Cross and flame
Christian symbol / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The cross and flame is a style of the Christian cross that is used by certain Christian denominations, especially those of the Methodist tradition and the Holiness Pentecostal tradition.[1]
While the cross evokes the sacrifice of Jesus for mankind, the flame represents the Holy Spirit. In particular, the flame references Pentecost, when Christians "were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw 'tongues, as of fire' (Acts 2:3)."[2] The Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in the Methodist tradition, being the focus in distinctive doctrines such as assurance of faith (which is also known as "Witness of the Holy Spirit"), as well as entire sanctification (which is also known as "Baptism of the Holy Spirit").[3] John Wesley experienced assurance on Aldersgate Day when he said that his heart was "strangely warmed"; the flame in various Methodist logos additionally symbolizes this.[2] A cross and flame have featured in the logos of many Methodist denominations, such as the United Methodist Church, Free Methodist Church, Congregational Methodist Church, Bethel Methodist Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, and Holiness Methodist Church among others.[1][4][5]
In Holiness Pentecostalism, the role of the Holy Spirit is emphasized in its doctrine of Spirit baptism evidenced by speaking in tongues. As such, the cross and flame features in the logos of certain Pentecostal denominations, such as the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas and the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), among others.[6][7]