CROSSLESS CHRISTIANITY

Introduction to Crossless Christianity

Progressive Christianity is a movement that is infiltrating and influencing the church, with high-profile Christian leaders embracing the movement that seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historical doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. While claiming the title “Christian,” it is sweeping unsuspecting Christians into a false view of God and how he saves people.

The most common response heard from Progressives on why there is no Cross displayed in their church is that the Cross signalizes a Graven Image. In addition, some have stated that Jesus’ Sacrifice is divine abuse by God the father, indicating barbaric cultural customs of the time that have no place in today’s church. But, not one Progressive answer included the Cross as a Pathway of Atonement, “God’s Free Gift” to humankind. These comments by Progressives and many more have signified a complete break in traditional teachings and practices, thus ushering in this essay to review and clarify the true meaning and significance of the Cross.

CROSSLESS CHRISTIANITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our study will include these (3) three relevant areas to determine the actual reason why Progressive Churches removed a displayed Cross.

1. Progressives state that the Cross is a Graven Image.
2. Progressives teach that the bible contains Barbaric Culturally Customs.
3. Christ Jesus sets the terms
4. Conclusion

1. GRAVEN IMAGE 

Progressives state that the cross is a graven image and justify their actions of removing or not displaying it with these two verses listed below.

1. Exodus 20:4  The second commandment
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. “

2. Deuteronomy 5:8
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.”

However, nowhere in scripture does the Cross, which was used as an instrument of torture and execution, mention or even imply that it is an image or symbol of Christ Jesus. However, all scripture does agree that the Cross is God’s Pathway to Atonement, and those opposing such a path are enemies of God.

1.  Philippians 3:18-20. “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ,   whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.”

2. BARBARIC CULTURAL CUSTOM

Progressives teach that the Holy Bible merely contains the word of God, thus degrading the Bible to simply classical literature, thus removing the “Holy.” Furthermore, these teachings allow individuals, groups, etc., to pick and choose scripture, creating an environment that sets the foundation for them to form a God in their image, thus introducing a belief that the Bible contains Barbaric Culturally Customs.   

“This theology is a mask to Christianity” as it directly conflicts with the Teachings of Christ Jesus and Paul, as noted below.

Matthew 5:17-18  “Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true.   Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with—not until the end of all things.”

2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living,”

3. CHRIST JESUS SETS THE TERMS

The core reason progressives have removed the Cross is not because they believe the Cross to be a graven image. But what the Cross symbolizes—is denying oneself, changing one’s life, Changing direction. These are the real reasons. Progressive find it impossible to deprive themselves of their worldly wants and desires. Due to their depravity and failure to humble meek themselves, their God is one of Convenience. This elitism ushers in false teachings that discount the sacrifice of Christ Jesus and the atonement and call God the Father a “Cosmic Child Abuser.” 

Christ Jesus was clear that unless one denies themselves and picks up their Cross and follows, they will lose their soul.

Mark 8:34-35 “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

4. CROSSLESS CHRISTIANITY CONCLUSION

1Corinthians 1:18-21 “For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost, but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power.  The scripture says, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars.” So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness!  For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.

Crossless Christianity

Summing Up;  A displayed cross is not an image of God but a reminder of God’s love for all humankind that heeds its message of Sacrifice and Atonement.