The Protestant Cross: Simple and Faithful to the Gospels

The Protestant Reformation is an event which forever marked the history of the Christian religion.

Among the many consequences it could have, the relationship to images and the way of representing the cross saw a change of capital importance. This change, moreover, marked the lives of millions of believers.

The essence of the Protestant cross

In fact, some Protestants have relied on the biblical prohibition against worshiping idols and images. For them, it was in fact necessary to get rid of everything that could be between the believer and God, and therefore to distance him from him.

In this sense, the Protestant cross is often intended to be very faithful to the Bible.

Others instead wanted to purge the church of symbols that reminded them of the power of Rome. At the time, the Church displayed its opulence through golden images, ornaments and fantastic sculptures.

All this angered many of the faithful who, considering that this was not the will of God, wanted to turn to a simpler and more refined cross. The Protestant cross is therefore also often very simple.

Additionally, in times of religious conflict, finding representations of crosses other than those used by Rome was a way to differentiate and unite behind common symbols. Very often, there is therefore in the Protestant cross a notion of belonging to the community of believers.

Nowadays, most temples and churches arising from the Reformation tend to be decorated with only a simple cross, or even to keep their walls bare.

If the subject interests you, here is an article from another site which talks about the Reformation and the consequences it could have on Christianity.

The simple cross: the message of the Bible without embellishments

Without too much surprise, the cross is mentioned several times in the Bible… notably in the letters of Paul.

Long before Jesus was crucified on the cross at Calvary, he exhorted us to “ take up our cross daily and follow him.” ".

These few words constituted one of the conditions for becoming his disciple. Thus carrying a simple Protestant cross is, symbolically, a first step in walking the path traced by Christ.

The word “ disciple ” designates someone who learns from a master and who may seek to be like him. As followers of Christ, we should never forget this deep relationship that draws us closer to the truth.

The simple cross also represents what Jesus himself decided to wear daily. In a way, the cross is the principal instrument by which he destroyed the root of sin and defeated the power of death and the devil. Paul had undoubtedly been struck by the message of the cross. In his letters we see how much he valued the symbol of the simple cross...

“ For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to us who are saved it is the power of God. » - 1 Corinthians 1:18. “ For I did not think to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ crucified. » - 1 Corinthians 2:2. “ I have been crucified with Christ; and if I live, it is no longer I who live, it is Christ who lives in me; If I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. » - Galatians 2:20. These references make it clear that the cross is a central key, the very means by which we can follow Jesus in the new and living path of sanctification.

It is precisely with this in mind that this cross pendant was created, simple but faithful to the origins.

In short, through the power of the Protestant cross, we can be transformed into the image of Christ, so that his life can also be manifested in our bodies.

The anchored cross: the courage of persecuted Christians

It may surprise some to know that originally the symbol of the anchored cross, also called crux dissimulata, was not necessarily more widely used along coastal regions.

In the early days of the Christian Church, when the faithful lived under Roman persecution and many fell as martyrs, the anchored cross was the way they found to display their faith through a sign of recognition that a pagan eye would not find suspicious.

But then, why did the first Christians choose the anchor?

Many say that because it could hold a ship in place during the most terrible storms, the anchored cross symbolizes the strength and stability of the Church. In addition, the anchor basically resembled a cross, so the connection was made quickly.

Persecuted believers thus had the idea of ​​using this symbol which, drawn on the door of a house, meant that any Christian could find refuge there.

When we look at it, the anchored cross seems particularly balanced. This is actually not surprising. Its two vertical and horizontal bars, once crossed, represent the union of spirit and matter. Together, they therefore represent the individual that God created. The anchor that we see symbolizes the hope necessary for sustainability in the storm, or the renewal of adventure and the discovery of new horizons.

From a more symbolic point of view, this type of Protestant cross invites us to become stable people, firmly anchored in our beliefs, faithful to our values, and always in agreement with our deep nature.

For a person who has been through difficult and difficult times, a tumultuous past with the Christian symbol of the anchored cross can represent a safe place. This indicates the desire to move forward towards warmer seas and a better future.

If you are one of those believers for whom all these considerations are essential, the message of this anchored cross pendant should please you.

Reflection on wearing jewelry for Protestants

Using a religious symbol in the creation of jewelry is certainly something daring. Some will hate them at the mere sight of the cross, because they will think it is not a correct way to show their faith, while others will love it.

If you have discovered our site, you are undoubtedly part of the second group…

For many Christians, the cross is sufficient in itself. Adding ornaments and artifice would then be of no use. Worse, it could even distance us from its essential message. With the Protestant cross, you will be concretely reminded not to deviate from the right path.

Worn on a daily basis, it will remind us of our convictions without overdoing it in the eyes of the rest of the world. Discreet but unequivocal, the Protestant cross is a kind of call to order, a way of helping us not to sin.

Ultimately, the message of Jesus and the Gospels is simple: love our neighbor, live our good in the best possible way, follow his advice and stay away from temptations...

If a simple piece of jewelry can help us keep all of this in mind every moment of the day, then it can probably be a good idea to wear it, whatever some people think!

Lucky charms featured in this article