Thank you for the application question, “Just curious (hypothetical, if you dare to answer honestly): For those who wear a cross on a chain around your neck, are you so assured of the credibility of your Bible that you would actually wear a guillotine, or stretch rack if written instead?”
There are hundreds if not thousands of Christians are being persecuted today in various countries in the world.
One may remember seeing Christians kneeling on the sand to be killed or burned alive in cages. For them, it is not merely a decoration to wear the cross but a symbol of their commitment to Jesus Christ who died for them. In many third world countries, being a Christian would mean the threat of death or being disowned by family.
In our Western Culture, the cross for some, many people is a decoration or hopefully a protection from evil or harm. Gang members wear the cross not because they want transformation of life but protection from kniving, shooting, or even perhaps a ticket to heaven because they wear the cross. There are few who truly understand that the cross symbolizes for them that they have taken up their cross and to follow Jesus. They are willing to lay everything on line including death for believing and serving Jesus Christ. They understand that they can take nothing with them upon death so why be so captivated by wealth or position when everyone will have to leave it all behind. The commendation of Jesus is more precious than the praise of men and women on earth. Yes, there will be Christians who will be willing to wear the cross or some other symbol to reflect their commitment to Jesus Christ.
In the Great Tribulation, those who believe in Jesus Christ will pay the ultimate price/cost for following Jesus and not worshiping the Antichrist.
As a Christian, I have counted the cost when I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. The cost has been high for me but the preciousness of my Savior makes it all worthwhile. Being over 70 years old, I have seen life and as a minister have walked with others in their joy and sorrow. Others know that I understand their suffering even as they see me care for my disabled wife who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and depression episodes for the last 20 years. The cross is not just a decoration to me but a reminder of the cost of my Savior to redeem me and my commitment to count the cost to follow him.
SUMMARY: The symbol of the cross will either be a decoration around one’s neck or be a commitment of having counted the cost to follow Jesus. Which one is it for you even if one does nor doesn’t wear the cross?
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