20 Powerful Bible Verses About The Cross (With Commentary)

The cross is central to Christian faith, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice and redemption for humanity. The Bible provides numerous insights about the cross, emphasizing its significance and transformative power. Here are 25 Bible verses about the cross, each accompanied by a brief commentary.

25 Bible Verses About The Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

The cross embodies God’s power and salvation for believers.

Galatians 6:14

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

The cross is the only legitimate source of boasting for Christians.

Matthew 16:24

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”

Following Jesus involves self-denial and embracing the cross.

Luke 9:23

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”

Discipleship requires daily commitment to bearing one’s cross.

Colossians 2:14

“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Jesus’ crucifixion canceled our debts and removed our condemnation.

1 Peter 2:24

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross heals and redeems us.

Romans 6:6

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”

Our sinful nature was crucified with Christ, freeing us from sin.

Philippians 2:8

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

Jesus’ humility led Him to the cross, demonstrating ultimate obedience.

Hebrews 12:2

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus endured the cross, disregarding its shame, for the joy of salvation.

Bible Verses About The Cross

Ephesians 2:16

“And in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

The cross reconciles humanity to God, ending hostility.

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Believers are united with Christ in His crucifixion, living by faith.

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus’ suffering on the cross brings us peace and healing.

John 19:30

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus’ final words on the cross signify the completion of His redemptive work.

1 Corinthians 2:2

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Paul emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s crucifixion in his teaching.

Mark 8:34

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”

Discipleship requires self-denial and carrying one’s cross.

Galatians 5:24

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Belonging to Christ involves crucifying sinful passions and desires.

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ’s death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love.

Luke 23:43

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”

Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief highlights the hope of salvation through the cross.

1 Corinthians 1:23

“But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

The message of the cross is central to Christian preaching, despite its reception.

John 3:14-15

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Jesus’ crucifixion brings eternal life to believers.

Galatians 3:13

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'”

Jesus redeemed us from the law’s curse by His crucifixion.

Matthew 27:54

“When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!'”

The events surrounding the crucifixion reveal Jesus’ divine identity.

John 12:32

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Jesus’ crucifixion draws people to Him.

Colossians 1:20

“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

The cross brings reconciliation and peace through Jesus’ blood.

Revelation 5:9

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'”

Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross redeems people from all nations.