I have to disagree here.
An empty cross represents the ultimate in power. After all, there where thousands of people crucified, but only One who beat it, who overcame it.
The HUGE works of Christ -
Becoming one of us, though sinless.
Defeating sin on the cross.
Defeating death (the final enemy) by rising again.
Christ on the cross is but one of His works for us.
Thank you.
I did a quick word study, comparing “crucified” to “raised” (using NIV).
Interesting results from the N.T. only:
“Crucified” - 37 occurrences, 21 in the Gospels - all of them are historical narrative.
“Raised” - 41 occurrences (I only counted those that refer to Christ’s resurrection) - and the use was ALL ABOUT God’s power - both to raise Christ AND to give victory to the believer.
I invite anyone to read I Cor 15 especially.
To a believer, the power of the cross is the propitiation. Christ paid what I could not. It is a debt that I can never repay. The power of the resurrection is victory over spiritual death! For that, I will be eternally thankful!
I love the cross - but my Savior is not on it anymore!