The Skull and Crossbones
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25.
Recently the skull and crossbones symbol has caught my attention. While visiting one of my relatives, I saw its image displayed on various items around her house. I next noticed it as a pendant beautifully displayed around my pedicurist’s neck as a jeweled object. Then, while holding a puppy I noticed there were multiples of this image printed on his collar and behold the same jeweled image appeared around his owner’s neck. So I decided to do some research as to its symbolic meaning.
According to an online ehow contributor by Jason Chavis:
“The image of the skull and crossbones has a long tradition throughout the world, and has come to be synonymous with death. Originally a warning left at the entrance to graveyards, the image was adopted by many groups over the years to strike fear into their enemies or to symbolize an organization. Famously adopted by pirates, it has been used by military factions, secret societies and to warn people against poisons.”
Some speculate deeper and associate its meaning to occult spiritual power rooted in ancient traditions as sited by journalist Richard Cassaro:
“The Skull & Cross Bones is an ancient symbol with a powerful, hidden meaning. Today the Skull & Cross Bones signifies “poison” and we’re warned to “stay away.” But this is an intentional deception by the elite to hide the symbol’s true meaning. In fact, the Skull & Cross Bones is an ancient instrument used by sorcerers to gain spiritual power.”
I guess the symbol could be displayed on most anything as I’ve seen it online printed even on baby paraphernalia. In my research, the one meaning that is paramount is “death”. So why would we proudly and willfully display the death symbol in our homes, on baby articles, wear it as jewelry, and tattoo our bodies with a symbol that means death?
As a Christian, I was also surprised to discover religious organizations have displayed the symbol beneath the crucifix. What is interesting to note is that Jesus’ crucifixion and death took place in Golgotha which means “the place of the skull”where many men suffered and died. So what is its significance, if any, and why is the symbol popular today?
I believe that for most people it is just “trendy” to wear the symbol. If you ask anyone why they wear it or display it they will usually give you no reason. At the same time, I remember being appalled witnessing the Christian cross worn by the pop vocalist Madonna when her hit record “ Like a Virgin” was popular in the 80’s. The cross displayed between her cleavage was to me a mockery of what I held dear. And then I note many even today continue to wear the cross not in mockery but in ignorance as to its spiritual significance.
Mockery of the Crucifix
I came to the conclusion that to the trendy both symbols have no meaning. But to the believer it displays their life’s faith. Believers who attach spiritual meaning to the Skull & Crossbones may be expressing,“ Seize the Moment”, or “Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow I may die.”; noted in the film (Dead Poet’s Society). Whereas on the other hand the Cross to the Christian means triumph over death and eternal life through Christ’s sacrifice.
Take notice of the Skull’s foundation. The head rests on the foundational bones that resemble an X. The “X” denotes “wrong or incorrect” or an “unknown value”. So man meets with death because he is either ignorant of the truth or has chosen to journey down the wrong path. Scripture says:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25.
The Christian cross on the other hand is foundational for “Truth”. Jesus said:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
The Cross is a “positive” (+) symbol denoting first a connection with the eternal “Father” and then with “Mankind”. The cross is the foundation that seals our eternal fate. There is no death head resting on the cross because Jesus’ death and resurrection has made Him “Head” of the “Body”, whereby Christ Jesus was resurrected and will also resurrect His Body, the Church. (Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:18 )
Jesus came to separate us from the fate of death by providing payment for our sins through His shed blood. The grave could not hold Him because He never sinned and fulfilled all requirements of God’s Law”. (Matthew 5:17, Philippians 2:8, John 10:17-18)
We can’t ward off evil or conger up its power by wearing a symbol. Neither can we have eternal life by wearing a cross , going to church or praying the rosary and reciting “Hail Marys”.
The only Way to live positively ( John 10:10) is through Faith in believing in God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and sin for us through His own death and resurrection.
DF
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV
See the flipbook – “His Cross”is a Positive Sign
Know How to be in Right Relationship with God and Others.
This article outlines the main possibilities in this scenario and shortly includes the pros and cons of each one.
Thanks for being a good blog friend.You are greatly appreciated.
Dear Gerv,
The person who has come to faith in Jesus Christ by confessing their sins and accepting Him as Lord and Savior, is a child of God. And you are correct in stating there is nothing that is powerful enough to separate us from His unconditional love. So with this knowledge we also want to please Him and represent Him truthfully in all things. I believe this is your desire, since you are questioning the association of death symbols and also your involvement with virtual games which involve simulations of killing an opponent.
Therefore, let’s explore what God’s Word has to say about such things. Concerning symbols depicting evil, it is not the symbol itself which gives it the power, but rather the significance a person bestows upon it. Evil works through trusting in anything other than God. But God warns us to have nothing to do with anything appearing wrong or evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
For example: a cross can have many meanings to those who wear it. To one, it may remind them of Christ’s death on the cross and their salvation through faith in His death. To another, it could just be a piece of jewelry, with no meaning to the wearer, other than it is faddish. But to the one who believes that by wearing the cross, it gives them protection, then it becomes a talisman- (an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune) which scriptures warn to avoid. Wearing a cross does not have the power to protect nor ward off evil.
Faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross enables the believer to overcome temptation through the power of His shed blood which covers all our sins the moment we repent and believe and confess Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:8-10).
What protects a Christian (one who places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ) is putting on the armor of God not a cross or any symbol (Ephesians 6: 10-17)
Now as for what would God have us to do concerning these things, let’s refer to the Word of God.
This is what the Word says:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, we should ask ourselves, does this please and honor God, this thing I say or do.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
The Word says we are to be occupied with the things of God.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3: 1- 4
“I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23
We can be occupied with things which bring us closer in relationship with Jesus Christ, or we can be occupied with the things of this world, to the extent, our minds are influenced by them, and we no longer represent Christ. That is why it is so important to pray concerning everything, and to study the Word of God so we can know the things He would have us do.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit transforms our mind to think like Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will prompt us when we are occupied with anything which is not of God and could harm us. Therefore, It’s important to pay attention to those promptings.
Gerv, I believe you have answered your own question when you stated:
“Those symbols bother me as a Christian.”
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Hi Doula, I end up with this page because I’m actually looking for the origin of this symbol and if its associated with occult or other religion. I know the meaning of this is symbol of death and other people putting different meanings of this. I would like to know if this is really bad if there is any relation to occult, witchcraft or other pagan religion or its just a simple symbol with a negative meaning. Because I think if this symbol has relation to those occult and etc that i mentioned it would be bad, I know there is a difference between physical object or just a visual that you can see on monitors screen. I would like to know how would you judge this symbol of you see this in video games not on material things. I know God is greater and his love endures forever. And Romans 8:38-39 says nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. I think those bad symbol has nothing to do with us because of the love of God. But if its against the knowledge of God why will you keep those material that has this symbol. Its just I’m not sure what will happen or result if you keep those things.. I would like to as base on your insight if because I have video game that every time the opponent got shoot or died, the symbol of skull and cross bone will pop up, just like a indicator that the opponent is dead. I would like to know if this game is bad because of those symbol? Because those symbols bothers me as a Christian. I’m not sure how would you compare those virtual games compare to those items that have this symbol? if there is any difference or just the same. Thank You