The Darkness and the Dawn: Empowered by the Tragedy and Triumph of the Cross

by Charles R. Swindoll

Why did it please God that His Son was brutalized? Why does a loving God allow us to hurt so deeply? What made Jesus' death any different from thousands who died just as He did? Darkness covered the earth that day. The sun fled. From noon until three, the darkness of death hovered over the hill where the Son of God was dying. As Christians, we know the story well?the nails in His hands, the thorns on His head, the gambling soldiers, the taunting thieves. Charles Swindoll invites us to "return with me to those epochal days when our Lord walked into the awful darkness?which He did not deserve?only to arise into the sunlit dawn of triumph, providing us a victory from which we shall never know defeat." Go with him and you will find that, as only he can, Dr. Swindoll uncovers new meaning in the Cross and the Resurrection for those who face death and darkness today. His fresh perspectives on these core events of faith can help you see beyond the darkness to the new light of dawn.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Religion, Christianity

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2001

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a long time listener to Chuck Swindoll's teaching on his radio broadcast, "Insight for Living." He has a gift for teaching the bible that is truly exceptional. I have read this book more than once during the Easter season. I recommend to anyone who enjoys real clear bible teaching for a deeper understanding of the biblical text.

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for anyone who would like a detailed explanation of the why's and how's of Jesus's life, death, burial, and resurrection.

[J.S. Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I would like this book. I thought it would be just another preachy one to suffer through & roll my eyes at.
And yet again, my assumptions were completely wrong. I LOVED it. The writing was clear & vivid & heartfelt (& surprisingly not preachy at all). It read like — well — like a story.
I cried, I laughed.
Hope, peace, Joy. That’s what I got from this book. I loved it.

[Lenita Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Christians and Non-Christians Alike

This is a book of sorrows and joys. Jesus was certainly a man of sorrows after all the torture he went through. He was a man of joys after being resurrected. It is difficult to read the first part of the book, The Darkness, but the second part of the book, The Dawn, makes it all worthwhile. Charles Swindoll ends the book beautifully with a story of Edith Easter. He also uses the film "Unforgiven" as an example of what happens when we don't forgive or aren't forgiven. He ends that section with the real truth of what happens with forgiveness.

This book is important for both Christians and non-Christians to read because, among other things, it includes a case for the resurrection.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the chapters that cover the "rest of the story" -- possible alternative to the normal interpretation of the rooster crowing, interesting suggestion as to the first name of the man Barabbas. Swindoll also does a good job of explaining and expounding upon the trial process Jesus was subjected to.

I prefer Swindoll's preaching to his writings, but perhaps this says more of his skill as a speaker (he's a tremendous speaker... I can't recommend him enough) rather than any lack of skill in his writing.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindoll gives a good, in-depth, look at the passion and resurrection of Jesus. This is an excellent book to read during the Easter Season. As usual, he gives a good combination of Bible study and story, to help us understand (and sometimes speculate) about what actually happened in the last days of Jesus. His chapters on the words Jesus said on the cross are also very interesting. This book helps you put together the different gospel accounts and reads both devotionally and historically. A worthwhile read.

[Lucienne Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The darkness and the dawn

What a beautiful and life changing book! The author brings us through the pain and suffering of Jesus unto Jesus's resurrection and the glorious hope He brings.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swindoll's expositional studies of the arrest, trial, death and resurrection of Jesus.

[Justin carpita · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you ever want to truly understand what easter is about...this book changed my life. only book I ever cried while reading.

[Nkstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really in depth look of the arrest, trials, and crucifixion of Christ. It is very interesting.

[Rich Lescarbeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is decently written. I learned some things and was very interested, but as the book went on it started to get dry and boring. A good read but by no means a must read for christians.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a look at the lessons we can learn from the death and resurrection of Jesus. I found it really thought-provoking and well-written.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and compelling look at Jesus' death and resurrection and what it means. Easy to read.

[Scott Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make this my annual tradition to help me get focused on the Good Friday/Resurrection Sunday weekend. A really good look into the last few days of Jesus' life, death, and (most importantly) His resurrection.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful...

I am so thankful our Pastor recommended this book! I do believe in Easter, I pray you so as well! It’s not about the bunny!

[Carol Blankenhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Truth!! A wonderfully written book.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I sometimes wondered how the author could conscientiously speak to some of the feelings and reasons behind the actions of some of the characters, this was a wonderfully informative, descriptive, and passionate focus on the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Warren and I are hoping to read this together next year over the forty days of Lent.