The meaning behind the Brethren in
Christ emblem
The Brethren in Christ
denominational emblem, composed of the cross, the dove, and the basin and
towel,
provides another way of
understanding several key truths, which are at the heart of our faith.
The Cross
The cross depicts God's free gift of
salvation, available to humanity only through the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. "By His suffering and sacrificial death for us, Jesus Christ
provided complete atonement for sin. His death and resurrection opened the only
way for reconciliation between a holy, just God and sinful humanity. His
life-blood freely given on the cross provided pardon and ratified the New
Covenant." (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)
The Dove
The dove has a dual symbolism for the
Brethren in Christ. First, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, who guides and
empowers us in our daily walk of Christian discipleship. The Holy Spirit
enables us to live a new life of holiness and obedience to God, showing love
and goodwill to others. In the words of our doctrinal statement, "We
believe that God's grace provides for more than forgiveness of sin. As the
Spirit works in the life of the believer, he or she is led forward in
sanctification to a full surrender and commitment of the motives and will to
Christ. This results in freedom from the control of sin and in empowerment to
live the holy life. The Holy Spirit fills persons yielded to God and equips
them for effective witness and service." (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)
The dove also reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, rejecting violence and working for reconciliation. Christ brings a spirit of gentleness, long-suffering, and forgiveness to replace hatred, violence, and vengeance. "Christ loved His enemies and He calls us as His disciples to love our enemies. We follow our Lord in being people of peace and reconciliation, called to suffer and not to fight. While respecting those who hold other interpretations, we believe that preparation for or participation in war is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ. Similarly, we reject all other acts of violence which devalue human life. Rather, we affirm active peacemaking, sacrificial service to others, as well as the pursuit of justice for the poor and oppressed in the name of Christ." (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)
The Towel and Basin
"Sacrificial service to others" is also
reflected in the towel and basin, which Jesus used during the
Last Supper to wash His disciples' feet. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus
responding to the needs of those around Him. He said, "The Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve..." (Matthew 20:28). As His
disciples, we are called to a life of selfless service--too other believers and
to those who have not yet acknowledged Christ as Savior. He commissions us to
share both "the cup of cold water" (compassionate service to others (Matthew
10:42)) and "the Living Water" (the invitation to find salvation
in Jesus Christ (John 4:14))."The church is called to share the
gospel in every culture and stratum of society.... The people of God are also
called to be a redemptive influence in the world,... a voice for righteousness,
peace, and justice." (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)