Is the Sign of the Cross Bad?

The Church Of Christ does not use the sign of the cross in its houses of worship and worship services. The Bible describes a mark that will be used by Satan that will be placed on the right hand and forehead of those he has deceived. The sign of the cross was established by the Roman Catholic Church to identify its members, which is why the Church Of Christ does not use it. Watch time: 15:04 • That&#8217;s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien Scripture references: Revelation 13:16 Revelation 14:9-11 In this episode [0:35] Viewer questions [1:20] Definition of the sign of the cross [3:50] Meaning of the cross to Catholics [7:08] What the Bible says about this mark [12:12] Summary and review Click to expand transcript &#160; Full Episode Transcript Brother Bob Pellien: In the sight of many, the cross has become an identifying symbol of Christianity. But why doesn&#8217;t the Church Of Christ use it? Or should we? Brother Bob: The Bible. The basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We received an email from a viewer and she asked the following: Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? [0:35] Viewer question Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? Ivy Brother Bob: Thank you very much, Ivy, for your email question, and thank you also for the opportunity to give a biblical answer. Let’s frame our topic of discussion around these initial questions in order to give a clear and thorough answer: What is the sign of the cross? What does the sign of the cross actually mean or signify? How does the Bible describe that mark or sign? [1:20] Definition of the sign of the cross So, before we turn to the Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response, Ivy, to your question, for the sake of our viewers and of those of other Christian-professing religions that, well, may not know what’s really being referred to as the “sign of the cross,” let’s take a look at a couple of video clips that show what is the sign of the cross that is being done by the Roman Catholic Church. Take a look. Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Voiceover: We begin with what is perhaps our earliest personal religious memory and practice–the sign of the cross. An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. And indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Voiceover: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.”  Brother Bob: So we can see that the sign of the cross is a sign that the members of the Catholic Church have made for themselves and we can see it everywhere in their religion. We can see the cross on their worship buildings. We can see the cross on their rosaries, which they always use when they pray, right? We can see also the cross in so many places and it’s become such a prevalent visual symbol, and everyone is convinced, of course, that it is a good symbol. What have they themselves said, in fact, however, about the importance of that sign that the Catholic authorities have branded or required their believers to use? Well, we have here their book and it’s entitled the Externals of the Catholic Church, and here on page 218, let’s take a look at what they have written about the cross: The ordinary method of making the sign of the cross is that which every Catholic learns in early childhood—the putting of the right hand to the forehead… Externals of the Catholic Church John F. Sullivan, p. 218 Brother Bob: </