Mystical Angels - What does the cross actually mean?

What does the cross actually mean?

The symbol of the cross, or something like it, has seemingly been used throughout human history to express mythical and religious thought: celtic crosses, ankhs, the crucifix, swastikas, sun crosses. The symbol recurs again and again in mystical thought. It continues to be widespread today, and would appear to hold deep significance for our species, in some manner or another. If we can get past the sado-masochistic, death-cult mumbo jumbo about it being an instrument of tortuous execution that the body of a prophet was nailed to, then what does, or could the crucifix actually mean? I am fully aware of the difference between the crucifix and the cross. this is why I have used the terms SEPARATELY. I asked for opinions, if all you have is "read a symbological dictionary" then you have clearly not read my question.

Public Comments

a little t
Totally random coincedence. And it WAS a torture/murder device.
It is a symbol of how horrible our sin is
IT ACTUALLY A SYMBOLE AND ITS A REMINDER THAT GOD DIED ON THE CROSS FOR US :) GOD BLESS U JANIAH
A plus sign....
well...you need to specify which version of it you mean. Cause in christianity, the cross is solely what you already said, a reminder of the pain and suffering jesus went through.
it came from the pagans.................wait every symbol of christianity came from pagans
Among other things, it is the 'sign' of Tammuz. (See Ez 8:14)
it is a very very old symbol and it is also very complicated in it's significance. you should find a symbol dictionary. you should study by your own. it is very interesting anyway
It is a shape that is seen somewhat in nature, at least if you look at a human with their arms extended out, another genesis for it could be a 4 pointed star. To be fair though, it is not that common, if anything the circle or spiral are more often used. Symbols have had and will continue to have many different meanings throughout history. A good example of this is the skull and crossbones. It started as a Christian symbol, became the symbol of pirates and now is used to indicate poison. Simply no symbol can be said to have a fixed meaning across time or culture.
First, there's a difference between the cross and the crucifix. A cross is just that, 2 straight pieces in the shape of a t. A crucifix is an image of Jesus on a cross. From the Christian point of view, the cross doesn't represent the torture and killing that crucifixion was used for, but it stands for the sacrifice that Jesus made and the gift of life that He gave to us.
Sacrifice and Obedience
The cross shows the love God has for us humans. Jesus gave up his life and suffered humiliation and death so we could be free from the sin that is in us all. And only the owner of the debt can forgive the debt. Jesus is God!
It has become one of the most prolific symbols because of its links with the wide spread Christian belief. The Celtic cross is only part of that. The Ankh only slightly resembles it, and was just one of many symbols with spiritual significance to The Egyptians, having no more prominence than the Ibis or serpent. The Swastikas is entirely different in character. Beyond being one of the easiest marks to make on stone, I can't see it has any place as a universal token to our race.
In my opinion of course, it could be that no other form of death left us with yet another sign. The † to me contains also the ( + ) sign a sign for me to remain positive. Joh:16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. And seeing that what it represents, a positive sign stuck in the ground which represents the life giving force, Positive and negative. That is just my opinion. Take care and may God bless you spiritually.
It means that the 5th century church had to come up with some symbol since every one else had one and they didn't want to be left out so they adopted the cross.