Emperor Constantine significantly influenced the adoption of the cross as a symbol in Christianity, three centuries after Christ. Before his era, there is no archaeological evidence of its use among Christians. Under Constantine's reign, the cross emerged as a prominent emblem, often linked to the triumph of Christianity over pagan traditions, though it was influenced by ancient pagan symbols like that of Tammuz from Babylonian culture. His role helped align the cross with Christian identity, marking a pivotal shift in its recognition and use among believers during his time.

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What Is the Origin of the Symbol of the Cross?

Bible Questions & Answers

The Christian use of the cross as a symbol did not emerge until the time of Constantine, three centuries after Christ. Archaeologists have uncovered no evidence of its use among Christians prior to that period. According to historical insights, the adoption of the cross as a Christian emblem during Constantine's era appears to have been influenced directly by pagan traditions.

The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?

Article by Earl L. Henn

Emperor Constantine played a significant role in the adoption of the cross as a symbol within Christianity. His influence helped to popularize the use of the cross, aligning it with the faith's identity in the eyes of many. Under his reign, the cross became a prominent emblem, often associated with the victory of Christianity over pagan traditions, despite its earlier connections to ancient Babylonian symbols like that of Tammuz.

Is New Year's Eve a Pagan Holiday?

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

The celebration of New Year's Eve, occurring just a week after Christmas, is a topic rarely discussed in relation to its pagan origins. Many messages have been published over the years about the pagan roots of Christmas, but the focus on New Year's Eve is often overlooked. This subject lacks substantial coverage on the Internet, with most notable articles stemming from church of God groups. A significant piece, titled "The Truth About New Year's!" by William H. Ellis, was published in the December 1964 issue of Plain Truth magazine. Despite its age, the article remains relevant and provides valuable insights. Additionally, online discussions reveal varied opinions, with some asserting that true Christians should avoid celebrating New Year's due to its pagan core. God mentions the New Year in early spring, around mid-to-late March or early April, as a mere time marker without any instruction to celebrate with parties, countdowns, or other modern traditions. The question remains how such customs originated, and warnings from heaven urge God's people to avoid practicing Babylon's wicked ways and facing the associated punishments.

Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God is not a closed triangular Trinity, but a family consisting of God the Father and God the Son, and will include billions of resurrected, glorified saints.

Reasons for Not Celebrating Christmas

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Why do we not keep Christmas? Jesus was not born on December 25, during Saturnalia, a pagan festival. It is a commercialized holiday rife with lies.

The Origin of the Christian Cross

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The symbol of the cross flourished centuries before Christ came on the scene, serving as an initial for Tammuz. God's true church has never used the cross.

Foundation of Sand

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

Paul warned the Colossians of scholarly men who would try to mix God's truth with vain philosophy based on the tradition of men instead of Jesus Christ.

The Woman Atop the Beast (Part 1)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation 17 depicts a fallen woman astride a beast, drunk with the blood of God's saints. Whom does this image represent? History makes the answer plain!

Syncretic Use of the Cross

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

The use of the cross as a symbol of Christianity did not occur until 300 years after the crucifixion, a practice derived from the pagan worship of Tammuz.

Is New Year's Eve Pagan?

Sermonette by Mike Ford

New Year's celebrations often involve drunkenness, debauchery, and adultery. God commands us to separate ourselves from these customs and traditions of the world.

The God of the Old Testament

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Many believe that the God of the Old Testament was a cruel, angry God, while Jesus, the God of the New Testament, is kind and loving. Here's what Scripture shows.

Is the Symbol of the Cross Idolatry? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

Nowhere in the Bible are we told to venerate the symbol of the cross. The early church certainly did not. It was introduced into Catholic churches in AD 431.

Truth-Based Worship Vs Spiritual Confusion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God never accepts worship that comes from human reasoning and the traditions of man. The starting point for worship must always be God and His revelation.

Above the Fray

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The New Testament contains no calls to get involved in government to affect change in society. The change must be internal and individual, not a crusade.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.

Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Four)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maas

Over 77% of 'Christian' churches have chosen the day of the sun as their day of rest, rejecting the day God hallowed from creation, seen in the 4th Commandment.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Despite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.

The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The true understanding of Elohim dismantles the entire trinity argument. God is reproducing Himself; we are being prepared to become a part of Elohim.

Sincerity Without Truth Is Worthless

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is dangerous to judge something on the basis of apparent 'sincerity,' which is often the opposite of godly sincerity. Godly sincerity is paired with the truth.

To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

To keep from being swept up in the bandwagon effect of compromising with sin, we must make sure our convictions are not merely preferences.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The apostle Peter claims Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit. Does his statement prove the Holy Spirit is a divine Person in a Trinity?

The Four Horsemen (Part Two): The White Horse

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

At God's command, the white horse and its rider ride over the earth 'conquering and to conquer.' It is a precursor of the destruction that is wrought by its fellows.

The Nature of God: Elohim

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Understanding Elohim teaches us about the nature of God and where our lives are headed. Elohim refers to a plural family unit in the process of expanding.

Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?

Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

If we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.

The Holy Spirit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Theologians, misapplying grammatical gender and personification, falsely deduce a phantom third person, propped up by a spurious insertion (I John 5:7-8).

Traditions of Men, Continued

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

We must always select the perspective through which God wishes us to view the Bible and not the man-made systems and interpretations.