Sign of the cross – what is the meaning?

Answer

The act of making the sign of the cross is most notable in the Roman Catholic Church but is also observed in the Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopalian churches. The origin of the sign of the cross dates back to Tertullian, an early church father who lived between A.D. 160 and 220. Tertullian stated, “In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting off our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupieth us, we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross.”

Initially, a small cross was drawn by the thumb or finger on one’s own forehead. Although it is challenging to determine precisely when the transition was made from tracing a small cross on the forehead to the contemporary practice of tracing a larger cross from forehead to chest and shoulder to shoulder, it is known that the change had taken place by the eleventh century A.D., when the Prayer Book of King Henry instructed to “mark with the holy cross the four sides of the body.”

Catholics base their use of the sign of the cross mainly on their long-standing church tradition and, secondarily, on Exodus 17:9-14 and Revelation 7:3; 9:4; 14:1. While these passages mention a sign on the forehead for protection from God’s judgment, they should be understood in their context. Considering their context, there is no indication that any of the verses mandate the ritualistic sign of the cross.

During the sixteenth century, a key principle of the Protestant Reformation was “sola scriptura,” where any practice not supported by Scripture was discarded. The English Reformers believed the decision to use the sign of the cross should be left to the individual, as stated in the Prayer Book of King Edward VI. “…Kneeling, crossing, holding up of hands, knocking upon the breast, and”

Other gestures may be used or omitted, as each person’s devotion serves without reproach.” Protestants generally considered the sign a tradition lacking Scriptural support or even idolatrous, leading to its abandonment by most.

Although the Bible does not direct us to make the sign of the cross, it carries biblical symbolism. The shape of the sign serves as a reminder of Christ’s cross. Historically, it has also symbolized the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross, is freely offered to all humanity. The trinity doctrine affirms the Godhead: one God in three distinct persons. Both doctrines are fundamental to Catholics and Protestants and are firmly rooted in Scripture. At times, the sign of the cross has been linked to supernatural abilities like warding off evil or demons. However, this mystical belief is unfounded and lacks biblical support.

Setting aside the mystical aspect, making the sign of the cross is neither right nor wrong and can be beneficial if it helps one remember Christ’s cross and the trinity. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as many people perform the ritual without understanding its significance. In conclusion, the sign of the cross is not a requirement for Christians since it is not mandated in the Bible.