What does an Upside down or Inverted cross mean?
In this article, I need to talk concerning one of the traditional symbols. The upside down cross, also known as the Inverted cross, carries a specific meaning.
Upside down Christian symbol is known as
- An inverted cross
- Petrine cross
- A cross with a lowered crossbar
- Peter’s cross
- Antichrist cross
- Inverted crucifixion
- Satan’s cross
There is quite one version of the Christian cross. Therefore, one of them is the Crucifix, but the most commonly displayed symbol is the Body of Christ. The Crucifix is the symbol of Christ, who successively has become the symbol of the devil.
For Christians, the reverse crucifix may be a symbol of the humility of the Apostle Peter.
Read more: What is the Third Heaven in the Bible?
What does the Bible say about an Upside down or Inverted cross
According to biblical sources, Apostle Peter was crucified under Emperor Nero’s reign in Rome on an upside-down cross.
In this sense, the inverted cross symbolizes humility in faith as a result Peter wouldn’t be crucified in the same manner that the Saviour, Jesus, was crucified. However, the Bible does not expressly record these details of Peter’s death.
In John 21:18, Jesus foresaw Peter’s ultimate death:
“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. But when you are old you will stretch out your hands. And someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (NIV)
The phrase Jesus used, “stretch out your hands,”. Seemingly concerned death by crucifixion as ancient interpretation has affirmed since theologizer in his On the Prescription of Heretics (200 A.D.). Jerome, who was born nearly three hundred years once Peter died, affirmed that Peter was crucified upside down.
Upside Down or Inverted Crucifix and occult
The first use of the inverted cross as an occult symbol most likely dates back to the start of the 19th century.
Some sources recommend that the primary person to use the inverted crucifix was Eugene Vintras a Christian evangelist. The leader of two orders was the one who claimed that he was the reincarnation of the Prophet Elijah. The orders were the Eliate Church of Carmel and the Work of Mercy.
It is said that Vintras performed infernal rituals. He also engaged in sexually perverted acts, such as holding Black Masses while being nude. The Pope condemned him, and he faced a trial. He received a 5-year jail sentence just for a fraud charge.
Vintras wore Petrine crosses on them.
Thereafter, the other way up crucifix became more of an occult image as the time passed.
How is the Upside down / Inverted cross related to St. Peter?
St. Peter appeared as a symbol because he was one amongst the twelve apostles of Jesus, also called apostle Peter Simon.
The crucifix of St. Peter is the reversed version of a regular Christian emblem, also called the Christian cross, that is turned upside down.
Tradition tells us that Peter insisted on being crucified once he was martyred as a result of he didn’t believe that he was worthy to be crucified in the manner of his Lord.
Once the time came for His crucifixion, He asked that He be turned the other way up to point out that He doesn’t should be compared to the Redeemer whom He denied, however, who He forgave and improved in his manner of death.
If you’ll be able to carry the cross in smart conscience as a witness of your own defamation and therefore the overwhelming love of God for you, carry on as you’re.
History of the Petrine Crucifix
Petrine Cross is associated inverted cross historically used as a Christian symbol. Although in recent times it’s also been used as an anti-Christian symbol.
Its origin comes from the Catholic belief that St Peter (also called Apostle or Simon, one among the twelve apostles and leader of the first Christian Church) was crucified upside down.
According to Romanism, Catholic bishops as a body are thought-about successors to the apostles (apostolic succession) and therefore the Bishop of Rome is that the successor to Peter. Who is taken into account as the 1st Pope.
For that reason, the crucifix of Peter is additionally usually accustomed seek advice from the papacy.
Negative meaning of Inverted or Upside Down Cross
As mentioned previously, there are negative meaning related to the inverted cross. Although not for any reasons that are saved with proof or justification of any kind.
The first use of Peter’s cross for one thing anti-Christian was seen in the 19th Century. Throughout a period of the French Occult.
The upside down Christian symbol is employed by Satanists to spot themselves and represent their religion. One might even say that the majority of folks can realize it to be a symbol of satan instead of a symbol of the church and God.
The Church of satan based by Anton Szandor LaVey states on their website. That whereas their followers ought to be at liberty to use the inverted cross as a satanic symbol. Their official image is the Sigil of Baphomet.
Unlike associate upside down crucifix, which seeks to invert and subvert its meaning there’s nothing satanic concerning an upside down cross.
Summary
In Christianity, it is related with the affliction of Peter the Apostle. The image starts from the Catholic custom that when condemned to death, Peter mentioned that his cross be topsy turvy, as he felt contemptible of being executed in a similar way as Jesus.
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