Cross

SYMBOLIZES SACRIFICE

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life.

John 3:14-15 NAS

The cross has many symbols and many different styles, but the first and most important symbol is that of sacrifice.

Jesus was sacrificed on a cross so that we may live eternally with the Father. Had He not been sacrificed, we in our humanness could never make atonement for our sins.  Therefore, Jesus died on a cross to pay the ultimate penalty for our sins.

... "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels shall save it."

Mark 8:34-35 NAS