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The “Spear of Destiny” is what some people call the spear that was used to pierce Jesus at His crucifixion. The same weapon also goes by the names “Holy Lance” and “Lance of Longinus.” Several legends concerning the Spear of Destiny circulate through Roman Catholicism, along with stories concerning the “Holy Sponge” (from which Jesus drank the vinegar), the “Nails of the True Cross” (that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet), and of course the “Holy Grail.” Roman Catholics call these items the Arma Christi (“weapons of Christ”), venerated objects related to the Passion of Christ.
The name Spear of Destiny is never found in the Bible. The weapon handled by one of the soldiers at the foot of the cross is hardly given any attention in Scripture. All we know is what John 19:34 records: “One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” This was done in lieu of breaking Jesus’ legs, after Jesus was discovered to be already dead.
Because the spear came into contact with Jesus’ blood, some people have latched on to all sorts of myths and legends concerning the spear. The legends are consistent in assigning supernatural power to the Spear of Destiny, including some that say whoever possesses the spear can defeat any enemy, control his own destiny, and essentially rule the world.
Unsurprisingly, various cathedrals and museums in several countries claim to have possession of the Spear of Destiny. The three sites that often attract attention are in Armenia, Rome, and Vienna:
• In Armenia, the Museum Manoogian displays a relic said to be the Spear of Destiny.
• In Rome, an artifact purported to be the Spear of Destiny is stored beneath the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• In Vienna, a blade said to be from the Spear of Destiny is on display in the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace.
According to legend, the Spear of Destiny or Holy Lance was discovered during the Crusades and passed from one powerful ruler to another. Rulers such as King Rudolf II of Burgundy, King Henry the Fowler, Sultan Mehmed II, Emperor Constantine the Great, and Adolf Hitler are named in various legends as having possessed the spear at one time or another.• In Rome, an artifact purported to be the Spear of Destiny is stored beneath the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• In Vienna, a blade said to be from the Spear of Destiny is on display in the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace.
Popular culture has picked up on the sensationalism of the Spear of Destiny. The mythological artifact has been featured in novels such as Spear of Destiny (2010) by Daniel Easterman, paintings such as The Spear of Destiny (2011) by Alexander Heaton, and movies such as Constantine (2005), directed by Francis Lawrence.
The idea of holy relics is completely unbiblical. The Bible never hints that any object has intrinsic spiritual value, much less that a spear can help someone rule the world. A relic, whether a bone fragment of a saint, a splinter of the cross, or a tip of a spear, do not enable us to get closer to God or confer any authority. Relics should not be venerated or used as a talisman—that would be blatant idolatry. We worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:24), not by means of idols, icons, or relics such as the Spear of Destiny.
