The Mystery Revealed
Three distinct symbols — the cross, the heart, and the fish — each representing a divine truth in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Together, they tell the full story of Redemption, Relationship, and Response.
The Cross
God's Sacrificial Love · Ephesians 6:13–17
The cross was a public form of capital punishment reserved for criminals — a symbol of shame, suffering, and death. Christians believe it represents eternal life through Jesus dying on the cross. By raising Himself from the dead, Jesus conquered death, Hell, the grave, and all the sins of mankind for all eternity, for everyone who believes and puts their trust in Him.
When Emperor Constantine I converted to Christianity, he stopped crucifixion as a form of punishment. Once a symbol of shame and death, he came to recognize the cross as a symbol of the Christian faith. You may also see the sword — the Word of God — while looking at the cross.
- Jesus bore our punishment and conquered death (Romans 3:23, John 14:6)
- Salvation is a gift, not earned by works (Philippians 3:9, Romans 6:23)
- Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6)
The Heart
A Transformed Life · Psalm 51:10 · Romans 8:38–39
Before Christ, the human heart is deceitful, wicked, and untrustworthy (Jeremiah 17:9). But through faith, the Holy Spirit renews us, creating clean hearts and a right spirit (Psalm 51:10). This transformation reflects God's love and restores a relationship with Him.
The Heart symbolizes God's desire for intimacy and transformation in us. God desires that everyone should know Him. Nothing can ever separate God's love for His children! The heart is also a shield of faith, guarding against evil (Ephesians 6:13–17).
The Fish
Our Witness to the World · Matthew 4:19 · Matthew 28:18–20
Early Christians used the fish symbol to identify each other secretly. The first disciples were fishermen by trade, and Jesus told them they would now be fishers of men — meaning they would teach others about Him.
The Christian fish symbol Ichthys (Greek for fish) is an acronym: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Just as water sustains fish, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to share the gospel to all nations.
Four Steps to Salvation
The steps to believing in and accepting Jesus as your Savior
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Hear the Gospel of Christ
Open your heart to the message of Jesus Christ — His life, death, and resurrection for your sins.
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Believe
Believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and the only way to God.
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Repent
Repent and ask the Lord to forgive you of all your sins. No sin is too great or small for God to forgive. “Anyone who knows to do good and doesn’t do it, then it is a sin to them.” (James 4:17)
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Confess & Accept
Confess with your mouth, believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind.
Everyone will die and face eternal judgment (Hebrews 9:17–28). Everyone ever born will live for all eternity in either Heaven or eternal separation from God. God never sends anyone to Hell — they go of their own choosing by not following or believing in Him. Just doing good does not get you to heaven (John 14:6, John 3:16). All sins lead to death (Romans 3:23), but God offered His only Son as the only sacrifice for our sin, so that by believing in Him as Lord of your life, He will save you.
Genuine faith is what God is looking for. It is only too late once you die. All you have to do is repent and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and make Him Lord of your life. Study the Bible and find a good church that teaches the truth.
If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are commanded in Matthew 28:16–20 (the Great Commission) to make disciples of all nations. You must study God’s word, reteach it correctly, and live for Christ in everything you do. Pray continuously.
A Solemn Reflection
“My Friend”
My friend, I stand in judgment now,
And feel that you’re the blame somehow.
On earth I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim:
You could have led me safe to Him.Though we lived together here on earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.You taught me many things, that’s true;
I called you “friend” and trusted you.
But I learn now that it’s too late,
And you could have kept me from this fate.We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on high.Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife,
And yet on coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot, now, call you “my friend.”
From the book “One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven”
That one thing is to witness — because everyone already knows about Jesus.
We are called to witness, teach, and make disciples. Matthew 28:16–20
In Christ’s Name
“This cross represents God’s Heart for Man —
To the believer in Christ, it represents Man’s Heart for God.”
Pray continuously and know that I am praying for you also.
Contact
Rick Barbas