SALVATION QUESTION 178

QUESTION 178
Was Jesus killed on a cross or a vertical pole/stake? Is the crucifixion not of pagan origin? how historically accurate is the event/mode of Jesus death?

ANSWER:
There are three questions in one here, I shall briefly touch on them all.

This is a question that has its roots in a certain cult. The word cross is "stauros" and means a pole or stake. It was put upright in the ground and the victim was nailed hands and feet to that pole. Whether the hands were above the head or outstretched on a cross piece is not that important. There is another term used in the Bible for the cross. When the context uses the word "cross" it is speaking to the Roman or Gentile world. When the word "tree," (Acts 5:30) is used, of the same event, it is the Jewish world that is in view. It was a Roman cross that He died on and not a Jewish tree. The cross was by crucifixion but the tree was by hanging. (Deuteronomy 21:22). Since there (John 19:20) was a large writing visible on the cross it obviously had a crosspiece on it where it was written.
It may have been practiced by ancient in Egypt and others, but had no place in the history of Israel until it was prophesied by David many years before Christ in (Psalms 22:16), that Christ would died in that way. It was introduced a few years before His birth by the Romans. Its origin is in paganism would have no bearing on Him being crucified. All the days of our weeks are pagan in origin.
The event and way Christ died is as accurate as the inspired word of God. The Scriptures are said to have been given by God. (2 Timothy 3:16), "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" We often say that men were inspired of God to write, but actually they were given the words to write. The word "inspiration" mean "God-breathed" It is a word this is close to the word "expired" breathed out. It is from the inspired word that faith comes to us. (Romans 10:17). Once a person truly repents of their sins and puts faith that in Christ they are saved. (Acts 16:31).

What about you?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen