The Pagan Roots of the Cross
The “cross” as a religious symbol did not come from Scripture or the Messiah’s followers. Scripture says Yahusha died on a tree/stake (xulon in Greek, meaning tree/wood, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Galatians 3:13*).
The idea of the cross (crucifix/cross symbol) came later.
What Scripture Says
• Yahusha was executed by Roman crucifixion, which often used an upright post (stake).
• Kepha (Peter) and Sha’ul (Paul) both write that He was “hanged on a tree” (Acts 5:30, Acts 10:39, Galatians 3:13).
• The tree/stake language ties back to Torah (Deut. 21:22–23 - cursed is anyone hung on a tree).
The Cross as a Religious Symbol
• The cross symbol predates Christianity. It was used in pagan religions (Egyptian ankh, Babylonian Tammuz “T” sign).
• After Yahusha, early Natsarim (believers) never used the cross as a symbol. Their devotion was to His resurrection and life, not the instrument of His execution. Think about it, if our Messiah had been executed with a gun, would anyone wear a gun pendant in His honour?
Constantine (a Pagan through and through) and the Catholic Church
• In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine adopted the cross as a Christian symbol after claiming to see a vision of it before battle.
• From then on, the cross became the main symbol of Roman Christianity.
Have you ever noticed how visually prominent Catholic symbols/imagery are in many wicked movies? Movies such as The Godfather, Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale, Donnie Brasco, etc..
Sadly, many have been misled into believing that wearing a cross or crucifix signifies true devotion. Yet, a careful study of Scripture shows that genuine faith is not found in such imagery.
• Yahusha died on a tree/stake as the Scriptures say.
• The “cross” as a symbol was adopted later by Rome and has connections to earlier pagan symbols.
• The cross should be avoided because we want to honour Yahusha according to truth, not man-made tradition and lies.
To genuinely honour our Messiah, we must focus on our actions, thoughts, and words, not on wearing symbols or placing them on our walls.
These verses consistently teach that true devotion is in our hearts, thoughts, and actions, not in objects, images, or symbols. Idols, whether literal or symbolic, cannot mediate our relationship with Aluahym or Yahusha.
Torah / Old Testament
Exodus 20:4–5 – “You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them or serve them.”
Leviticus 26:1 – “Do not make idols or set up an image… I am Yahuah, your Aluahym.”
Deuteronomy 5:8–9 – “You shall not make for yourself a carved image… and shall not bow down to them or serve them.”
Psalm 115:4–8 – “Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands… They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see…”
Isaiah 42:8 – “I am Yahuah; that is My Name! I will not give My esteem to another or My praise to idols.”
Jeremiah 10:3–5 – “The customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest… they decorate it with silver and gold.”
(Most churches are filled with idols from the moment you walk in!)
Renewed Covenant (New Testament)
Acts 17:29 – “We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by human design and skill.”
1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, wicked desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
