We chose Calvary as part of the name because there is no question that the greatest single event in all of history happened on the cross. Calvary, synonymous for Golgatha, refers to the place where Christ was crucified. The Latin name Calvaria, which was used as a translation of the Greek word Kranion, by which the Hebrew word Gulgoleth was interpreted, "the place of the skull." It probably took this name from its shape, being a mound somewhat in the form of a human skull or because it was a place of execution. The crucifixion of our Lord also took place outside the city walls and probably at a prominent place near the public thoroughfare, for the Romans selected such places for public executions. (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17; Hebrews 13:11-13 NIV.)

We chose the image of the crucifix because it represents the work that Jesus Christ accomplished there. While Jesus was on the cross, God poured out on Him the wrath that we deserved for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-5, 10; 1 Peter 2:24). There Jesus secured our salvation and all the spiritual blessings we receive (Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:19-20). There Jesus defeated the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:13-15).

Pastor and author John Stott wrote, "We must come humbly to the cross, deserving nothing but judgment, pleading nothing but mercy, and Christ will deliver us from both the guilt of sin and the fear of death."

Some might be bothered with the image of the crucifix, but we have to remember that Christ died for our sins, and his cross is the heart of the gospel. John 19:30 tells us, "Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his sprirt." So the good news is that His work there is done and that the forgiveness of sins comes through faith alone and is based on the one-time atoning death of Christ. The image of the crucifix is only used as a reminder of Christ's sacrificial work. It keeps our heart focused on the Lover of our soul, it keeps us submitted to the cross that we must take up daily to follow Him, it reminds us how much He loves the rest of the world, and how much He wants us to give to reach them.