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Was Jesus Crucified on a Cross or Stake (Matthew 27:35)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe instrument of Jesus Christ's death is described by some biblical writers as a tree. Acts 5:30 states that the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Similarly, Acts 13:29-30 recounts that when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. Peter also writes that He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness. Under the time constraints of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, the Romans are known to have used living trees as instruments for crucifixions.
Jesus Christ, the Bearer of Sin
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53, plus the testimony of Peter and the author of Hebrews, show that Jesus fulfilled the azazel goat's role by bearing sin.
The Origin of the Christian Cross
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe 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.
Eden, The Garden, and The Two Trees (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus' crucifixion took place outside the camp of Israel, just outside the border of the Garden of Eden, the general area where the Miphkad Altar stood.
Is the Symbol of the Cross Idolatry? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWill wearing a silver cross around the neck keep a person from harm? Will it stay the hand of Satan? Superstitions about the cross arose long before Christ.
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
Azazel: Beginnings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile there is a handful of common starting places for understanding the azazel, none of them has multiple witnesses of Scripture. We must begin elsewhere.
The Cursed Redeemer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.