Cross Purposes

by Mark Miller

"Let me get this straight-God sentenced his own son to death for something he didn't do, and you're inviting me to become his child, too? I'm not sure I want to do that, given how he treats his kids! What kind of a father is he, anyway?" Have you ever questioned why Jesus had to die to save you from your sin? Have you wondered why a loving heavenly Father would punish his innocent Son in your place? Would you like to have a deeper understanding of Jesus' atoning sacrifice and how it applies to your life? If so, Cross Purposes is the book is for you! Cross Purposes examines the basis and purpose for Jesus' atoning work on the cross. Arguing against the notion that Jesus died so we could be forgiven, this book suggests Jesus died so we could embrace the forgiveness we already have! Firmly rooted in Scripture and faithful to the understanding of the earliest Christians, this work takes issue with the judicial view of the cross that is so prevalent in today's Western church culture. Instead, Cross Purposes offers a very relational and hopeful perspective that will transform your understanding of the atonement. Written in a clear, straightforward style and complete with discussion questions for small group reflection, Cross Purposes invites you to sit down with a warm beverage and revel in the incredible fact that you are deeply loved by God.

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2010

About the author

Dr. Mark Miller is a Free Methodist pastor living and working in Issaquah, Washington, a small community 30 miles east of Seattle. He has been married to Bethlyn for over 34 years and is the proud father to four children--Rachael, Kaitlyn, Benjamin, and Caroline.

Dr. Miller graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976 and served as a Marine officer before leaving the service to pursue a business career in the technology industry. From there, God called him to the ministry. He pursued his seminary work at Fuller (mostly at the Seattle extension) and completed his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Bakke Graduate University in Seattle where he now helps other doctoral students navigate the dissertation process.

Recreationally, Dr. Miller loves music, paragliding off Tiger Mountain (a local peak), and shooting at the local rifle range. He also treasures those rare times when he and his wife can get away, just the two of them!

Reviews

[Charles Sr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes many interesting points and has given me much to think about. However, I find the Ransom Theory wanting. I seem to lean toward Christus Victor. I plan on writing a book about it. I recently published my first book: Hell in a Nutshell- The Mystery of His Will. It will be available on Amazon in two weeks. Until then, one could purchase it at Wipf and Stock's website.