One of the most basic concepts of engineering drawing is the use of symbols (symbology).  The purpose of symbology is to is to simplify drawings, while still communicating clearly.  Much can be clearly communicated with just a few properly placed symbols.  That said, symbology is only useful if it is used properly and interpreted properly.  Thus, we have standards (such as ASME Y14.5) to provide clear description and instructions for the use of symbols on engineering drawings.

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Of course, an engineering drawing is not the only place where symbology is used.  Symbols are used throughout industries and in day-to-day life.  Whatever the context, a symbol is useful - when it is understood.

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I’d like to draw your attention to one of the most widely used symbols that has been used around the world over the last 2,000 years.  It’s the symbol of the cross.  This symbol has been widely used since the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Jesus was not the only person to be put to death on a cross under the Roman empire, but it is specifically His crucifixion that is represented by the symbol of a cross.

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To understand the meaning of symbols on drawings, we refer to the “standard”.  To rightly understand the symbol of the cross, the “standard” we should refer to is the Bible, (the Holy Scriptures).  When I teach GD&T, I often say that my opinion doesn’t really matter – it’s all about what the standard says – making sure that drawings are created and interpreted based on that standard.  My instruction as a GD&T trainer is only as good as my ability to explain the details of the standard accurately.  In a similar way, my personal opinion of the cross or any other individual’s opinion doesn’t ultimately matter.  What matters is what “the standard” says about it.  The Bible is the ultimate and authoritative standard for truth.  Unlike engineering standards put together by a committee doing the best they can to set clear but imperfect guidelines, the Bible was written by prophets and Apostles of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak and record God’s revelation.  The Bible is a reliable standard for us because God Himself chose to reveal Himself to us through the written Word.

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This written Word of God has much to say about the cross.  The Bible records the details surrounding the event of Jesus’ death on a cross.  The Scriptures also foretold the death of Christ on the cross, and the Bible also gives insight into what the death of Christ on the cross accomplished.  Really, the focal point of the entirety of the Scriptures (old and new testaments) is the cross of Jesus Christ.

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The first book of the Bible (Genesis) records the first sin/rebellion of mankind, and in God’s judgment there was a promise given of a descendent that would come and crush Satan, the tempter of man.  Throughout the Old Testament, there are specific prophecies and foreshadows of a coming savior who would bring salvation to God’s people.

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The fulfillment of the prophecies came about through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus was not only a man – he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was fully man and fully God.  When Jesus died on the cross, he was taking the punishment for our sins on himself.   This was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us.  God is holy and just, we are all sinful and rebellious – by nature and in our actions. 

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It’s often said that God is loving, but God cannot just ignore or make light of our sins.  Our sin has to be dealt with.  Either we will receive the just consequences for our sins (eternal death) or someone would have to take our place as a substitute.  But, no mere human could satisfy God’s perfect justice.  So, God sent His perfect son to become a man to suffer and die – in our place.  The cross does not only represent the death of a “good” man, but in reality, it was the most significant event in all of human history. 

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All sinners who turn from their sin and trusts in the death of Jesus Christ on their behalf is completely forgiven and “made right” with God.  They are no longer willful enemies of their Creator, but God washes them clean and adopts them into His family as His sons and daughters.  He fills them with his Holy Spirit and leads them in the ways of His Son Jesus through the truth of His Word.

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All who repent and trust in Jesus’ death on the cross have eternal life.  They will never receive God’s judgment for their sins, because God already dealt justly with their sins when Jesus was hanging on the cross.

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The cross simultaneously represents the most terrible act committed by man (killing the perfect Son of God) and also represents the love of God (which results in our eternal life).  The only way to have peace with God is through the cross of Jesus Christ.  What a symbol indeed!

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If you’d like to know more about the cross, I’d love to connect with you!  Feel free to send me an email at jordan@appliedgdt.com.