271st out of 1,901 books
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1,840 voters
The Cross of Christ
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)
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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
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
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 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
I learned a lot from the boo...more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Like a skilled jeweler carefully examining and detailing the many facets of a gem, John Stott goes th...more
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
"Our substitute, who took our place and died our death on the cross, was neither Christ alone (since t...more
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Stott also brings out many new pieces of information and well thought out positions that are new to me. N...more
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.
A must read.
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
See some...more
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
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...
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.
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
This book is written especially for Christians, to help them understand better all of what it means for Christ...more
| 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 |
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
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“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.”
—
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