan, sun-god cult is officially getting some attention. And attention at a time when the ecumenical types are pushing crosses. Perhaps it should also be emphasized that the professing Christian world has been impacted quite a bit by doctrines once associated with Mithraism (see also Do You Practice Mithraism?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

As far as crosses go, some may be astounded to learn that there are roman Catholic writings that indicate that those who wear crosses will be persecutors in the end times:<\/p>\n

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St. Francis de Paul<\/em> (1470): These holy Cross-bearers shall reign and dominate holily over the whole world until the end of time…(Culleton, G. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL),p. 157-161).<\/p>\n

St. Bridget of Sweden<\/em> (died 1373): …war shall end when an emperor of Spanish origin will be elected, who will, in a wonderful manner, be victorious through the sign of the Cross. He shall destroy the Jewish and Mahometan sects… (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times , p. 154).<\/p>\n

Anne Catherine Emmerich<\/em> (October, 1820): citizens and peasants, many of whom were marked on the forehead with a red cross. As this army drew near, the captives and oppressed were delivered and swelled the ranks whilst the demolishers and conspirators were put to flight on all sides (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schm\u00f6ger edition, Vol. IV. Nihil Obstat: D. Jaegher, 14 Februari 1914. Imprimatur: A.C. De Schrevel, Brugis, 14 Februari 1914. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 2004, pp. 290-291).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Notice what one claimed to be \u201cMary\u201d allegedly stated in an apparition in Pfaffenhofen, Germany on June 25, 1946:<\/p>\n

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I am the great Mediatrix of Grace. The Father wants the world to recognize His handmaid…My sign is about to appear. God wills it…I cannot reveal my power to the world as yet…Then I will be able to reveal myself…Chose a sign for yourself so that the Trinity may soon be adored by all! Pray and sacrifice through me!…I will impose crosses on my children that will be as heavy and as deep as the sea because I love them in my sacrificed Son. I pray, be prepared to bear the cross in order that the Trinity may be honored (Culleton, Reign of Antichrist, pp. 217-218).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Real Christians would not pray and sacrifice through Mary.<\/p>\n

In 1958, Matous Losuta of Czechoslovakia claimed that “Mary” stated:<\/p>\n

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All my children will receive and carry the sign of the cross on their foreheads (Flynn, Ted & Flynn, Maureen. Thunder of Justice: The Warning, the Miracle, the Chastisement, the Era of Peace. Signs of the Times Illustrated by Kaleidoscope Graphics Staff Contributor Malachi Martin Published by Maxkol Communications, 1992, p. 331).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is not something that the Bible advocates. (More on Mary can be found in the article Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Thus, according to various Greco-Roman Catholic mystics and writers, those that follow a persecuting power will wear some type of cross. And according to at least one Catholic priest, it is similar to the type of cross that Emperor Constantine used, and according to that same priest, it may be an important symbol for the beasts of Revelation 13 and their followers.<\/p>\n

And now, we are seeing a type of cross being called an “icon” by major leaders in the ecumenical movement and a promoter of a Babylonian ecumenical unity that the Bible warns against (cf. Revelation 17) .<\/p>\n

Some type of cross may well be a mark of the Beast or final Antichrist.<\/p>\n

Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol?<\/a> Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? A related YouTube video would be Origin of the Cross<\/a>.
\nWhat Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?<\/a> Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons<\/a>.
\nMarcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist?<\/a> Marcus was a second century heretic condemned for having a ceremony similar to one still practiced by many who profess Christ, as well as for promoting the ‘eighth day’ ogdoad. Might he also be in the apostolic succession<\/a> list of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria? Where did the eucharistic host and IHS come from?<\/span>
\nDo You Practice Mithraism?<\/a> Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?<\/a>
\nSunday and Christianity<\/a> Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday? What relevance is the first or the “eighth” day? A related sermon is also available: Sunday: First and Eighth Day?<\/a>
\nHope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God Differs from Protestantism<\/a> The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History<\/a>; The First Protestant, God\u2019s Command, Grace, & Character<\/a>; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon<\/a>; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter<\/a>; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism<\/a>; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday<\/a>; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a><\/a>; Seventh Day Baptists\/Adventists\/Messianics: Protestant or COG?<\/a>; Millennial Kingdom of God and God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/a>; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats<\/a>; The Godhead and the Trinity<\/a>; Fleeing or Rapture?<\/a>; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences<\/a>.
\nBeliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?<\/a> Did the original \u201ccatholic church\u201d have doctrines held by the Continuing<\/em> Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term \u201ccatholic church\u201d to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?<\/a>, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover<\/a>, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?<\/a>, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy<\/a>, Early Heresies and Heretics<\/a>, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats<\/a>, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more<\/a>, Saturday or Sunday?<\/a>, The Godhead<\/a>, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession<\/a>, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List<\/a>, Holy Mother Church and Heresies<\/a>, and\u00a0Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs<\/a>. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language:\u00a0Creencias de la iglesia Cat\u00f3lica original<\/a>.
\nBeware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!<\/a> What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan<\/a>.
\nWhy Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? (And the Protestants) <\/a><\/span> Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement? <\/span><\/a>
\nWill the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?<\/a> Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: <\/span>Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III?<\/a> and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Mark of Antichrist<\/a> What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?<\/a>
\nMark of the Beast<\/a> What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?<\/a>
\nWho is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?<\/a> Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish\/espa\u00f1ol: \u00bfQui\u00e9n es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2?<\/a> Here is a version in Mandarin: \u4e3b\u7f16\uff1a \u8c01\u662f’\u5927\u7f6a\u4eba’\uff1f<\/a>Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
\n<\/a>Persecutions by Church and State<\/a> This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church<\/a>. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado<\/a>.
\nThe Spanish Inquisition and Early Protestant Persecutions<\/a><\/span> Was the Church of Rome really responsible for this? What happened? A video of related interest is titled: The Past and Future Inquisition<\/a>.
\nContinuing History of the Church of God<\/a> This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D<\/span><\/a>. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries<\/a> and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries<\/a>. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuaci\u00f3n de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes<\/a>, French: L \u0019Histoire Continue<\/em> de l \u0019\u00c9glise de Dieu<\/a> and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.
\nSome Doctrines of Antichrist<\/a> Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jesus and the cross: Jesus\u2019s crucifixion is displayed on the fifth-century C.E. wooden doors of the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. (Wikipedia) COGwriter The Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) had this in one of its weekly newsletters: Jesus and the Cross Throughout the world, images of the cross adorn the walls and steeples of churches. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-86903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-church-history"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=86903"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":89497,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86903\/revisions\/89497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=86903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=86903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=86903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}