Northern KonXions United Methodist Church

While many wear it as a mere ornament, there is much more to the cross than meets the eye. Jesus the Christ bore the cross, was hung on it, died shedding his precious blood for the entire humankind, and miraculously rose from the dead on the third day. Just as important as the central messages of the cross, forgiveness and reconciliation, is the fact that the empty cross also symbolizes our death to self, our continuous decision to crucify our fleshly desires. In other words, the empty cross represents our constant and conscious decision to renounce sin, crucifying our old self with Him. As we continue our Lenten series, Rev. Craig Buelow analyzes George Bennard's worldwide popular hymn "The Old Rugged Cross", a friendly reminder of the real meaning of the cross and an invitation for everyone to leave their sinful life behind.