How Did Jesus Christ Die?

It could be said that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the most important and significant event to ever have happened on planet earth!  This true fact of history has been perhaps the single most significant event that has literally changed the course of social structure in human history, as far as religion is concerned.  This booklet that you are about to read will present a new explanation of this very important subject, than what is commonly believed and taught by the mainstream churches of today.  This event of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central theme and the spiritual anchor that has founded what is called the Christian faith.  It has however also caused much controversy and religious division within the Christian faith, which has caused the many divided denominations that we have today. 

There are very many sects and belief systems that have all been founded supposedly on the belief of this profound event of the death of Jesus Christ.  It would seem that this death and resurrection would bring unity and peace within our churches, instead of division.  After all, according to the theological premise of our churches, is not peace and unity what Christ's message and death was designed to bring?  The churches of today are under the false impression that Christ's teachings and death should have brought peace and unity to this faith called Christianity.  Our churches conveniently ignore that Christ himself said he would bring division, instead of peace.  See Luke 12:51.

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: (KJV)

Why has this very important death caused so many divisions and confusion, and has founded so many churches and religions throughout the course of history?  These divided churches and religions all make their claim that they were all founded on the belief in the death and resurrection of a man called Jesus Christ. What is the truth about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  Since the death of Christ supposedly founded all these many churches, it would seem of utmost importance for these many churches to truly understand all they can about this most serious death.  The fact is, the tragic sufferings and death of Christ is not understood, because what this booklet will show from the Bible is certainly not being taught in today's churches. 

This booklet will attempt to explain why Christ had to suffer and die, and more important how he died.  This is a very serious and thought provoking subject that demands that the facts be accurate and correct, and it is my humble desire to show from the Bible the truth concerning this very serious salvational matter.  It is serious, because as we all know, according to the Bible the death of Christ must be believed on and responded to from the heart in order to be saved.  It is my belief that the more we can understand about the facts surrounding the death of Christ, the more the Bible will become a "living" book for believers.  Most Christians understand and believe that Christ was given in sacrifice, however generally this is where the interest about Christ's death stops! 

There are certain questions and issues concerning Christ's death that most churches are not even aware of, therefore questions of this nature are of little or no interest.  Generally most believing Christians simply do not care to honestly examine for themselves the truth regarding the death of their Lord and Savior.   It is however true that the vast majority of professing Christians do believe on the death of Christ, but it seems that the whys and the hows of this tragic death are generally taken for granted and never questioned.  Why did Christ have to die, and how did Christ die?  It is generally accepted and taught that Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins, which is very true.  However this is only half the story as to why God chose to give his only begotten son in sacrifice for sinful man.  This will all be explained as we continue. 

It is also believed and taught by the modern day churches that Christ died by what is known as the crucifixion method, and the Bible does indeed say that Christ was crucified.  Again, there is more to understand about this death than just Christ being crucified!  It may surprise many to learn from the Bible itself that Christ was not crucified on what is known as the Latin cross.  This fact will be explained later. Most sincere people simply are not aware of the pre-historic and pre-Adamic chain of events that transpired in the invisible creation that called for the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  It is a biblical fact that this type of sacrifice was prepared long before Adam and Eve sinned.  See 1 Pet. 1:19-20.

1 Peter 1:19-20 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (KJV)

Christ's death and resurrection had a major impact on the spiritual world of the angels.  The invisible creation of the angels and the angelic rebellion that called for the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ is addressed in my booklet "The World Before Adam".  As was mentioned before, the death of Jesus Christ as other major truths and doctrines in the Bible, is generally misunderstood by modern day Christianity.  It is indeed a shame that the tragic death of Christ has been generally ignored and taken for granted by modern day "intelligent" man, and is generally regarded as just another religion and faith by most modern day worshipping people.  Please understand that the correct faith that is based upon the death of Christ is not just "another religion"!  

We were all born in a society that simply does not care or has no desire to get real with their Maker and Creator, and to do serious and sincere business with the sacrifice and tragic death of Jesus Christ.  The fact is, this death and sacrifice has automatically put all of the Adam kind Israelite people in a position that demands that they must do business with this profound event of the death of Christ.  How we mentally deal and do business with the sacrifice and death of Christ will determine the belief system that we choose and our daily manner of lifestyle, and most important, it will determine where and how we will spend eternity!  It is important to understand that before the death of Christ, God was able to overlook the wrongful worship habits done in ignorance by sinful man.  However after the death of Christ, man is now held accountable for sin and must make a choice on how to worship and obey the one true God.  See Acts 17:29-30.

Acts 17:29-30 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (KJV)

Notice this verse states that God was able to "wink" at the ignorance of false worship before the death of Christ.  The key word is "ignorance", and it must be understood that this "ignorance" was abolished at the death of Christ.  By implication, after the death of Christ all men of Adam kind are no longer ignorant of false worship; but will be judged on the premise of willful false worship.  This is important since God has now written his laws in the hearts and minds of his offspring (Acts 17:29), which are the literal families of people of the house of Israel as it explains in Heb. 8:10-11.

Hebrews 8:10-11 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. (KJV)

My booklet "What is Man?" should be requested and carefully read to understand who the literal offspring of God are.  After the death of Christ there is no excuse for God's people Israel in not knowing their God since it plainly states in verse 11; "for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest".  The death of Christ has made the Israelite people responsible for sin, since they have God's laws now written on their consciousness.  This death has also made it possible for them to be judged on the premise that all of Israel shall now know the one true God.  This profound truth simply means that the true offspring of God are without excuse in not believing and accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!  

Most sincere Christians will recognize the need to repent of sin when they have chosen to believe on the power of that ultimate and perfect sacrifice, which has provided for them the forgiveness of sin.  However the Christian world generally has chosen to make the death of Christ a type of casual "religious" and emotional "feeling" with no spiritual substance or convicting power.  It is not my intention to accuse all churches of this serious flaw, since many sincere God fearing people do understand the convicting power of the death of Christ.  However in the minds of many Christians the sufferings and death of Christ is generally nothing more that a comfortable "feeling".  This death is generally not regarded as a profound fact of true history and an event that actually happened, if you know what mean. 

I will be bold to say that most Christian people do not have the spiritual depth and the concept of what the death of Christ was all about, or what that death accomplished.  I know this statement will offend many sincere Christian people.  After all, is not the death of Jesus Christ the basis and foundation of what is known as the Christian faith?  However it also must be understood that the Christian faith also believes and teaches in a very real fallen angel called Satan the devil.  It is very important to understand that it is with God's permission that this fallen angel has made it his business to deceive the Israel family of God into believing and obeying falsehood.  God allows this deception for a purpose!  The biblical facts surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is no exception for deception! 

The vast majority of modern day sincere Christian people have been deceived regarding these events and the tragic death of Jesus Christ.  It would be safe to say that the world's churches are determined to make a "religious fantasy" out of this most important death, since they have Christ crucified on a Latin cross with little physical evidence of the cause of his tragic death.  It has always been a mystery to me to see the many pictures of the crucified Christ with little or no blood on his body.  The truth is that Christ did indeed shed all of his righteous blood to make the remission of our sins possible.  Read Matt. 26:28, Luke 22:20 and Heb. 9:22.

Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (KJV)
Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (KJV)
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (KJV)

This so-called Christian society loves to display the pictures that supposedly portray Christ's crucified body.  I get the distinct impression by seeing all these "beautiful" pictures in our many churches, it is as if the crucified body is worshiped instead of Jesus Christ himself!  It has also been a mystery to me as to why the most righteous, sincere, and peace loving man that ever lived, was vehemently hated to the point that the Jews sought to kill Christ on several occasions.  I ask the question, why this kind of hatred without a just cause?  Remember and keep in mind of the fact that the Jews wanted to use the "stoning" method to kill Christ on several occasions.  This fact will be discussed later. 

Can we imagine this type of hatred in the minds of the enemies of Christ?  Deceived sincere Christians will not make the scriptural connection as to why it took this brutal and intense hatred to murder the Son of God.  Since they are deceived about Christ's death, they therefore cannot comprehend this type of hatred that killed their Lord and Savior.  Deceived Christians are mentally "programmed" to refuse to understand that this profound and brutal hatred is directly related to the enmity that God himself put in place between two physical seed lines after Adam and Eve sinned.  This enmity and hatred has caused all the righteous blood to be shed throughout all of history, and has directly effected all of Adam kind who love the righteous things and precious truths of God.  Jesus Christ indeed had very dangerous enemies, and so do all those of Adam kind that believe and follow the teachings of Christ.  Read and believe Gen. 3:15, Matt. 10:22, 23:35, Luke 1:71 and John 15:18-19.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (KJV)
Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV)
Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. (KJV)
Luke 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; (KJV)
John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (KJV)

Keep in mind that the pictures of Christ that we see hanging in the homes and churches is the concept and the mind set of this world's deceived denominational churches.  The world's churches also have Christ with long hair crucified on the Latin cross, regardless of the fact that Christ himself inspired the apostle Paul to write that it is a shame for a man to have long hair, as it shows in 1 Cor. 11:14.  The biblical use and meaning of the word "cross" will be discussed shortly.

1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? (KJV)

It is equally important to know what caused Christ's death as it is know of the death itself, as we shall see.  Spiritual logic will have to tell us that if we believe on the death of Christ, we will also want to know what caused that very serious death!  We are told in 1 Cor. 11:26 that we are showing Christ's death when we partake of the symbols every year at communion service.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (KJV)

However in order to show his death it is important to know how Christ died, and what caused his death.  This simple concept is very important to understand!  This booklet will attempt to explain the events surrounding the death and burial of Jesus Christ, and the brutal and very cruel method that was used to cause Christ to shed all of his righteous blood.  This booklet will also attempt to explain why Christ's body expired and gave up the "Ghost" before the deaths of the two thieves that were crucified with him.

The Meaning of the Latin Cross

We were all born in a so-called Christian society that displays a symbol of a cross in almost every home, church or place of worship.  Indeed, the symbol of the cross is seen everyday on almost everywhere imaginable, whether it be even worn as a necklace or an earring.  The cross is a symbol that could be described as an object of worship that some sincere Christians would never consider parting with.  What is it about the symbol of the cross that this Christian society is so mentally attracted to and desires so much?  In the hearts and minds of many worshipping people the cross plays a major role in a form of ceremony and worship toward Christ.  In their minds this form of worship and ceremony could not be done without the symbol of the cross involved in some way.
    
We are a worshipping people that are determined to worship with symbols and objects that are used as "helps" which are "designed" to mentally cause us to draw closer to God.  However there are some churches of today that do not put much emphasis on the cross as an object used for worship as certain other churches do.  It is nevertheless in our spiritual and genetic makeup to want to worship God with symbols and ceremony.  Indeed, the Israelites of old were commanded by God (through Moses) to use many symbols and "tools" is be used in physical fashion so as to instill into the minds of His people his divine plan.  These symbols and tools were designed as "patterns" and "types" that pictured spiritual and heavenly things.  See Heb. 8:5.

Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. (KJV)

However these old covenant symbols were not to be used as idols or images of worship in place of true worship from the heart, and the modern day Christian cross is no exception.  The Israelites of God have always been a people that will easily worship and serve the creation more than the Creator.  Therefore this type of worship is dangerous, since the truth of God will be changed into a lie as it explains in Rom. 1:25.

Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (KJV)

Sinful modern day Christians also tend to make idols and objects of false worship, and would rather serve the creation more than obey and serve the Creator.  The people with the Bible and the Christian culture are directly descended from the Israelites of old, which explains why our modern day worshipping people love symbolism such as the Christian cross, among other things.  This is very important to understand!  My booklets entitled "Lost Israel and the Gentiles" and "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism" addresses the truth of the origin of our Christian culture, and why we are considered a worshipping people. 

These booklets will also explain what the Christian faith is, and who the true seed of Abraham are that are in line to inherit the New Testament promises through Jesus Christ.  It is very important to understand that the symbol of the cross of and by itself is harmless if not depended upon as a "tool" in worship and reverence to God.  True worship and true reverence toward God are spiritual decisions and choices, which must be based on believing and following truth!  See John 4:24.

John 4:24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. (KJV)

The free will of choice is a beautiful thing, and must always come from the heart!  To worship God in spirit and truth has nothing to do with symbols, and it is not worship that is dependent on physical things.  However physical symbols are not sinful if it is understood what they are designed for, and that they must not take the place of worshipping God in spirit and truth.  This will all be explained shortly.  It is a historical fact that the cross was for many centuries and still is recognized as a Christian symbol.  The cross should be considered as a symbol that is of Christian origin and nothing more, and in my opinion there is no harm in displaying this symbol in a place of Christian worship. 

It is simply recognizing that the cross is only an object, and should never be used as a substitute of true worship.  Whether the cross is truly a Christian symbol is beside the point, based on the premise of what I am now going to try and explain.  There are some well-meaning sincere people of today that regard the symbol of a cross as a pagan symbol and an abominable object that represents something evil, in which God would not approve of this symbol.  This supposed assumption must be supported by the Bible!  Symbols of themselves are not wrong, and it is a biblical fact that many symbols were used by the command of God himself, which were patterned after heavenly things as we have seen in Heb. 8:5.  The Israelites were to worship and do service for God, and were not to worship and serve these symbols!  Sincere people that regard the cross as a pagan symbol are not aware that they have imagined in their minds the cross as being an "idol" without any biblical evidence to support their supposed conviction. 

Whatever the misunderstanding there might be concerning the cross as being of pagan origin, it is nevertheless and common sense should tell us, nothing more than a material object!  These sincere people simply have refused to mentally "rise above" this very harmless symbol called a cross, and in their minds have unknowingly allowed the cross to be something that it is not!  To put it another way they have in a sense allowed this harmless symbol to become a "idol" to them, because they are mentally obeying this "idol" by abhorring it when it is indeed of itself harmless!  We can either choose to consider the cross as something evil or choose to consider it for what it really is.  Which is nothing more than a material symbol that is truly of and by itself indeed harmless!  An "idol" is nothing in the world if it is not obeyed or sacrificed to!  See 1 Cor. 8:4.

1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. (KJV)

People that consider the cross a pagan symbol, assume that to display the cross is the same as obeying it.  Not so, because it must be biblically proven that the cross is indeed a pagan symbol.  We normally and naturally come in contact and make use of many physical objects in everyday life, however we normally take these objects for granted.  We certainly do not obey and worship them in so much as depending on them for worship toward God!  There are many Americans that display the American flag, and in the same way and manner, many Christians display the Christian Latin cross. 

It is important to understand that an "idol" can be either real or imaginary! This concept simply means that idols do not have to be physical objects.  It is very possible for sinful minds to only imagine "idols" when in fact there is no basis for them to do so.  Therefore those in Christ should mentally "rise above" this harmless symbol of the cross.  They should never allow a real "idol" or an imaginary "idol" to come between them and their obedience in assembly, fellowship, and worship towards the one true God.  See no. 1497 in Strong's Lexicon for the meaning of the word "idol", and notice the meaning in 1a.

1497 eidolon {i'-do-lon} from 1491; an image (i.e. for worship); TDNT - 2:375,202; n n AV - idol 11; 11
1) an image, likeness 1a) i.e. whatever represents the form of an object, either real or imaginary 1b) used of the shades of the departed, apparitions, spectres, phantoms of the mind, etc. 2) the image of an heathen god 3) a false god

To "imagine" the cross as being an "idol" without any biblical evidence is indeed making an "idol" out of it!  Therefore it is indeed the same as mentally obeying it.  What is the origin of our modern-day cross, and where does it come from?  It is very difficult to show from the Bible the origin of the Latin cross, and what the symbol of the Latin cross biblically represents.  Symbolism has always been with the Israelites of God because it was God himself that provided the many symbols for His people.  Please understand this truth! 

I want to explain what I believe the symbolism means that is associated with the Latin Christian cross, and where the cross biblically comes from.  The following scriptures are the account of the man Israel blessing the two sons of Joseph.  Gen. 48, verses 13 through 20 explains in detail how this blessing was done, and it is very interesting to see how the Holy Spirit inspired this special account to be written.  Read and study these verses very carefully.

Genesis 48:13-20 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought [them] near unto him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid [it] upon Ephraim's head, who [was] the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh [was] the firstborn. 15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, 16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. 17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. 18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this [is] the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. 19 And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. 20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh. (KJV)

Joseph guided his two sons toward old Israel in the manner that he thought they would be blessed, which was with Ephraim at his right hand and Manasseh at his left hand.  Israel of course was facing these two sons, and he "crossed" his hands in laying his hands on the heads of the two sons of Joseph.  This blessing was highly prophetic, since the name of Israel was named on these two sons (verse 16).  This prophesy is very important to understand since the Holy Spirit even had the right and left hands mentioned which were directly involved in this special blessing!  The act of old Israel crossing his hands in blessing the two sons of Joseph is what I believe explains the origin of the Latin Christian cross and what it symbolically represents.  This special blessing remained in the hearts and minds of the true Israelites over the centuries, which I believe was symbolized in a simple and easy method such as a  cross. 

This symbol of the cross was destined to be with these people ever since old Israel crossed his hands and transferred his name on these people.  The people with their Christian culture that display the Christian cross are unknowingly displaying the very symbol that represents who they really are!  It is these people that the name of Israel was named on them by old Israel crossing and laying his hands on the heads of the two sons of Joseph.  It is however important to understand that the other sons of Israel also carry the name of Israel, therefore the modern-day symbol of the cross is with them also.  It is my belief that the symbol of the cross is one of the many proofs and "marks" that shows and explains who the true modern-day physical seed of Abraham are that came through Isaac and then Israel.
    
It is indeed ironic and very interesting that the people that claim to be the "chosen people", which are commonly known today as the "Jews", actually hate the symbol of the cross and what the cross really represents.  They are haters of the Christian faith and the Christian cross!  True history has always identified these certain people as haters of peace and righteousness, therefore they are never able to function as a society and a nation.  It is these certain people that are the enemies of Christ, and have genetically inherited a profound hatred toward the true Israelites of God as was explained in Gen. 3:15.  The enemies of Christ also have a natural and a profound hatred for the precious truths and the spiritual laws of God, and have never accepted Christ as their redeemer and Savior.  The enemies of Christ also have a natural hatred for true justice and common sense, and are masters of deception and deceit; and they have indeed done their job very well!  The reason I have mentioned "natural" to describe this hatred that the enemies of Christ have is because it is in their nature to reject the words of Christ, and they are naturally evil!  Carefully read and understand Matt. 12:24 and John 8:43.

Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (KJV)
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. (KJV)

Christ plainly stated that these people have an inherited evil, and are therefore not able to speak good things.  It is these certain people that cannot "hear" the words of Christ, therefore they can never be converted to righteousness and acceptance of Christ.  I must mention again, it was God himself that pronounced this enmity and hatred as was clearly explained in Gen. 3:15.  Therefore the enemies of Christ naturally have a hatred toward the true Israelites, and also naturally have a hatred toward Christ.  It was these certain people that were directly responsible for murdering and killing Christ, and they do not please God and are contrary to all men.  The point is, they are naturally like this, and have inherited this type of evil!  Please study 1 Thes. 2:15, and understand from Paul's point of view why these people can never be converted to accept Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: (KJV)

The "Cross" Of Christ

     It would no doubt surprise many sincere Christians to learn that the Latin Christian cross has nothing to do with how Christ died!  It is assumed by the Christian world that the Latin cross was the instrument or the object that our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified and died upon.  The teachings in the New Testament regarding the word "cross" are greatly misunderstood by the modern-day churches.  The word "cross" is found twenty eight times in the New Testament, and it is very important to read and understand how this word is used in the context of these scriptures.  The word "cross" is always the same Greek word, and has a very simple biblical meaning that has absolutely nothing to do with the symbol of what is known today as the Latin Christian cross.  This truth is very important to understand!  However the beam of wood that Christ carried to his crucifixion, is nevertheless biblically called a "cross" as it shows in Luke 23:26.

Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear [it] after Jesus. (KJV)

The times that Christ himself spoke of the "cross", which was before he was crucified, he said statements to the effect of "bearing the cross", or "taking up the cross daily" as is shown in Matt. 10:38, Luke 9:23 and 14:27.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (KJV)
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (KJV)
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (KJV)

What did Christ mean by speaking of this type of "cross"?  It is ridiculous to assume that Christ meant that we are to daily bear and take up a material object resembling a "cross"!  An important clue in understanding this type of "cross" is to take note of the word "daily" in Luke 9:23.  However it is important to understand that the other times the word "cross" is biblically used it is spoken of in the actual event of Christ's crucifixion.  Several times Christ was asked to save himself and to come down from the "cross", if he was truly the King of Israel and the Son of God.  See Matt. 27:40-42.

Matthew 27:40-42 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking [him], with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (KJV)

What was this "cross" that Christ was asked to come down from?  Keep in mind this is the same Greek word (stow-ros') that Christ used several times before his crucifixion as bearing and taking up the "cross" daily.  It is no. 4716 in Strong's Lexicon, and as we can see "cross" does indeed mean an instrument such as an upright stake used for a most cruel punishment.

4716 stauros {stow-ros'} from the base of 2476; TDNT - 7:572,1071; n m  AV - cross 28; 28
1) an upright stake, esp. a pointed one 2) a cross 2a) a well known instrument of most cruel and ignominious punishment, borrowed by the Greeks and Romans from the Phoenicians; to it were affixed among the Romans, down to the time of Constantine the Great, the guiltiest criminals, particularly the basest slaves, robbers, the authors and betters of insurrections, and occasionally in the provinces, at the arbitrary pleasure of the governors, upright and peaceable men also, and even Roman citizens themselves 2b) the crucifixion which Christ underwent

However, was this instrument itself by biblical definition, the actual "cross" that Christ was crucified on?  This is important since we must allow the Bible to define the word "cross" for us.  It is evident that a wood beam of some sort was used according to Luke 23:26, as we have previously seen.  However in the context of the other scriptures where the word "cross" is used, it is also evident according to biblical definition, "cross" does not necessarily mean what comes to our minds when we think of a "cross" as a beam of wood.  This is very important!  For instance in John 19:31 it makes this very interesting statement regarding the bodies (plural) that were not to remain on the "cross" (singular) on the Sabbath day.

John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away. (KJV)

How can three crucified bodies fit on one Latin cross?  Are we to assume that this "cross" is an actual physical Latin cross as the modern-day churches teach and believe that it is?  In John 19:31 it plainly stated that the two thieves along with Jesus Christ were crucified on this "cross" (singular).  I choose to believe this statement, because this "cross" obviously has a much deeper spiritual meaning than just a wooded beam or an instrument used for crucifixion.  The apostle Paul used the word "cross" several times in his writings, and it is obvious that Paul did not intend to use "cross" as meaning the actual wooden beam or instrument used for crucifixion.  In 1 Cor. 1:18 Paul stated that the preaching of the "cross" is foolishness to them that perish.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV)

I believe what Paul really meant is that preaching about the sufferings and death of Christ was considered foolishness to them that perish.  Paul did not mean that preaching about an upright stake or a wooden beam was what was considered foolishness!  The same meaning can also be substituted in Phil. 3:18, which could simply read "enemies of the sufferings and death of Christ".

Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: (KJV)

These enemies were not enemies of the actual upright stake or the instrument of wood that Christ was crucified on!  In Col. 1:20 Paul again had the sufferings and death of Christ in mind when he said "blood of his cross".

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. (KJV)

Notice that it is worded "the blood of his cross", and not worded "blood of the cross".  It was Jesus Christ that shed his blood, therefore it was not the instrument of wood that shed the blood!  This reasoning may seem frivolous, however it is important to understand the intent of scripture when the words "his cross" was used instead of "the cross".  Paul simply stated what Christ's "cross" was, which was that Christ had to suffer, shed his blood and die in order to make peace and reconcile all things unto himself.  This was the "cross" of Christ!  However it must also be understood that Christ's "cross" could also mean the actual physical instrument used for his crucifixion as we have seen in Luke 23:26.  However there is a much deeper biblical meaning for the word "cross" than just meaning a wooden instrument.  In Heb. 12:2 it states that for the joy set before him Christ endured the "cross", despising the shame.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)

Did Christ endure the "cross" which many assume was the Latin cross, or what in fact did Christ really endure?  Jesus Christ endured a very agonizing, torturous and brutal death in the hands of wicked men.  This is what Christ had to endure, which biblically speaking was the "cross".  In Phil. 2:8 Paul talked of Christ becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the "cross".

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (KJV)

What was the death of the "cross"?  It was certainly not the beam of wood that died!  It is very obvious that the sufferings which led to the death of Christ was itself the "cross".  What are we to understand from the examples of the word "cross" in these few selected scriptures?  What did Christ really mean when he stated about bearing and taking up our "cross" daily?  Please review again Matt. 10:38, Luke 9:23 and 14:27.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (KJV)
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (KJV)
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (KJV)

Everyone that chooses to believe and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ are to bear and take up daily this true Christian way of life.  They are to deny themselves, bear and take up their "cross", which is to endure the daily burden in a overcomer's life.  The calling in the life of a true follower of Jesus Christ is a daily way of life, and is not an easy "cross" to take up and bear.  If believers in Christ do not follow after Christ and take up and bear their "cross" daily, then they are not worthy of Christ and they also cannot be a disciple of Christ; as these verses clearly explain.  What really was the "cross" of Christ?  Christ had to not only endure the "cross" of his crucifixion, but he had to daily endure the "cross" of hatred and opposition from his enemies whenever he preached the gospel.  We simply cannot comprehend the daily "cross" that Christ had to bear and take up, and then to finally endure the "cross" of being tortured and brutally murdered to shed his righteous blood to become our Savior.

The "Green Tree"

If Christ was not crucified on a Latin cross, then what was he crucified on?  It is obvious by scripture that a wooden beam was used in some way, and I believe each of the two thieves were also fastened on a beam of wood.  It does not state in scripture that the thieves were nailed on these beams of wood, however we know that Christ was nailed on this wooden instrument as it states in John 20:25.

John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (KJV)

After they were fastened on these wooden beams, what then happened to Christ and the two malefactors (evil doers) that were crucified with him?  Christ made a very interesting statement regarding a certain green tree as he was being led to his crucifixion and death.  Why did Christ make mention of this green tree just prior to his crucifixion?  Read Luke 23:31-33 and understand why Christ would mention this certain green tree just before he suffered the "cross" of his crucifixion.

Luke 23:31-33 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? 32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (KJV)

This was not some idle comment that Christ made concerning this certain green tree!  To me it is very obvious that this was a real literal tree that Christ was walking toward and looking at as he and the two malefactors were being led to their crucifixion and death.  I do not believe Christ was referring to himself when he mentioned this green tree, since he made reference of these things happening in a green tree.  Notice the little word "in" in verse 31.  If Christ was referring to himself, then Luke 23:31 should read; "For if they do these things to a green tree" (not in).  Again, this may seem frivolous on my part, but it is always wise to pay attention to the wording of scripture which explains the intent.  It is however important to understand that Christ symbolically is the "tree of life", and as Christ was being led to his death I believe this certain green tree represented the "tree of life".  It is not double talk to say that both the green tree and Christ himself represented the "tree of life".  The green tree by implication represents a "living tree" since Christ compared this green tree to a dry (dead) tree; hence the "tree of life".
    
Keep in mind of the fact that these malefactors were on the right and on the left of Christ during this crucifixion as was stated in Luke 23:33.  After they were fastened on three beams of wood, I believe Christ and the two malefactors were then hung on this green tree that Christ made reference to.  The feet of Christ and the feet of these two men were then fastened (or nailed) to this green tree.  Are there other scriptures that will support the fact of Christ being crucified on a tree?  This truth is found in five scriptures that I know of, and these scriptures very plainly state without question that Christ was indeed hung and crucified on a real tree.  Read Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29, Gal. 3:13 and 1 Pet. 2:24, and simply believe what these verses are saying!

Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. (KJV)
Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (KJV)
Acts 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre. (KJV)
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: (KJV)
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (KJV)

It was on this green tree that Christ endured his "cross", and was made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) by suffering a most cruel and torturous death imaginable.  Christ bore our sins in his own body on the tree (of life) as it states in 1 Pet. 2:24.  Christ was crucified on the "tree of life" that he himself symbolically represented, and he gave himself (tree of life) in sacrifice in order to restore what the way of the "tree of life" was designed to do.  After Adam sinned, it was not possible for God’s people to have their sins remitted in a real sense.  However they still had the way of the "tree of life" preserved and kept intact by the Cherubims; as explained in Gen. 3:24.

Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (KJV)

Christ shed all of his righteous blood on the "tree of life", which now makes it possible for the remission of the sins of His people Israel.  Christ became the redeemer of His people.   This was all accomplished on this certain green tree, which was the "cross" that Christ had to endure. Many Christian people are not aware that the "green tree" is nothing new in the Bible, and is highly symbolic of the "tree of life".  The doctrine of the "green tree" has been greatly perverted by sinful man, especially in this modern-day Christian society.  During the rule of the old covenant God gave Moses careful instructions to not follow after the false gods of other nations.  The Israelites of old were commanded to destroy all the places of false worship of the nations that they were to possess, which included the places of worship under every "green tree".  Read and understand Deut. 12:2.

Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: (KJV)

Israel however failed to destroy these evil places of false worship, and instead learned to also serve these "gods"; which included the worship of under every "green tree".  The "green tree" is mentioned thirteen times in the Old Testament, and the Israelites of old learned this worship; which was biblically called "under every green tree".  The word "under" will be explained soon.  It is very easy to understand why this type of worship in the eyes of God was making mockery of the true "tree of life", and was therefore a very evil practice of abominable worship.  See 1 Kings 14:22-23 and 2 Kings 17:9-10.

1 Kings 14:22-23 And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. 23 For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. (KJV)
2 Kings 17:9-10 And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things that [were] not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. 10 And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: (KJV)

I believe the worship of under every "green tree" done by the worshipping Israelites of old had something to do with the burning and sacrifice of children!  See Lev. 18:21 and Jer. 32:35 to know that Israel was indeed burning their children, which was done in sacrifice to the false god Molech.

Leviticus 18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD. (KJV)
Jeremiah 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. (KJV)

I also believe this very evil practice of burning children was somehow linked with the false worship that was done under every "green tree"!  Please notice Isa. 57:5 which states that the slaying of children by worshipping Israelites was emotionally brought on by being "inflamed" with certain idols under every green tree!

Isaiah 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? (KJV)

See also 2 Kings 16:3-4 since these verses also show a link with the burning of Children and the worship of under every green tree.

2 Kings 16:3-4 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. (KJV)

It is very interesting the way this phrase is worded every time it is found in the Bible when it is referring to this evil worship, which is always worded with the word "under".  With common sense and a little spiritual logic, it is not hard to understand why this false worship is always stated as "under" every green tree.  Allow me to explain.  In this modern-day "spiritually-enlightened" Christian society it would be unthinkable that we would cause our beloved children to pass through the fire unto Molech!  However in the same manner we also offer all the "gifts" to the false god Molech under the green tree (Christmas tree), and sadly the results of this evil practice are spiritually the same.  The false god Molech is still with us in this modern-day Christian society, and the one true God of Israel will hold parents responsible for the "spiritual slaying" of their children in sacrifice to Molech!  Read and study Ezek. 20:26, 31 and notice and understand that these "gifts" given to the god Molech were the burning and sacrifice of children!  Notice the word "gifts" mentioned in these verses.

Ezekiel 20:26, 31 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through [the fire] all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I [am] the LORD. 31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you. (KJV)

Deceived into obeying the false god Molech, the Israelites of old were making open mockery of the "tree of life" by this very evil practice of worshipping under every green tree!  It is very important to understand that by this evil practice, this only proves and shows who the modern-day Israelites really are!  We are the same worshipping people since we also, as did our ancient ancestors, are determined to worship under the green tree (Christmas tree) in our homes and in our churches.  Very "good" sincere well-meaning Christian people carefully put all the "gifts" frothier children and their loved ones under every "green tree", and are unknowingly also making open mockery of the "tree of life".  However this very evil practice of false worship under every green tree done by modern-day Israelites, now also includes open mockery of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ!  We had better get real because these are spiritual realities!  Understand this!  We are talking about spiritual warfare!  Christ spoiled and destroyed the principalities and powers of darkness, which included the false god Molech by sacrificing himself on the green tree! See Eph. 6:12 and Col. 2:15.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. (KJV)
Colossians 2:15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)

Christ triumphed over and destroyed the power of all these rulers of darkness, which are nothing more than fallen angels that rebelled against the government of God in the pre-Adamic world.  These fallen angels are waging spiritual warfare on the true Israelites into obeying false customs (such as the holidays), which are designed to take them away from their true God.  Therefore this evil practice that comes with the "harmless" custom of Christmas, which is loved and obeyed by modern-day Christianity, is upholding the false god Molech!  It is indeed a shame and a disgrace that "spiritually-enlightened" Christians consider the obedience to the custom of Christmas as "harmless" worship!  After all, what would our dear little children do without Christmas, as the reasoning and saying goes?  Christ gave himself in sacrifice on the green tree, therefore Satan the devil and his rulers of darkness are stripped of their power, if they are resisted and these false customs are not obeyed!  This is very important to understand!  When Christ mentioned the "green tree" and also the "dry tree" as he was being led to his sufferings and death (Luke 23:31), he was referring to these two scriptures found in Ezek. 17:24 and 20:47.

Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]. (KJV)
Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein. (KJV)

I believe the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that was in the Garden of Eden is the "dry tree" that has indeed flourished since Adam sinned, and the "green tree" has indeed been "dried up" because of Adam's sin.  It is also important to understand that the choices we make daily in following and obeying the truth concerning these two symbolic "trees" has something to do with a certain flaming fire that will not be quenched (Ezek. 20:47).  This is the same "fire" that Christ mentioned in Mark 9:43.

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (KJV)

This "fire" is addressed in my booklet entitled "Life and Death".  Also my booklets entitled "What is Man", "What is the Church?" and "Repentance and Obedience" addresses this truth concerning the doctrine of the "tree of life".  Since Adam's sin caused the tree of life to symbolically "dry up", I believe the two malefactors that were crucified with Christ represented fallen Adam-kind.  All of Adam's descendants inherited this sinful condition, and Christ's death was necessary for the remission of sins which Adam caused.  Therefore what Adam caused had to also be crucified and destroyed on the "tree of life".  It is very interesting that this truth is clearly explained in Rom. 6:6, Gal. 2:20 and 5:24, and can also be shown in other scriptures as well.  In Gal. 2:20 Paul understood this truth, and had to proclaim that he was crucified with Christ!

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV)
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV)
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (KJV)

The Death Of Christ

The question that now needs to be asked; how did Jesus Christ die and what really caused Christ's death?  To be nailed to a beam of wood and hung on a green tree is of course a very agonizing experience, however this by itself was not shedding the blood.  This is very important to understand!  Also it no doubt would have taken Christ longer to die in this fashion and manner since we know that Christ died sooner than the two malefactors because of what is stated in John 19:32-34.  Read these verses carefully.

John 19:32-34 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (KJV)

What caused Christ to die so soon?  Also, since the malefactors were on the right and left side of Christ (as we have seen in Luke 23:33), how could the soldiers come to the malefactors before they came to Christ, since they would not have skipped or passed by Christ?  The answer is; since the three bodies were hung on the green tree, they therefore formed a circle around the tree.  The soldiers broke the legs of the first malefactor, and then followed the tree around to the other malefactor to then break his legs before they came to Christ.  They then discovered that Christ was dead already.  The breaking of the legs allowed the malefactors to die.  Christ's death did not come by the soldier's spear piercing his side since he was dead before this happened to him, as was explained in John 19:32-34.  The act of the soldier piercing Christ's side allowed the last remaining blood to be shed from Christ's body.  This was the remaining blood that was drained from Christ's body since the body fluids, which was called water, also came out with this blood (verse 34). Again I ask the question, what caused Christ to die so soon?  As was mentioned before, whenever the Jews wanted to kill Christ they wanted to "stone" him as it shows in John 10:31-32 and 11:8.

John 10:31-32 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? (KJV)
John 11:8 [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? (KJV)

Are we to assume that the method the Jews chose to put Christ to death at his crucifixion would be any different other than the "stoning" method?  Keep in mind that Christ was dead already when the soldiers came to break his legs, therefore Christ's legs were not broken.  Under the old covenant laws of the Passover, the bones of the Passover lamb were not to be broken.  Christ fulfilled the requirements of the old covenant Passover, and indeed was our Passover which was sacrificed for us.  This explains why Christ's legs were not broken.  See Num. 9:12 and 1 Cor. 5:7.

Numbers 9:12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (KJV)

Since Christ was our passover sacrificed for us, I believe Christ's death had to be a lawful death and was done according to the laws of Moses.  According to these laws that were given by God, punishment was done by stoning the transgressors to death; and this stoning was done by the congregation without the camp as it explains in Lev. 24:14 and Num. 15:35.  This truth is very important to understand, and I believe this truth explains where and how Christ died!

Leviticus 24:14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard [him] lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. (KJV)
Numbers 15:35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. (KJV)

Jesus Christ repeatedly declared that he and his Father were one, and that it was always the Father that was doing the works; and that he could do nothing of himself.  This is very true since Christ was born of a virgin and had no earthy father, therefore was born as the son of man (Adam) and at the same time also as the son of God.  This was why Christ had perfect faith as the son of man and also as the son of God, and was totally dependent on his Heavenly Father for everything.  See John 5:19, 17:22 and 14:10.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (KJV)
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (KJV)
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (KJV)

The Jews simply did not and could not understand this incarnation about Christ (God in the flesh), therefore falsely accused Christ of making himself equal with God.  Christ was accused of blasphemy because the Jews thought he made himself equal with God, and this is the reason the Jews wanted to "stone" Christ on several occasions.  See Matt. 26:65-66 and John 5:18, 10:33.

Matthew 26:65-66 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. (KJV)
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (KJV)
John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (KJV)

Strong's Lexicon definition for "stoning" is no. 3036, and means to kill by pelting (throwing) with stones.

3036 lithoboleo {lith-ob-ol-eh'-o} from a compound of 3037 and 906; TDNT - 4:267,533; v AV - stone 8, cast stone 1; 9
1) to kill by stoning, to stone 2) to pelt one with stones

When Christ hung on the green tree the Israelite people passed by him throwing sharp stones at him, thinking of course that they were stoning a blasphemer worthy of death!  This stoning was done according to the law of Moses, and it was these sharp stones that literally tore, cut, and ripped Christ's flesh to the point of actually exposing his bones!  These sharp stones truly caused Christ to shed his righteous blood on behalf of you and me, and eventually he was unrecognizable and became a bloody pulp with his bones exposed as it shows in Psl. 22:17-18.  In Isa. 52:14 it states "his visage was so marred more than any man".

Psalm 22:17-18 I may tell all my bones: they look [and] stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (KJV)
Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: (KJV)

The word "visage" is no. 04758 in Strong's Lexicon and it means appearance or sight.  Christ's bloody appearance and sight was indeed a horrible tragedy, and "marred" (which means disfigurement) more than any man.

04758 mar'eh {mar-eh'} from 07200; TWOT - 2095i; n m  AV - appearance 35, sight 18, countenance 11, vision 11, favoured 7, look upon 4, fair + 02896 2, misc 15; 103 
1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)

The shed blood of Jesus Christ sanctified His people, which was also the purpose of the laws required under Moses with animal sacrifices; and the bodies of these animals were then burned without the camp.  Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the entire sacrificial system under Moses, since this system of laws pointed forward to a future time that demanded Christ's perfect sacrifice of himself!  Please understand this truth!  Christ suffered and shed his own blood outside the gate of the temple, which is where the slaughter of the beasts given in sacrifice under Moses also took place.  Christ sanctified His people with his own blood, which was compared with the blood of beasts that was brought to the high priest for sin and only temporarily sanctified the people.  According to the law, the bodies of the beasts given in sacrifice under Moses were then burned without the camp, which means by implication; Christ's body was also to be burned without the camp.  Read and study Heb. 13:11-12.

Hebrews 13:11-12 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (KJV)

It is very interesting that a rich man called Joseph of Arimathaea who was a disciple of Christ, went to Pilate in secret for fear of the Jews and begged for the body of Christ.  Why would Joseph go in secret to Pilate and beg for the body of Christ?  I believe he knew that the Jews were going to burn the body of Christ!  Please  understand this!  Since he was a disciple of Christ he wanted to give Christ a decent burial.  This Joseph of Arimathaea was a rich man that no doubt owned private property such as an expensive burial site for Jesus.  He also no doubt had some influence on Pilate, and he therefore was successful in claiming the body of Christ.  This is all explained in Matt. 27:57-58 and John 19:38.

Matthew 27:57-58 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. (KJV)
John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (KJV)

The apostle Paul also gives more evidence of the fact that Christ was indeed stoned at his crucifixion.  Paul writes in Gal. 6:17 that he carried in his body the "marks" of the Lord Jesus.  What were these "marks"?  We know that Paul was also stoned as it shows in Acts 14:19.

Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (KJV) Acts 14:19 And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead. (KJV)

I believe these "marks" was physical evidence left on Paul's body which were the marks of a severe stoning that left Paul for dead.  I believe God brought Paul back to life and partially healed him to allow Paul to fulfill his calling, if he indeed was killed by this stoning.  The location of Christ's crucifixion was in an area that the centurion was able to see the veil of the temple being torn at the exact moment of Christ's death.  This miracle at the temple which the centurion was able to witness, and the earthquake that happened at the exact time that the temple curtain was torn; convinced him that Christ indeed was a righteous man and the son of God.  Read and study Matt. 27: 54 and Luke 23: 45-47, and understand and keep in mind that these events happened in full view of the temple, since the centurion was at this particular location watching Christ die.

Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (KJV)
Luke 23:45-47 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. (KJV)

This veil being ripped from top to bottom exposed this most "holy place" showing that the physical temple service of God was finished.  See Mark 15:38.

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (KJV)

It was God himself that ripped this curtain, simple because it was ripped from "top to bottom"!  The veil of the temple was facing the east, and this centurion and those that were with him were somewhere over the Kidron valley (the brook Cedron) which separated the temple from the garden called Gethsemane.  The mount of Olives was also east of the temple, which was "over against the temple" as it states in Mark 13:3.

Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, (KJV)

This was where Christ went many times with his disciples and also for privacy and prayer, which was also the site where Christ was betrayed by Judas on the night before his death.  See John 18:1-2.

John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft times resorted thither with his disciples. (KJV)

The garden of Gethsemane was located on the Mount of Olives, which I believe is where the crucifixion took place.  Please read the account of the night of Christ's betrayal in Mark 14:32-25, in which Christ became very sorrowful and told the apostles of his impending death.

Mark 14:32-35 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. (KJV)

Christ as to his manhood did not want to go through with this horrible event, and he prayed earnestly that if it were possible this severe trial would pass from him.  Christ knew the exact location of his oncoming death, and it is very fitting that this prayer would be made at the exact spot of the agony and the horrible stoning he knew he had to endure.  It is also very fitting that this is the exact location that the second coming of Christ will also take place, which is before Jerusalem on the east as it shows in Zech. 14:4.

Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (KJV)

When Christ died, he went in the heart of the earth for "three days and three nights".  Where did Christ go in the "heart of the earth", and for what purpose?  See Matt. 12:40.

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (KJV)

It is recorded many times in the New Testament (fourteen times to be exact) that Christ would be resurrected on the third day.  This phrase "three days and three nights" is correctly interpreted in Esther 4:16 and 5:1, which simply means night or day; and by this example this time period had ended on the third day.

Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. (KJV)
Esther 5:1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. (KJV)

"Three days and three nights" biblically means a period of time that includes partly at night or partly at daytime, which will end sometime on the third day.  It could not mean a period of time exactly seventy two hours (as some of today assume that it does).  If the "three days and three nights" lasted exactly seventy two hours, then Christ would have been resurrected one split second of time into the fourth day!  Christ was resurrected sometime in the hours of what we would call Saturday night, because the days started at sundown.  Christ was risen (resurrected) the third day very early on the first day of the week as it shows in Mark 16:9.

Mark 16:9 Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. (KJV)

This would make Christ's crucifixion and death on a Friday.  The "Good Friday" tradition is one fact of history that God did not allow the devil to twist and distort, and this tradition has remained with God's people Israel.  However the devil was allowed to deceive God's people Israel into obeying the false custom known as "Easter".  This evil custom which includes the colored eggs and rabbits have nothing to do with the resurrection of Christ!  However this evil custom of the colored eggs and rabbits do represent shameful and disgusting evil practices that originated centuries before Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. What was Christ doing in the heart of the earth for "three days and three nights" while his body remained in the tomb? 

Christ was freeing the souls of all the righteous Old Testament saints that were in hell, which were lawfully held there captive by the devil.  This truth is explained in detail in my booklet entitled "Life and Death" and is also the reason the disciples assembled on the first day of the week (Sunday) when Christ was resurrected.  I believe this assembly was done in honor of this event of the finished work of Christ that was accomplished on the first day of the week, and Christ gave his peace and blessing on them for assembling.  However they also wanted to hide from the Jews as it shows in John 20:19.

John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. (KJV)

The spiritual work of restoring a new creation that required the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ also explains why the disciples assembled on the first day of the week (Sunday) at Christ's resurrection.  This very important truth is addressed in my booklet entitled "The Seventh Day", which also explains why the Mosaic seventh-day Sabbath had come to an end at the resurrection of Christ.  According to the law, the seventh-day Sabbath was always determined by a cycle of one day in seven.  This is very important, because the phrase "seventh day of the week" is not found in the Bible!  This fact simply means that the Sabbath did not necessarily have to fall on the seventh day of the week, therefore the cycle of one day in seven always started from a holy day.  The Israelites were commanded to do all their work in six days and then to "rest" the following day (seventh). The six "work" days were patterned after the Geneses account of a restored creation, and the seventh-day physical "rest" was patterned after God's continuing "rest" as it shows in Exod. 20:11.

Exodus 20:11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (KJV)

This is why I believe the seventh day of the week is never mentioned in the Bible, because the law of the Sabbath had to be patterned after a continuing "rest"; therefore was "ceremonial" and was allowed to shift or be altered.  Adam sinned and failed to rule over the restored creation, therefore Christ was given in sacrifice of Adam's sin which legally restored a new creation back to God. This is why the Sabbath law that was premised on the old covenant has been fulfilled and is now useless, and was ended at Christ's resurrection.

In Conclusion

Most Christians are not aware that the death of Christ two thousand years ago had a major impact on the creation itself, which included things in earth and things in heaven.  Heavenly things were flawed, therefore called for Christ's death to reconcile these things back to him.  See Col. 1:20.

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. (KJV)

The creation of the pre-Adamic world and heaven itself was assaulted by in angelic rebellion in the distance past, and Christ's death made it possible for this damage to be reconciled and repaired as was explained in Col. 1:20.  Modern-day Christianity does not understand, and we are never told of the real reason behind the sacrifice and tragic death of Jesus Christ.  It is very true that this death did indeed provide the remission for our sins that we have all genetically inherited from the fall of Adam.  This truth is generally understood and taught by most churches.  However it is beyond human comprehension of the pre-historic and pre-Adamic spiritual war that was waged in determining who was in charge and authority of the planet earth!  God is an almighty God, and the eventual outcome of this war was never in question!
    
Since the Father planned to bring forth his children on the earth, a perfect sacrifice had to provided because the effects of this war would directly effect Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Adam's sin therefore genetically also effected all of the Father's children before they were born.  Therefore it is the Father's desire to made it legally possible for his children to be "born again" with the proper birth that was originally designed for them before Adam sinned.  Please read my booklets, "What is Man?", "Life and Death" and "Repentance and Obedience".  These booklets explain why Adam's descendants are all born in an unnatural sinful condition, which is why they need to be "born again"!
    
It is important to know of the angelic rebellion that actually happened sometime in the pre-Adamic past that assaulted the very throne and government of Almighty God!  This was the real reason that the Almighty God provided a perfect sacrifice to defeat and dethrone a certain very powerful angelic being called Satan the devil.  This limited spiritual war is still being fought (which God allows), and Adam's true descendants are caught in a "spiritual crossfire" in this struggle for dominion.  Please understand this truth!  The Bible explains in detail how Adam's true descendants can protect themselves from becoming spiritual casualties of this war.  2 Cor. 10:3-4 and Eph. 6:12 explains that this is not a war against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (KJV)
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. (KJV)

This war cannot be fought after the flesh (physical), therefore our weapons are not carnal, but must be of a spiritual nature as was explained in 2 Cor. 10:3-4.  This means that we are to understand the intent of our common enemy, which is Satan the devil and all his rulers of darkness.  It also means we are to understand the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that the devil and all these wicked powers were defeated when Christ gave himself in sacrifice to destroy these powers.  This death was no ordinary death which is common to all of Adam-kind, but it took the most brutal and agonizing death of which we simply cannot comprehend.  We also cannot comprehend the type of love that the Father has for his children, and the type of sacrifice he provided to rescue his children from the power of the devil.  It is also beyond our understanding how Christ could humble himself to actually partake of the same flesh and blood that the Father's children have genetically inherited.  This means that the Father's children were not designed to be born with flesh and blood!  This is the very reason that Christ also had to take on flesh and blood, and through death destroy the power of death; which the devil had control of.  Read and understand Heb. 2:14.

Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (KJV)

The Father wants his children to be thankful for that perfect sacrifice that was provided for them, and to be aware of the spiritual war that is being waged against them.  The Father also wants this perfect sacrifice to be effective for his children, therefore his children must believe his precious truths and obey the instructions of Christ and the apostles to be worthy of this perfect sacrifice!  This is why it is very important that the Father's children carefully sort truth from error, and then believe and act on correct doctrine!  The Father's children are also not to set their affection on the empty ways, false customs, and the things of this world.  See Col. 3:2 and 1 John 2:15.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV)
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (KJV)

It is also very important to understand that this world has it's own deceived denominational churches that will not receive and believe certain truths of the Bible.  The devil has indeed done a very clever and systematic work of deception on the Israel family of people which God has allowed for a purpose.  This deception has been very effective on the vast majority of God's children.  The Father allows this deception because he will never compel his children to love and obey him, since compelled or forced love is not love!  Therefore the Father has decided that it is much better that his children learn to choose not to be deceived by the devil, and they must also choose the way of the "tree of life".  It is indeed tragic that the vast majority of Father's children have despised and rejected that very precious and supreme sacrifice that was provided for them two thousand years ago.  I believe this rejection of Christ has something to do with why Christ is called a man of sorrows, as it shows in Isa. 53:3.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (KJV)

Christ felt and knew in his heart that the vast majority of his kindred people would reject the supreme sacrifice of himself.  Please read the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 since this describes the life of Jesus Christ, and the "cross" of affliction and grief that he had to take up and bear daily.  This chapter in Isaiah 53 describes the tragic sufferings and death that Christ had to endure to secure the defeat of Satan the devil, and to restore the way of the "tree of life" for His people Israel.  However it is only those of God's children that are doing the commandments of God, which will be blessed and will have a right to the "tree of life"; as it clearly explains in  Rev. 22:14

Revelation 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (KJV)

Much more could be written about this very important subject and the kind of ultimate supreme sacrifice it took for the Creator God to reconcile himself back to his beloved children. Through this sacrifice, the Creator God is also able to reconcile himself back to his creation which had become useless to him because of Adam's sin.  If we dare to expand our minds and think from God's point of view, it is evident that this perfect sacrifice had far-reaching implications and a direct impact on the entire universe itself!  It is extremely necessary for those that love the truths of the Bible to seek fellowship and assemble regularly with other sincere people with the same objectives.  It is very important for believers to attend a church group that are honest with the Bible, and are willing to follow it's teachings.  It is also very important for those that love the truths of the Bible to separate from the false concepts and the "feel good" emotional mind set of the denominational churches!  It is also a must that we keep the commandments of God, and show and demonstrate real love and respect toward your brother and sister in Christ, which are members of one another that make up the one body of Christ.  This truth is explained in my booklet entitled "What is the Church?"
    
Many well-meaning sincere Christians have been made victims of the modern-day denominational church system, and it is certain that many of these people understand the deception of the world's churches and are hungry for understanding.  Our prayers should be that these sincere people will somehow find a fellowship group that will feed them.  May the Holy Spirit of the living God direct our paths to seek out these people, and to truly have the convicting power in our hearts and minds of the sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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