Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Cross of Christ

by John R.W. Stott, Alister E. McGrath (Foreword by)

4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 · rating details · 2,132 ratings · 102 reviews

The work of a lifetime, from one of the world's most influential thinkers, about the heart of the Christian faith. "I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. . . . In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?" With compelling honesty John Stott confronts this generation with the centrality of the cross in God's redem...more

Hardcover, 380 pages

Published August 31st 2006 by InterVarsity Press (first published December 28th 1986)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Book of Mormon by The Church of Jesus Christ ...

Books (Besides the Bible) Recommended for Christian Readers

271st out of 1,901 books — 1,840 voters

Theology Top 15

9th out of 94 books — 88 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 30, 2009 Thom Leiter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, inspirational

OK...so the journaling thing got set by the wayside and I haven't been able to keep up on it, so, I'll just give some insight into the book. This is an amazing book nonetheless.

Here goes...

If you are someone who has been introduced to Christ for the first time, this book may not be the first book you'll want to read. Only because it's very theologically based and deep in it's exposition. Wonderful to read, but can be very hard to understand at times.

I don't believe that God opens our eyes to t...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 David Sarkies rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Small Groups looking for a good book to discuss over lunch

Recommended to David by: Mark Phillips

Shelves: christian

I have heard a number of descriptions regarding this book such as 'a brick', 'a hard slog', and 'a book every Christian should read'. To be honest with you, I will agree with the first two, but with the last, probably not. This is not one of those books that I necessarily want to harshly criticise though, however it really is not something that would be considered a light read, even by my standards, it is a book that really needs to be taken slowly, to be read a chapter at a time, and probably...more I have heard a number of descriptions regarding this book such as 'a brick', 'a hard slog', and 'a book every Christian should read'. To be honest with you, I will agree with the first two, but with the last, probably not. This is not one of those books that I necessarily want to harshly criticise though, however it really is not something that would be considered a light read, even by my standards, it is a book that really needs to be taken slowly, to be read a chapter at a time, and probably not on the train (not that I am saying that one shouldn't read Christian books on the train). Sometimes I wonder whether Christian authors who put questions after each of the chapters in their books are getting a little to ahead of themselves, however when I consider this book, it can actually be quite helpful to contemplate what the author has said in the previous chapter.
I believe that the best way to read this book is to read it in the manner that I read it, and that was with a fortnightly lunch group that I had with some Christians when I was back in Adelaide. Obviously everybody needs to be dedicated to actually reading the book , and while life, especially with a family, does get in the way, I also suspect that we also need to develop what I generally call time management skills. We do need to work out how long it may require to read a chapter of this book, and then set aside that time in our fortnight to read it, even if it does involve keeping a diary, and synchronising said dairy with your wife (which is something that I would encourage all partnerships to do).
Anyway, it is interesting that so much has actually been written on this one topic, and some even say that the entire bible revolves around this one event. Yes, it is true that it does, the Old Testament looks forward to it and the New Testament looks back to it. No doubt there are many lost pre-Christian (and even some known) texts that also look forward to and prefigure this event, and there are many books, letters, pamphlets, and websites that all look back to it and try to interpret the meaning and impact of this one event. To say that it could be the single most important event in the history of our reality is even an understatement.
Look, I could now go into a long discussion about the plurality of the dying and resurrecting God-king, or the proof as to the historicity of the event, or even the various different interpretations, or its meaning, but I won't. Seriously, I have written about some of these ideas elsewhere, and no doubt I will write about it in other places, but I won't write about it here. Is this book a seminal book for our times, probably not. John Stott hardly says anything knew, but he does say an awful lot and shows us how much of an impact this event has had upon our world, and how many of us have responded to it. This is probably Stott's masterpiece, the work that he put much time and effort into writing so that others may benefit from his knowledge and understanding.
As for John Stott (who is now deceased), he is actually one of those pastors that stands out from many of the others that I have known, namely because he never married. Many pastors are married, and while there is nothing wrong with that per se, I have always found it incredibly insulting to have some married man stand up in front of a church and preach about the gift of singleness, while I, and many others, struggle with the fact that Christian girls just didn't seem to be interested in me. John Stott, on the otherhand, I would listen to (as I would also listen to Paul the Aposotle). This wasn't a singleness imposed upon them by a church, but a choice that they made because they believed that they could be more effective as a single person than they could married. I am inclined to agree with them (though have yet to make up my mind as to whether I wish to marry or not).
However, it is disturbing to see so many young people go into ministry and get married because it is seen as the thing to do (particularly when James in his epistle suggests that an elder should be a husband of but one wife, which is not saying that the elder should be married, but rather that the elder should have only one wife, not two, three, or even a harem on the side). Marriage is a serious commitment and it is meant to be life long. It is also a reflection of God's enternal covenant with us, which is why the restoration is described in terms of the wedding feast. It is unbreakable. However, I believe that I have ranted on long enough, and will leave you to contemplate whether you will consider reading this book or not.(less)

like · see review

Dec 03, 2011 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology

I appreciated the enormous research he put into this book. He quotes extensively from other writers and I felt that I was getting the best of the best without having to read 100 books. Stott also is very gifted with words and gives many memorable quotes himself. On the downside, some of the writers he quotes weren't theologically sound and I could've done without their quotes. It is a theological book with theological terms so some may find it hard to follow at times.

I learned a lot from the boo...more

like · see review

Mar 06, 2011 Zack Mollhagen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

I don’t even know where to start with this book. I guess I will start with a summary. John Stott outlines in this textbook-size theology book everything you would ever need to know about Christ’s death and what it means to us today. It’s all laid out in a precise and logistical manner. It also has plenty of scripture on every page to back up the statements Stott makes. This constantly allows the reader to know where he is coming from and how it’s applicable to a Christian’s faith. It’s a massiv...more

like · see review

Sep 08, 2010 Tom Bazan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

Probably one of the most complete books that I have ever read. Stott shows how Christianity is focused around the Cross of Christ. He covers topics broadly and, generally, thoroughly. He is extremely well-read and I will probably use this book as a reference for the variety of topics that he covers.

His description of what Christ (God) accomplished on the cross--the different aspects and why each of them is vital--is probably one of the best that I've read. Basically, he takes some very big ideas...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology

Stott's book is a classic that I knew, in the back of my mind, I should read but I never got around to until now. Perhaps the best thing about this book is that he writes both as a scholar and a pastor. I believe any pastor or leader would benefit from this book, but I also think that it would be beneficial for any Christian to wade through it. The only reason I do not give it five stars is that the fourth section of the book, on living under the cross, seems weak. Of course, that is in comparin...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 John is currently reading it

Quotes that stood out to me as I read:
Ch. 2 WHY DID CHRIST DIE?
"Nobody is ever envious of others who is not first proud of himself." (pg. 57)

"So [the Jewish leaders] felt threatened by Jesus. He undermined their prestige, their hold over the people, their own self-confidence and self-respect, while leaving his intact." (pg. 58)

"We resent [Jesus'] intrustion into our privacy, his demand for our homage, his expectation of our obedience. Why can't he mind his own business. we ask petulantly, and le...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Alexis Neal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion, 100-books

An extremely thorough discussion of, well, the cross of Christ--its purpose, its theological significance, its results, and the ultimate effect it has on our daily lives. He also explores alternate interpretations and ideas (regarding the cross) and explains why he has rejected them. Stott is quite thorough, and his style is decidedly matter-of-fact. The book is a bit dry at times, and certainly rather dense, but there's more than enough richness of content to make up for the less-than-sparkling...more

like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Jake Belder rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I hope I'm not labelled as a heretic for this review, but I have to admit that I didn't particularly enjoy the book (nor did I end up reading the entire thing). I think there are a lot of helpful things in the book, and I'll certainly be referring to it in the future for various things (for instance, he's got a very helpful section on God's love that I was able to draw from for a recent sermon). But on the whole, I was left a bit unimpressed by the book. I was surprised to discover this, given h...more

like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Keith Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say that The Cross of Christ is one of the better theological books I have read. There are very few theological authors (in my opinion) that can balance their ego and the Gospel. Stott does not suffer from this problem, which made the first few pages refreshing.

There were times where I thought it was unnecessarily repetitive, but the repetitions helped to bring clarity to newly introduced arguments.

This is a great book to read (believer or non-believer) to have both an intellectual a...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Keren Threlfall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology, 2012-reading, christian-classics

Since John R. W. Stott’s death in July 2011, interest in The Cross of Christ has been revived, particularly through the 20th anniversary edition (2006). Although it’s only been around 25 years since first published, The Cross of Christ has already been recognized as a Christian classic. It was on my list of Christian classic to-reads, along with older authors as Athanasius, Augustine, and Luther.

Like a skilled jeweler carefully examining and detailing the many facets of a gem, John Stott goes th...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 09, 2011 Tim Chaney rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a fabulous classic that is full of great truth concerning Christ and the heart of the gospel. In this work Stott interacts with a great deal of authors who write on various perspectives of Christology, and the atonement. The best part of this book is Stott's skilled defense of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ in which he explains the self-substitution of God. Here's a great quote:

"Our substitute, who took our place and died our death on the cross, was neither Christ alone (since t...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 26, 2008 Tim rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book has a well-deserved reputation as Stott's best work, and as a modern classic in theology. Stott gives a very robust biblical defense of penal substitution, without denigrating other biblical views of the atonement (ie christus victor, moral influence). He does so in a way that defends substitutionary views from distortions and common critiques (ie God as either cosmic sadist, unjust, or passive in the face of evil), and paints a picture of God as both a righteous judge and the one who...more

like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 Jeffrey Niles rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: theology

All of history and all of Scripture holds as its central most important event the cross of Christ. Indeed, in the mind of Christ, no other event of his life on earth held a more central focus then the sacrifice he made at Calvary. The cross is the centerpiece of Christianity and must spread from that position until it saturates all of faith and life for the church and for the individual. The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott remains after twenty-two years a tour de force in the literature of C...more All of history and all of Scripture holds as its central most important event the cross of Christ. Indeed, in the mind of Christ, no other event of his life on earth held a more central focus then the sacrifice he made at Calvary. The cross is the centerpiece of Christianity and must spread from that position until it saturates all of faith and life for the church and for the individual. The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott remains after twenty-two years a tour de force in the literature of Christian Soteriology. In this survey of the doctrine and implications of the crucifixion, Stott argues for “the centrality of the cross in the mind of Christ, in Scripture and in history” and exhorts his audience toward a faith and life that is permeated by its influence.

In Stott’s survey of the cross he attends to its theology and implications in four parts. The first three chapters approach the cross and consider the biblical record, the reason for the cross, and an examination of what happened there. His introductory chapter argues his thesis of the centrality of the cross. He examines its central place in church history, in the perspective of Jesus, and the emphasis that persisted under the teaching of the apostles and the church in spite of opposition to it. Ultimately for the church, “perceiving the cross to be the centre of history and theology, they naturally perceive it also to be the centre of all reality. So they see it everywhere, and have always done so.” In his evaluation of the cause for Christ’s death, Stott examines those who led Jesus to Calvary, but ultimately points to the reality that Jesus laid down his own life and was led there by his Father. Finally, examining the events surrounding the crucifixion, Stott evaluates why Christ came to endure the cross and concludes three essential truths: sin is extremely horrible, God’s love is beyond comprehension, and salvation must be a free gift.

The second part, ‘The Heart of the Cross,’ deals in three chapters with the problem of forgiveness, the issue of satisfaction, and the self-substitution of God. In this section, Stott addresses various models of the atonement and argues that “all inadequate doctrines of the atonement are due to inadequate doctrines of God and man. . . . The essential background to the cross, therefore, is a balanced understanding of the gravity of sin and the majesty of God. If we diminish either, we thereby diminish the cross.” He concludes in his survey of historical theology that the cross satisfied God himself because sin is grave and only Christ as God and man could be the substitute for sin.

Chapters 7-9 examine the achievements of the cross, namely salvation, revelation, and conquest. First, Stott examines four images of the atonement from Scripture and then highlights substitution as the heart of it, not just an additional image or theory. Secondly, the cross reveals the glory of God as it vindicates his goodness, his justice, and his love. In essence, the cross shows us the character of God. Finally, Stott argues that the cross overcame evil and he examines the theological and practical implications of this victory.

In the fourth and final section of The Cross of Christ, the author turns his attention to what it means to live under the cross. The final three chapters continue to survey the Bible’s teaching regarding the cross and the salvation that was accomplished there as well as the theology of the cross, but Stott also deals with very practical ramifications of living the Christian life in a community of celebration, with attitudes of self-understanding and self-giving, and as men and women who love our enemies. In other words, a true theology of the cross permeates the existence of those who have placed their lives in submission to the one who died on it.

The Cross of Christ is and will continue to be a legacy among other theological works that should be mined over and over again by evangelicals and those of other theological persuasions. Robert Lightner writes that “this volume takes its place among the classics on the subject of the death of Christ.” Peter Wilkinson, an advocate of the emergent church, writes of the work, “Stott sounds like a trumpet call from a bygone era - except that many, like myself, would probably think that the trumpet call needs to be heard just as much today as it was when the book was first published in 1986.”

The genius in Stott’s masterpiece which continues on today is his marvelous integration of a survey of biblical texts, a deep evaluation of the theology of the cross, and the practical implications for the lives of those who read this book. Portions of The Cross of Christ read like a provoking devotional, other sections like a challenging sermon; at appropriate times, Stott’s work is much more in line with a survey of historical and systematic theology. But pervading his entire work is his devotion to the truth revealed by God and a commitment to encouraging the people of God to live out the implications of the cross in the life of the church and in the heart of the individual.

In Stott’s concluding chapter, he summarizes his thesis and supporting arguments and then finishes with “seven striking affirmations about the death of Jesus,” which he draws from the letter to the Galatians. His concluding remarks are powerful and leave the readers dwelling in awe as they meditate upon the great work of the Lord accomplished on the old rugged cross.

Still an active clergyman, Stott continues to preach occasionally at All Saints Church in London. In regard to The Cross of Christ, Stott occasionally brings a theology influenced by his Anglican Evangelical background. Two areas where this is most notable are in his occasional use of the book of Revelation where Stott may take a different approach than some of his readers. Secondly, where other protestant authors might be given to quoting Luther and Calvin more often, Stott will often also balance this by bringing in the perspective of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. While his background has certainly influenced his writing, it does bring in a unique perspective to his book.

The only concerns from this student regarding Stott’s book are more structural than imperative. Stott’s thoughts and outline remain very clear and are reinforced by his careful review of material covered. However, while the four sections and the outline of his book are well laid out, the subheadings within chapters are often misleading. Where Stott seems to give indication that he is moving to another correlating point, he shifts gears to a supporting point that should perhaps be marked differently.

Secondly, Stott is given to quoting a wide variety of authors from a wide variety of theological backgrounds. He uses his material appropriately and draws from the strengths of many great minds. At the same time, he also masterfully and graciously draws attention to the points of view he finds to be contrary to Scripture. However, the amateur theologian may find it difficult to discern the background of various authors which Stott is apt to quote and use. In the words of Robert Lightner, “It would have been beneficial to many readers to distinguish evangelicals from nonevangelicals. When nonevangelicals such as George Buttrick, Horace Bushnell, Rudolph Bultmann, and J. Moltmann are quoted approvingly, on a specific point, alongside men like G. W. Wenham, B. B. Warfield, John Owen, J. I. Packer, and John Calvin, the untrained reader may conclude these all hold the same basic view on the death of Christ.”

The Cross of Christ remains a masterpiece on the substitutionary atonement. John Stott has given a marvelous contribution to the church of this day. His book is not a difficult read, but is deep, well thought out, and life changing. He deals with the theology of the cross, the teaching of the Bible, the views of saints from throughout church history, but also relates the message to the practice of the Christian life. The Cross of Christ will continue on as a must read for years to come and is a remarkable legacy from a man who has lived his life under the Savior who died for those he loved. (less)

like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Mark A Powell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stott’s seminal work has been reprinted on its twentieth anniversary. Within these pages, Stott surveys the cross of Christ with clarity and aplomb scarcely found in such examinations. Not only does Stott trace the Biblical teaching on the cross, he also addresses common criticisms and controversial views, revealing the truth behind the work Jesus accomplished through His death. Though it reads long in places, careful meditation on Stott’s work is not only helpful, but eagerly recommended.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 10, 2011 Emmanuel Boston rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: summer-reading-11, soteriology

A very good, thoughtful survey of the cross and crucifixion of Christ and all its implications, both theological and practical. Let the term 'survey' not persuade you to think that it is shallow in its content; far from it, it is profound and deserves a great amount of consideration.

Stott deals with the question of "is the cross really that important to the New Testament writers?" Which is the first question I wanted answered. I think he answers it sufficiently. He deals with theories of the ato...more

like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Chris Maguire rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm only on chapter 2 but so far I'm really enjoying this book; many Christian books are written by (presumably) good Christians but not good writers: they repeat themselves, they ramble, they cobble together arguments with duct tape and bailing wire; whereas Stott writes concisely, intelligently and soundly, using excellent reference material. He backs up his statements clearly and cleanly.

Stott also brings out many new pieces of information and well thought out positions that are new to me. N...more

like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Simon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology

Very good. The first two sections, which are like interestingly expressed systematic theology, are particularly brilliant. The final section, on the influence of the cross, is less good, but still contains some helpful stuff about the Eucharist, and suffering. An understated strength of this book is it's interaction with critics of Reformed atonement theology, and also with Roman Catholicism.

A must read.

like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Jeremy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion, non-fiction, favorites

It is hard to overstate how much I enjoyed this book. It was hard work, shouldering through the dense material (which I started on August 18). It's not tough reading, but it requires lots of thought; I'd put it up there with Beeke's "Living for God's Glory" and Pearcey's "Total Truth," as far as slow reading goes. Stott shows the significance of the cross and why certain doctrines are important, and he outlines many implications stemming from those doctrines. Lots of brilliant insights.

See some...more

like · see review

Feb 03, 2010 Garrett rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazing... Stott's clear thinking, humble heart, knowledge of history and commitment to scripture made this book a joy to read. It's a piece of spiritual steak (thick, meaty and not to be digested in one sitting--at least for me). Chapter 12 (Loving Our Enemies) and Chapter 13 (Suffering and Glory) were the most convicting. This will sit on my bookshelf next to John Piper's Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Gro ...more

like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Eric Molicki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology

With John Stott's death, I can only pray that this book will come into the hands of more and more who want to know deeply the pinnacle event of human history. This is one of those "stranded on an island books" that I would take with me if I could. Please pick up and read- you will never be the same...

1 like · like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Bryan McWhite rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of the best treatments of atonement and its implications available. Many men in my church are currently reading this book for a class I am teaching on the atonement, and have profited richly from it.

like · see review

Sep 18, 2011 Douglas Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: theology

Very fine book. I have read Stott over the years, and have always enjoyed him, but I decided to read this (listen to it on audio, rather) after he went to be the Lord. Very helpful, in a lot of ways.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 01, 2011 Timothy Bertolet added it

This book is probably the classic evangelical treatment on the work of Christ on the cross. It is thorough and well-rounded. It takes on the relevant Scripture passages with an eye to church history.

like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Buster rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic book by one of the greatest British Evangelicals of the twentieth century. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn more about the heart of Christianity!

like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Annette rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended by Michael Ramsden and Tim Keller. Stott was prominent evangelist and pastor of London church from 1970s to 1990s. Book is about the importance of the cross to Christian faith.

like · see review

Apr 01, 2010 VocalBillity - the Voice of one crying in the Bewilderness (tm) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a VERY solid read for grasping the obvious purpose and need for the Cross of Christ, but even more-so for the less obvious and subtler applications for this in our lives today.

like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Kurt Mcconnell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amazing deep, rich truths about the cross. Challenging at times to read because it goes very deep. However, don't let that discourage you from reading this very good book.

like · see review

Sep 27, 2012 Sean rated it 5 of 5 stars

I would echo Shane Claiborne's thoughts about Stott's classic work: "Grab this book and get ready to live real good and get beat up real bad. This is the story of our faith." That is, the Christian faith. I would also add that it deserves every inch of its high reputation. If I had to get rid of all my books, except for the Bible and two or three others, this would be one of the keepers.

This book is written especially for Christians, to help them understand better all of what it means for Christ...more

like · see review

Jan 26, 2011 Jstrick rated it 5 of 5 stars

You are going to want to reserve a solid month for perusing this book, but you won't regret it if you do. The best book on the work of Christ on the cross...period.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Reading the Class...: Chapter Two: Why Did Christ Die?	2	4	29 ago. 08:05
Reading the Class...: Chapter One: Approaching The Cross	2	4	19 ago. 05:10

combine
Other Editions (11)

More editions...

Genres

Religion > Theology

122 users

Christian

39 users

Religion > Christianity

30 users

Non Fiction

12 users

Religion

10 users

Spirituality

3 users

Classics

2 users

Philosophy

2 users

Religion > Faith

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About John R.W. Stott

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and teacher of Scripture. He was ordained in 1945 and for most of his years has served in various capacities at All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and even around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne...more

More about John R.W. Stott...

Books by John R.W. Stott

Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today

The Message of Romans: God's Good News for the World

The Radical Disciple: Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Cross of Christ

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Cross Of Christ: 2...

“I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. The only God I believe in is the One Nietzsche ridiculed as 'God on the cross.' In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it? I have entered many Buddhist temples in different Asian countries and stood respectfully before the statue of the Buddha, his legs crossed, arms folded, eyes closed, the ghost of a smile playing round his mouth, a remote look on his face, detached from the agonies of the world. But each time after a while I have had to turn away. And in imagination I have turned instead to that lonely, twisted, tortured figure on the cross, nails through hands and feet, back lacerated, limbs wrenched, brow bleeding from thorn-pricks, mouth dry and intolerably thirsty, plunged in Godforsaken darkness. That is the God for me! He laid aside his immunity to pain. He entered our world of flesh and blood, tears and death. He suffered for us. Our sufferings become more manageable in the light of his. There is still a question mark against human suffering, but over it we boldly stamp another mark, the cross that symbolizes divine suffering. 'The cross of Christ ... is God’s only self-justification in such a world” as ours....' 'The other gods were strong; but thou wast weak; they rode, but thou didst stumble to a throne; But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak, And not a god has wounds, but thou alone.” — 13 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Cross of Christ
avg rating	preview: The Cross of Christ Goodreads rating: 4.34 (2132 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.discovereads.com/book/show/73188.The_Cross_of_Christ?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347912533l/73188.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.discovereads.com/book/show/73188.The_Cross_of_Christ?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Cross of Christ by John R.W. Stott[/url]

The Cross of Christ

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website