Symbols

   944. The cross is perhaps the most recognized symbol of the Christian. Jesus was crucified on a cross between two criminals. His hands and feet were nailed into the cross, signs to forever remain that demonstrate the atoning work He performed on the cross for believers.


   949. The Hand of God is perhaps the most ancient symbol of God the Father. Like most symbols, it is referenced from Scripture. The meaning of the symbol relates to the creative power of God. Through His handiwork came forth the genius of creation.


   950. A crown is a representation of the office Christ holds as King. The Scriptures teach that He is the "King of kings." The Bible also refers to Jesus as the "Crown of Life," which all who believe may take for themselves.


   951. The lantern is a symbol of betrayal that comes directly from Scripture. When Judas came with the soldiers to arrest Jesus, the group carried torches and lanterns to find Jesus. Alternatively the lantern is a symbol of light.


   952. Jesus is the Light of the world, the source that brings life to a dead world. Furthermore Christ's two distinct natures, divine and human, are an important tenet of Christ being both God and Man. The traditional symbol to display this doctrine is to light two candles during church services, with one on either side of a cross.


   953. The Good Shepherd is a Biblical reference to Jesus' description of Himself in the Gospel of John. As a Redeemer of His people, the sheep, Jesus watches over them, protects them, and provides for their way into the shelter.


   954. The Holy Spirit is most often represented by a dove and recalls the story of Jesus' Baptism from the Scriptures. After Jesus was Baptized by John the Baptist, a dove descended and God spoke from Heaven. This is one of very few symbols for the Third Person of the Trinity.


   955. The seven doves, seven lamps, and seven-pointed star all represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit stated in the Book of Revelation. The seven gifts are strength, honor, glory, blessing, power, riches, and wisdom.

Music in the Bible lll

   944. A psaltery is another kind of harp, as is a viol. These were even smaller wooden-framed harps, and they would have been plucked with the fingers to make music. They may have been of Phoenician origin. The Bible mentions these in 1 Samuel 10:5 and Isaiah 5:12.


   945. The sackbut, despite the funny name, is a type of harp with a triangular shape. It has been mistranslated (Dan. 3:5) in various versions, but is a harp.


   946. Cymbals are a percussion instrument. They were used both in celebration and at ceremonies such as the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 12:27). There were two kinds of cymbals. The first had flat metal plates that were struck together to make a clashing, crashing noise. The other kind had one cymbal that was held stationary while the other one was banged against it.


   947. Timbrels, or tambourines, are instruments still in use today. The bells and other "jingly" sounds come from light pieces of metal that shake and rattle together when the wood they are attached to is shaken or beat. The timbrel was used for happy occasions and to make music for singing and dancing.