Evangelicals have long been an advocate for the empty cross as a Christian symbol stressing the Resurrection, that Christ is no longer on the cross because God has raised him from the dead. Unfortunately, Evangelicals have completely lost the beautiful artistry of the crucifix and often find it a symbol not of Orthodox Christianity but of the Roman Catholic Church. Though the wounds of division still bleed, I have seen more hope recently of both sides, Catholic and Protestants, seeing one another as brothers rather than enemies in a world increasingly hostile of truly Biblical worldviews. As an Evangelical/Reformed/Protestant Christian I am urging Protestants to take a fresh look at the Crucifix, though Catholics may benefit as well.
The Crucifix may not be so much a symbol to remind us of Christ's death or even of what Christ did for us but rather a symbol to remind us of how we should live for Christ and for one another. It is a reminder that we must constantly die to ourselves so that Christ may live in us. It is a reminder that we should place other people's interest before our own. It is a reminder that life as a Christian is sacrifice and not the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
The same can be said concerning our identity as heirs of Abraham, that all Christians are also included into the family of the Chosen Ones. This is not an exclusive club to horde blessings (sometimes we even think we earned the blessings through our personal righteousness...we cannot earn grace!) as we blame the heathens for their own distress. Rather Abraham and all who have become his heirs are to be a blessing to the nations. Not to look inward in arrogance but to look outward in mercy.
It is at the cross that we must learn it was love that drove Jesus to non-violent action, and that non-violent action overcame Hell and all its power for the sake of you and me.
