However (at least until the time of Constantine) the symbol of the sun had
always been a representation of the sun god, and NOT the Son of God, Jesus
Christ! In keeping with his desire for unity, the Emperor assigned the symbols of
Mithra, to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Nativity attract
multitudes of tourists every year. The mother of Constantine allegedly discovered
both of these sites some 300 years after the death and resurrection of Christ.
There is enough evidence to cast doubts as to whether these are the actual
birthplace and tomb of Jesus. The rock of Calvary located in the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher is claimed to be the spot where the cross of Christ was affixed.
ìAnd when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary,
there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right
hand, and the other on the left.î Luke 23:33
However, using modern technology, it has been discovered that the rock is for
the most part hollow and much too small to support three crosses.
Given the number of people that visit these sites, it is no wonder that
Constantine desired to have them found. Selling the relics from these holy places
is big business, and it can be quite expensive running an Empire.
Man was created a worshipping being and desires to have something in his
hands and something he can see to direct his worship towards. This is why man
builds idols, venerates icons and statues of the Virgin Mary, the crucifix, etc. The
Emperor knew this, since he too was an idolater.
But listen to the words of Christ as He addressed Thomas, one of the apostles,
after His resurrection.
ìThen saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold
my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:
and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and
said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him,
Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.î
John 20:27-29 (emphasis mine)
True faith does not require something we can see, touch, taste, smell or hear!