Written by Gustave - Updated on Jun 18, 2025
A lot of false information has been spread about the fact that the cross and the crucifix are identical. That is why we have decided to reveal the truth about this issue. What is the origin of the cross and the crucifix? What is the significance of these symbols for believers? What is the difference between the cross and the crucifix? The answers to all these questions are provided in the paragraphs below.
In the Christian religion, there are various symbols, each with its own history and distinct meaning. These symbols are considered by all Christians to be essential, not only for understanding the origins of their faith, but also for remembering the love of God and His Son for the faithful. The cross and the crucifix are two symbols that many people think are identical, but they have a few differences. Christians are well aware of the importance of these two symbols, but they do not necessarily know about their origins or their differences.
Here are the different sections of the article on the “difference between the cross and the crucifix”:
- The origin of the crucifix
- What the crucifix represents for the faithful
- The origin of the “Christian cross”
- What the cross represents for Christians
- Why wear a religious object that features a cross or crucifix?
Let's start reading the article now.
Origin of the crucifix
The word “crucifix” comes from a 12th-century ecclesiastical Latin term, crucifixus. This is the past participle of the verb cruxifigere, which means “to fix on a cross.” The crucifix is a symbol consisting of a statuette of Jesus Christ nailed to a T-shaped cross. The Son of God is depicted in the posture of crucifixion.
Nowadays, crucifixes are used in many churches of different religions. Indeed, many Catholic and Orthodox churches emphasize that the crucifix is a powerful symbol of Christianity and of God's love for all human beings. However, in some cases, only the cross without the body of Jesus is used. This is very common in Protestant churches.
It is important to note that for most Christians, it is quite difficult to choose between the cross and the crucifix, as both are important to them.
What the crucifix represents for the faithful
The crucifix and the cross are not completely opposite. However, there is a major difference between the two crosses. The crucifix is nothing more than a cross. The difference lies in the fact that the image of Christ is present and therefore Jesus is fixed by the nails of his executioners. For all believers, Christ is fixed on the cross out of love for his father and for all sinners on earth. Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for sinners after being sent by his father, who is none other than the Savior of the universe, God.
The crucifix with the suffering Christ
The image of the crucifix with Christ on the cross can be an image of Jesus suffering or asleep in death. Jesus can be depicted as a suffering person, crowned with thorns and looking up to the sky. He seems to be talking to God, asking him why he has abandoned him.
This image of Jesus on the cross has a spiritual meaning. It encourages all human beings to be patient in all of life's trials and, therefore, to respond to difficulties with love.
The witness of infinite love
Like the cross, the crucifix can also represent an emblem of eternal love for all Christians. It is God who shows us through events and through the sacrifice of his child that he loves us with infinite and therefore eternal love.
During Lent, the Supreme Pontiff emphasized the message that highlights the hope of the cross of Jesus. This message gives considerable strength to our existence and shows us how important it is to hope. It states that: "Those who die with Christ will rise with Christ. The cross is the door to resurrection. Those who struggle with Him will triumph with Him ."
It is for this reason that the crucifix, which is also a Christian cross but with the image of Jesus, should not be treated as a mere object. Indeed, it is a precious symbol that allows us to know that the love of Christ and his Father will never diminish. Jesus sacrificed himself to save humanity from crime and evil.
The crucifix is a sacred object that can therefore convey a universal message. It is the symbol of the life of all believers and something that can remind us of God's infinite love for each of us. The crucifix helps us to realize the seriousness of our sins and thus to deepen our love for Christ and his Father.
Now, we will turn to the chapter on the “origin of the Christian cross.” This chapter will provide you with all the essential information about this important symbol for believers. And we will also see why the cross and the crucifix can be two different elements.
Origin of the “Christian Cross”
As you should know, we Christians must keep the faith and spread it to our neighbors. That is why we are explaining the history of the cross, which is a very important element for all believers around the world.
The cross is a religious symbol that has been known for many years. It is very present in pre-Columbian America and ancient India. Some people believe that the cross is more a symbol of persecution than a sacred symbol. It should also be remembered that Christians previously considered the ichthys fish to be the main image of Christianity. It was when Emperor Constantine converted that the cross came to be seen as something other than an emblem of rebellion that could lead to persecution.
From the 5th century onwards, the cross began to take on great importance, which has continued to the present day. It has therefore not always been an image of unity among all Christians throughout history. This is why some people still do not accept the fact that the cross is a sign of Christ's love and, therefore, of the freedom he bequeathed to his children, who are none other than us Christians.
We will now look at what the cross represents for Christians and we will also see why the cross is of such vital importance in the lives of the faithful.
What the Cross represents for Christians
A mystery of Jesus' eternal love
As we mentioned above, the cross is the ultimate symbol of the Christian religion. The disciples of Christ know that it was when Christ died on the cross that they were able to receive God's salvation. Christians must therefore meditate on this great mystery, which shows eternal love and the power to save all sinners on earth.
All Christians must know that the value of passion for Jesus Christ and God does not come from the intensity of Christ's suffering, but from his love. The greatness of the Lord has allowed us to be saved. It is therefore the Son of God who sacrificed himself to give us eternal life. The suffering he endured reveals this love in its entirety. Many Christians have a cross to help them remember Christ's sacrifice and their devotion to their religion.
To remember what Christ did to save us from evil, it is entirely possible to wear a piece of religious jewelry derived from a cross or crucifix. This can symbolize not only infinite love, but also hope in your life.
A symbol of belonging and hope
The cross of Jesus, also considered to be the Christian cross, is a Latin symbol. It is the emblem of Christ's punishment. It is important to know that the cross even became a form of torture used specifically for slaves, criminals, and thieves who did not have Roman citizenship. This image of martyrdom therefore has considerable power, which is none other than faith that can live on even after death. It can therefore offer hope to all those who believe in God and wish to have Him in their lives.
This sacred symbol can also emphasize belonging. It can bring together a community of believers. All members of this community can therefore recognize themselves in this emblem when they receive a specific blessing, such as baptism, or when they enter a place dedicated to God (a church). The cross is also a symbol that many Christians draw on their foreheads to protect them from evil and bad luck.
The Catholic cross is used not only by rebels, but also by those who represent order. It can adorn the uniforms of great knights and represent a symbol that accompanies them on their missions.
In addition to its religious significance, the cross can also be found in other areas. For example, the Cross of Lorraine has been the emblem of the resistance against the Nazis since the 1940s. However, it has a very important place in Christianity. It shows not only responsibility, but also a connection with all those who wear the symbol. The Cross of Lorraine, the Cross of the Knights Templar, and other Christian crosses all have quite specific meanings, but they preserve the representation of a Christian symbol reminding us to keep faith in God.
The most symbolic sign of Christianity
When talking about the cross, it is important to know that this element can have several meanings. First and foremost, it is a symbol of torture and suffering. Contrary to popular belief, it represents the human condition and ignorance. In particular, it represents the mistakes made by those who condemned Jesus and refused to see the light.
It is also an image of love. As we said above, by allowing himself to die on the cross, Christ showed everyone how much he loves us. In this specific case, the cross can symbolize redemption and forgiveness. Jesus was able to welcome evil with open arms. He clings to the cross and takes on the form of evil in order to eliminate it with his infinite love.
The cross can also be seen as a symbol of life and rebirth. Death can be overcome by sacrifice, and this is what led God to ask his Son to sacrifice himself for sinners and to prove the success of the resurrection. The cross therefore represents resurrection and the support of death.
The cross is also an emblem of coronation and glory. Indeed, truth can be revealed through the cross, which is therefore a path of elevation that can show us the way to progress in the universe. Finally, the cross can symbolize life. It embodies the alliance of spirit and matter, the union of God and humanity.
Why wear a religious object that features a cross or crucifix?
Thanks to the information provided above, you can now understand what these two elements mean and the difference between them. This text can therefore help you to understand what the cross and the crucifix really symbolize in the lives of all Christians. It can also help you to know which direction you need to take to benefit from eternal life. And you now know how to differentiate between these two symbols. “The difference between the cross and the crucifix” is a subject that we should all take a few moments to discover the deeper meaning of these two terms. So don't hesitate to share this article with your close friends. 🙏
All those who want to follow the right path with Jesus can consider the cross and the crucifix as powerful symbols of hope and wisdom.
By having a religious object that features a cross or crucifix with Jesus crucified, you can either feel closer to Jesus and God, or keep the sign that symbolizes your faith in your religion. You can show everyone that you have not forgotten what the Son of God did so that we could all live free from evil.
