What the Bible says about Religious Crosses
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Making and worshipping an idol is foolishness and a lie, because a manmade image can never truthfully represent the Eternal God. For a son of God, worshipping idols is irrational (Acts 17:29); to look to something physical as important or more important than God defies all wisdom. The way the world looks to physical objects is superstition (e.g., good luck charms, religious crosses, shrines).
Martin G. Collins
The Second CommandmentRelated Topics: False Concept of God | False Image of God | Idol | Idolatry | Image and Likeness of God | Religious Crosses | Second Commandment | Superstition | The Second Commandment | Worshipping Idols | Worshipping Things
In this scripture, Paul addresses the same issue that the entire book of Galatians is all about, namely, how we are justified. The Galatians had been led away from faith in Christ and had begun trusting in various physical works, like circumcision, for justification. Paul underscores his point that we cannot boast about any works of the flesh. We can only boast in Christ paying the penalty for our sins by giving Himself to be crucified. Because of His voluntary sacrifice, God has imputed Jesus' righteousness to those who have faith in that sacrifice. Paul in no way glories in a pagan symbol, but rather in what Christ's death accomplished!
Satan the Devil knew long before Jesus was born that He would die by crucifixion (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14; Psalm 22:16). In an attempt to deceive the world and lead people into worshipping a false Christ, the Devil made the cross a popular symbol of worship.
Earl L. Henn
The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?