Wording of this Handout:
Symbols and Realities
When you see a white dove do you think of peace? When you see a sword do you think of war? How about a dagger in a hand - do you think of murder?
We are brought up through life with symbols - the advertising logos, and the brands, the pictures and images - and they all stand for something else. Take for example the smile - a symbol of happiness, and the star - a symbol of mystery. The sun - a symbol of health, and the dragon - a symbol of evil.
The cross is a symbol of death, but when Christians use it they mean death defeated, because they use an empty cross.
Another symbol in the Bible is blood.In the Old Testament it was sprinkled on things as a symbol of God's blessing and forgiveness. In the New Testament the symbol is used again, only this time it refers to Jesus and His death of our sins.
Behind the symbol of the blood of Jesus is the reality of God's grace, mercy and forgiveness.
The Bible says, " To Him (Jesus) who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...to Him be glory."
Revelation 1:5,6