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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 redemption of the world -- a world now haunted by the memories of Auschwitz, the pain of oppression and the specter of nuclear war.
Can we see triumph in tragedy, victory in shame? Why should an object of Roman distaste and Jewish disgust be the emblem of our worship and the axiom of our faith? And what does it mean for us today?
Now from one of the foremost preachers and Christian leaders of our day comes theology at its readable best, a contemporary restatement of the meaning of the cross. At the cross Stott finds the majesty and love of God disclosed, the sin and bondage of the world exposed.
More than a study of the atonement, this book brings Scripture into living dialogue with Christian theology and the twentieth century. What emerges is a pattern for Christian life and worship, hope and mission.
Destined to be a classic study of the center of our faith, Stott's work is the product of a uniquely gifted pastor, scholar and Christian statesman. His penetrating insight, charitable scholarship and pastoral warmth are guaranteed to feed both heart and mind.
"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 redemption of the world -- a world now haunted by the memories of Auschwitz, the pain of oppression and the specter of nuclear war.
Can we see triumph in tragedy, victory in shame? Why should an object of Roman distaste and Jewish disgust be the emblem of our worship and the axiom of our faith? And what does it mean for us today?
Now from one of the foremost preachers and Christian leaders of our day comes theology at its readable best, a contemporary restatement of the meaning of the cross. At the cross Stott finds the majesty and love of God disclosed, the sin and bondage of the world exposed.
More than a study of the atonement, this book brings Scripture into living dialogue with Christian theology and the twentieth century. What emerges is a pattern for Christian life and worship, hope and mission.
Destined to be a classic study of the center of our faith, Stott's work is the product of a uniquely gifted pastor, scholar and Christian statesman. His penetrating insight, charitable scholarship and pastoral warmth are guaranteed to feed both heart and mind.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 1986
967 people are currently reading
11513 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books554 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
February 13, 2023
It is hard to overstate how much I enjoyed this book. It was hard work, shouldering through the dense material. It's not impossible reading, but it does requires careful thought. 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.
One of the chapters I especially enjoyed was the one where Stott covers four images of salvation: shrine, market, court of law, and home. They are different facets of one truth. As DeYoung points out, "substitution" is not a fifth image added to the others—it's essential to all of them.
See more comments here.
One of the chapters I especially enjoyed was the one where Stott covers four images of salvation: shrine, market, court of law, and home. They are different facets of one truth. As DeYoung points out, "substitution" is not a fifth image added to the others—it's essential to all of them.
See more comments here.
January 6, 2024
A classic in the vein of “Knowing God” by Packer. Stott is so clear and thorough but also worshipful. The theological explanations and biblical expositions are profound both in depth and wonder. Put this in the short list of books every Christian would benefit from reading.
February 20, 2012
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 the cross and carefully inspects, details, and elaborates the many facets of the cross of Christ. Only in this case, he is not merely examining some diamond in the rough, but the crown jewel of Christianity.
While books with titles of “Cross-Centered-____” or “Christ-centered-____” practically compete for space on the new-release theology shelves of Christian bookstores these days, The Cross of Christ is undoubtedly the most comprehensive book on the centrality of the cross. Academic and practical in it’s coverage, this work is both scholarly and heavily devotional. Stott interacts with and draws from a wealth of philosophers and theologians past and present, and also delicately draws from Scriptural texts with his skills as a practiced exegete.
The book is divided into four sections, comprising thirteen main chapters:
I. Approaching the Cross
1. The Centrality of the Cross
2. Why Did Christ Die?
3. Looking below the Surface
II. The Heart of the Cross
4. The Problem of Forgiveness
5. Satisfaction for Sin
6. Self-Substitution of God
III. The Achievement of the Cross
7. The Salvation of Sinners
8. The Revelation of God
9. The Conquest of Evil
IV. Living Under the Cross
10. The Community of Celebration
11. Self-Understanding and Self-Giving
12. Loving Our Enemies
13. Suffering and Glory
Conclusion: The Pervasive Influence of the Cross
There were some statements and conclusions on which I found myself conflicted or coming to an alternate conclusion, but even given the length of the book, such occasions were very few and did not detract from the overall theme and importance of the book.
The book is somewhat lengthy and not necessarily light reading, but it is one that I would recommend, and perhaps consider as a must-read for Christians.
Here are some quotes from the book (random: there are countless that are worthy of being framed and wall-mounted):
“Life in a Christian home, which should in any case be characterized by natural human love, should be further enriched by supernatural human love, that is, the love of the cross. It should mark all Christian family relationships, between husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters. For we are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21), the Christ whose humble and submissive love led him even to the cross. Yet it is especially husbands who are singled out” (281).
(Reading the above section, I was greatly reminded how grateful I am for a husband, in particular, who has loved me in this way.)
“The spirit of James and John lingers on, especially in us who have been cushioned by affluence. It is true that inflation and unemployment have brought to many a new experience of insecurity. Yet we still regard security as our birthright and ‘safety first’ as a prudent motto. Where is the spirit of adventure, the sense of uncalculating solidarity with the underprivileged? Where are the Christians who are prepared to put service before security, compassion before comfort, hardship before ease? Thousands of pioneer Christian tasks are waiting to be done, which challenge our complacency and call for risk. Insistence on security is incompatible with the way of the cross. What daring adventures the incarnation and the atonement were! What a breach of convention and decorum that Almighty God should renounce his privileges in order to take human flesh and bear human sin! Jesus had no security except in his Father. So to follow Jesus is always to accept at least a measure of uncertainty, danger and rejection for his sake. . . ” (288)
“The cross lies at the very heart of mission. For the cross-cultural missionary it may mean costly individual and family sacrifices, the renunciation of economic security and professional promotion, solidarity with the poor and needy, repenting of the pride and prejudice of supposed cultural superiority, and the modesty (and sometimes frustration) of serving under national leadership. Each of these can be a kind of death, but it is a death which brings life to others.” (283)
Like a skilled jeweler carefully examining and detailing the many facets of a gem, John Stott goes the cross and carefully inspects, details, and elaborates the many facets of the cross of Christ. Only in this case, he is not merely examining some diamond in the rough, but the crown jewel of Christianity.
While books with titles of “Cross-Centered-____” or “Christ-centered-____” practically compete for space on the new-release theology shelves of Christian bookstores these days, The Cross of Christ is undoubtedly the most comprehensive book on the centrality of the cross. Academic and practical in it’s coverage, this work is both scholarly and heavily devotional. Stott interacts with and draws from a wealth of philosophers and theologians past and present, and also delicately draws from Scriptural texts with his skills as a practiced exegete.
The book is divided into four sections, comprising thirteen main chapters:
I. Approaching the Cross
1. The Centrality of the Cross
2. Why Did Christ Die?
3. Looking below the Surface
II. The Heart of the Cross
4. The Problem of Forgiveness
5. Satisfaction for Sin
6. Self-Substitution of God
III. The Achievement of the Cross
7. The Salvation of Sinners
8. The Revelation of God
9. The Conquest of Evil
IV. Living Under the Cross
10. The Community of Celebration
11. Self-Understanding and Self-Giving
12. Loving Our Enemies
13. Suffering and Glory
Conclusion: The Pervasive Influence of the Cross
There were some statements and conclusions on which I found myself conflicted or coming to an alternate conclusion, but even given the length of the book, such occasions were very few and did not detract from the overall theme and importance of the book.
The book is somewhat lengthy and not necessarily light reading, but it is one that I would recommend, and perhaps consider as a must-read for Christians.
Here are some quotes from the book (random: there are countless that are worthy of being framed and wall-mounted):
“Life in a Christian home, which should in any case be characterized by natural human love, should be further enriched by supernatural human love, that is, the love of the cross. It should mark all Christian family relationships, between husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters. For we are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21), the Christ whose humble and submissive love led him even to the cross. Yet it is especially husbands who are singled out” (281).
(Reading the above section, I was greatly reminded how grateful I am for a husband, in particular, who has loved me in this way.)
“The spirit of James and John lingers on, especially in us who have been cushioned by affluence. It is true that inflation and unemployment have brought to many a new experience of insecurity. Yet we still regard security as our birthright and ‘safety first’ as a prudent motto. Where is the spirit of adventure, the sense of uncalculating solidarity with the underprivileged? Where are the Christians who are prepared to put service before security, compassion before comfort, hardship before ease? Thousands of pioneer Christian tasks are waiting to be done, which challenge our complacency and call for risk. Insistence on security is incompatible with the way of the cross. What daring adventures the incarnation and the atonement were! What a breach of convention and decorum that Almighty God should renounce his privileges in order to take human flesh and bear human sin! Jesus had no security except in his Father. So to follow Jesus is always to accept at least a measure of uncertainty, danger and rejection for his sake. . . ” (288)
“The cross lies at the very heart of mission. For the cross-cultural missionary it may mean costly individual and family sacrifices, the renunciation of economic security and professional promotion, solidarity with the poor and needy, repenting of the pride and prejudice of supposed cultural superiority, and the modesty (and sometimes frustration) of serving under national leadership. Each of these can be a kind of death, but it is a death which brings life to others.” (283)
July 3, 2020
Just like IKEA: classic, colossal and always an interesting visit. So expansive are the halls to roam that to make the most of it you need to take a sit down on your trolley, rest up and consider.
So expansive is the range of material that it takes a good while to reach the goal, but when you do reach it it's all the more satisfying. Don't forget the meatballs.
Stott has helped shore up many aspects of the cross I hadn't considered, and provoked many a thought on how the cross does completely effect the Christian's view God, others, life, and the self, the latter of which I found the most absolutely fascinating.
Combining much theology with historical, societal, and psychological observations, he's weighty like an anvil, but also as robust. A fine forge for further unfurling the firm foundation for faith.
So expansive is the range of material that it takes a good while to reach the goal, but when you do reach it it's all the more satisfying. Don't forget the meatballs.
Stott has helped shore up many aspects of the cross I hadn't considered, and provoked many a thought on how the cross does completely effect the Christian's view God, others, life, and the self, the latter of which I found the most absolutely fascinating.
Combining much theology with historical, societal, and psychological observations, he's weighty like an anvil, but also as robust. A fine forge for further unfurling the firm foundation for faith.
August 4, 2022
I've really struggled to read for many months but periodically coming back to this book I've learned a huge amount about keeping the main thing the main thing. The book is incredibly in depth and clear, with a huge amount to chew on and mull over. I'd say a high recommendation for any Christian, new or ancient. May we all have lives marked and following the Cross of Christ
Read
June 8, 2019A remarkable book! A blend of accessible yet historical, theological, and devotional material. No wonder this is a classic.
July 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
John Stott’s “The Cross of Christ” is a classic on the centrality of the cross in Christian faith and life. The immense value of this book is that it not only presents a comprehensive theology of the cross, but that it also shows how the cross is utterly fundamental to Christianity – without the cross we have no Christian faith or hope at all.
Stott divides his book into four parts: (1) approaching the cross, (2) the heart of the cross, (3) the achievement of the cross, and (4) living under the cross. In the first part, Stott focuses on the centrality of the cross. That the cross was essential to the teachings of Jesus and the early church. As well, that on the cross Jesus was not forced against his will to give up his life but gave himself up for us willing. In part two Stott dives down deep into the heart of the cross. Here Stott examines the theology of the cross, cogently presently an argument for penal substitutionary atonement. In part three Stott shows what the cross accomplished, which was the salvation of sinners, the revelation of God himself, and the defeat of evil. And lastly, in the fourth part, Stott presents some practical implications of the cross. Mainly, that Christian community is a community of the cross, and that Christian suffering presents the glory of the cross.
Stott’s book is a masterpiece, and its strengths are numerous. First, is its sheer accessibility. Although it is a lengthy book, it does not reach the unattainable heights of a scholarly theological tome. Not only is Stott’s treatment of the theology of the cross accessible, but it is pastoral and practical as well. Stott skillfully shows how the cross is the foundation of all Christian life, and the reader is blessed to see how their community, sanctification, suffering, and evangelism are all empowered by the theology of the cross. Also, Stott’s treatment of alternate theological viewpoints throughout his book is both balanced and generous. Stott avoids mischaracterization like the plague, often picking neither side on a theological issue, but showing how both hold portions of truth. Lastly, what makes this book absolutely necessary is its treatment of the doctrine of atonement. In an age where the wrath of God, the necessity of atonement, and the death of Christ are considered uncivilized and repugnant, Stott’s book is a clarion call to return to the glories of the cross. If we abandon the cross, we have no faith at all – the strength of Stott’s arguments is in displaying the beauty and the majesty of the cross.
There were a few weaknesses in the book, but they are barely worth mentioning. The first is that because the book is comprehensive Stott often delves farther into the implications of the theology of the cross than he needs to. At times he explains theological topics that are simply not required for understanding a theology of the cross and could have been left out. Secondly, his chapter on “The Substitution of God” was my favorite chapter but I also felt like Stott creeps a bit too closely to Patripassianism. Even though he denounces Patripassianism, some of his statements in that chapter are not clear enough in emphasizing that it was the incarnate Son of God that was crucified on the cross and not the Father.
Overall, this is an excellent book and a must-read for every believer. If there are foundational books that every believer must read, like “Mere Christianity”, “The Holiness of God”, or “The Cost of Discipleship”, then this book is near the top of the list. Stott’s book reminds every Christian what is at the precious center of their faith. It is Christ Himself – Christ crucified for us! May we never forget this glorious and wonderful truth!
John Stott’s “The Cross of Christ” is a classic on the centrality of the cross in Christian faith and life. The immense value of this book is that it not only presents a comprehensive theology of the cross, but that it also shows how the cross is utterly fundamental to Christianity – without the cross we have no Christian faith or hope at all.
Stott divides his book into four parts: (1) approaching the cross, (2) the heart of the cross, (3) the achievement of the cross, and (4) living under the cross. In the first part, Stott focuses on the centrality of the cross. That the cross was essential to the teachings of Jesus and the early church. As well, that on the cross Jesus was not forced against his will to give up his life but gave himself up for us willing. In part two Stott dives down deep into the heart of the cross. Here Stott examines the theology of the cross, cogently presently an argument for penal substitutionary atonement. In part three Stott shows what the cross accomplished, which was the salvation of sinners, the revelation of God himself, and the defeat of evil. And lastly, in the fourth part, Stott presents some practical implications of the cross. Mainly, that Christian community is a community of the cross, and that Christian suffering presents the glory of the cross.
Stott’s book is a masterpiece, and its strengths are numerous. First, is its sheer accessibility. Although it is a lengthy book, it does not reach the unattainable heights of a scholarly theological tome. Not only is Stott’s treatment of the theology of the cross accessible, but it is pastoral and practical as well. Stott skillfully shows how the cross is the foundation of all Christian life, and the reader is blessed to see how their community, sanctification, suffering, and evangelism are all empowered by the theology of the cross. Also, Stott’s treatment of alternate theological viewpoints throughout his book is both balanced and generous. Stott avoids mischaracterization like the plague, often picking neither side on a theological issue, but showing how both hold portions of truth. Lastly, what makes this book absolutely necessary is its treatment of the doctrine of atonement. In an age where the wrath of God, the necessity of atonement, and the death of Christ are considered uncivilized and repugnant, Stott’s book is a clarion call to return to the glories of the cross. If we abandon the cross, we have no faith at all – the strength of Stott’s arguments is in displaying the beauty and the majesty of the cross.
There were a few weaknesses in the book, but they are barely worth mentioning. The first is that because the book is comprehensive Stott often delves farther into the implications of the theology of the cross than he needs to. At times he explains theological topics that are simply not required for understanding a theology of the cross and could have been left out. Secondly, his chapter on “The Substitution of God” was my favorite chapter but I also felt like Stott creeps a bit too closely to Patripassianism. Even though he denounces Patripassianism, some of his statements in that chapter are not clear enough in emphasizing that it was the incarnate Son of God that was crucified on the cross and not the Father.
Overall, this is an excellent book and a must-read for every believer. If there are foundational books that every believer must read, like “Mere Christianity”, “The Holiness of God”, or “The Cost of Discipleship”, then this book is near the top of the list. Stott’s book reminds every Christian what is at the precious center of their faith. It is Christ Himself – Christ crucified for us! May we never forget this glorious and wonderful truth!
October 16, 2021
"Cu ce-as putea sa ma mândresc?
Că daruri n-am, nici fapte
Cu învierea-I ma fălesc
Cu salvatoarea-I moarte!"
Crucea, stindardul credinței creștine, e locul în care converg toate drumurile trecutului și de aici se despart toate drumurile viitorului. Înțelegând ce s-a întâmplat la cruce, înțelegem persoana Domnului Isus Hristos. Înțelegând moartea Sa, vom înțelege caracterul Lui Dumnezeu. În cruce ne este revelat în mod perfect planul dumnezeiesc, în care, dragostea și dreptatea se împlinesc, se împletesc și converg pentru un scop atât de frumos, salvarea noastră.
Crucea e temeiul prin care suntem îndreptățiți de a sta înaintea lui Dumnezeu ca fii și fiice, având în noi Duhul Său. Prin ea suntem sfințiți, fiind răstigniți împreună cu Hristos și răstignind zilnic natura noastră pământească. Ea este obiectul laudei noastre, prin ea vedem viața având sens și valoare.
În această carte, multiplele fațete ale Crucii sunt analizate și studiate pentru a da cititorului o înțelegere cât mai pătrunzătoare a Jertfei. Aș fi putut citi din ea un an de zile ( cam atât a durat oricum:)) ) și tot nu aș fi fost în stare a cuprinde toate ideile în întregimea lor. A răspuns întrebărilor pe care le aveam, dar și celor pe care nu știam că pot să le am. Sunt sigură că mă voi mai întoarce asupra ei. Un studiu teologic foarte, foarte bun.
Că daruri n-am, nici fapte
Cu învierea-I ma fălesc
Cu salvatoarea-I moarte!"
Crucea, stindardul credinței creștine, e locul în care converg toate drumurile trecutului și de aici se despart toate drumurile viitorului. Înțelegând ce s-a întâmplat la cruce, înțelegem persoana Domnului Isus Hristos. Înțelegând moartea Sa, vom înțelege caracterul Lui Dumnezeu. În cruce ne este revelat în mod perfect planul dumnezeiesc, în care, dragostea și dreptatea se împlinesc, se împletesc și converg pentru un scop atât de frumos, salvarea noastră.
Crucea e temeiul prin care suntem îndreptățiți de a sta înaintea lui Dumnezeu ca fii și fiice, având în noi Duhul Său. Prin ea suntem sfințiți, fiind răstigniți împreună cu Hristos și răstignind zilnic natura noastră pământească. Ea este obiectul laudei noastre, prin ea vedem viața având sens și valoare.
În această carte, multiplele fațete ale Crucii sunt analizate și studiate pentru a da cititorului o înțelegere cât mai pătrunzătoare a Jertfei. Aș fi putut citi din ea un an de zile ( cam atât a durat oricum:)) ) și tot nu aș fi fost în stare a cuprinde toate ideile în întregimea lor. A răspuns întrebărilor pe care le aveam, dar și celor pe care nu știam că pot să le am. Sunt sigură că mă voi mai întoarce asupra ei. Un studiu teologic foarte, foarte bun.
January 12, 2023
A very careful and thought-through work. Probably one for Christians who have been following the Lord for a while and have a decent knowledge of the gospels and the general framework of the Bible. Stott often cites specific events in the gospels and verses from elsewhere in the Bible; references are provided for people who wish to look them up, but it would be painstaking labour for a new Christian. Definitely one to dip in to if I have questions or want to clarify exactly what the cross does. It’s a dense book, and isn’t an easy read, but it helps us to appreciate and understand more the need for the cross and why it must be central to our salvation and to our continuation in the faith.
I appreciated how Stott introduces the works and theories of different theologians and scholars, and shows us how they do/do not fit what Scripture says about the cross. It is helpful to see the danger of even subtle changes to wording. Stott shows precisely why we need to be careful with our language surrounding the cross, lest we risk compromising Christ’s work and the salvation He has won.
A favourite quote: ‘For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone.’ (160)
I appreciated how Stott introduces the works and theories of different theologians and scholars, and shows us how they do/do not fit what Scripture says about the cross. It is helpful to see the danger of even subtle changes to wording. Stott shows precisely why we need to be careful with our language surrounding the cross, lest we risk compromising Christ’s work and the salvation He has won.
A favourite quote: ‘For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone.’ (160)
October 22, 2025
Este libro logra un equilibrio increíblemente difícil: toma una doctrina compleja, profunda y a menudo malentendida del cristianismo —la Cruz de Cristo— y la presenta con una rigurosidad teológica que complacerá a los más estudiosos, pero con una claridad que la hace accesible para el lector de a pie. Lo use en mis devocionales como estudio y es excelente.
April 12, 2020
What a book to read during Holy Week. I am blown away by how beautiful, shocking, logically consistent, and practically applicable the Christian Gospel is at its most simple and most deep levels. This book is an incredible and enjoyable deep dive into the Cross of Christ and it’s significance historically, ethically, and spiritually.
Stott uses a great deal of structure to address the hard questions head on. For some “Jesus died for your sins” is a sufficient story to elicit faith, but for others, like myself, such a statement just forces you to ask “what the heck does that even mean?” If this is you, Stott writes for you.
He addresses 3 pivotal questions regarding the cross as our means of atonement: is it Christian (ie compatible with the teaching of Jesus and his apostles), is it moral (ie compatible or incompatible with justice and goodness), and is it incredible (ie does it actually functionally address such issues as the transfer of guilt). Broadly, he spends the beginning of the book asking “why did Christ die?” - as in, why did he have to? Through the lenses of theology and Jewish history, why was it actually necessary that Jesus die, and who was it necessary that Jesus actually be in order for that death to matter? Why couldn’t God just simply forgive us, without there being a payment, much like he calls us to forgive those who sin against us? These are hard questions! When Stott poses them, he does so with force. He would almost make me nervous that the Bible contains no answer, but then he always proves how thoroughly Gods Word holds up.
Next, Stott addresses the consequences of the cross: salvation of sinners, the revelation of God, and the conquest on evil. He discusses propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, and justification as the four images of what God accomplished at the cross.
Finally, he closes with “life under the cross”. In this section he discusses the implications of living under the cross. He calls us to be a community of continuous celebration, service to others, and love for enemies. He discusses how we are to overcome evil with good and brings this down to the ground of the modern day by attacking racism and sexism and charging us to care for the global and local poor. And finally he addresses the problem of suffering.
This is not a book of apologetics - it is written with the assumption that you believe the Gospel of Christ. This book is verrrry dense and pretty long. This book is also not without its biases. On every page, Stott takes firm theological stands, many of which are contentious, and some of which are bound to be incorrect or incomplete. However, as far as I’ve read, this book was the most complete and encouraging account of what God accomplished at the cross that I know of. To any Christian who wants to go deeper in this respect, I would highly recommend.
Stott uses a great deal of structure to address the hard questions head on. For some “Jesus died for your sins” is a sufficient story to elicit faith, but for others, like myself, such a statement just forces you to ask “what the heck does that even mean?” If this is you, Stott writes for you.
He addresses 3 pivotal questions regarding the cross as our means of atonement: is it Christian (ie compatible with the teaching of Jesus and his apostles), is it moral (ie compatible or incompatible with justice and goodness), and is it incredible (ie does it actually functionally address such issues as the transfer of guilt). Broadly, he spends the beginning of the book asking “why did Christ die?” - as in, why did he have to? Through the lenses of theology and Jewish history, why was it actually necessary that Jesus die, and who was it necessary that Jesus actually be in order for that death to matter? Why couldn’t God just simply forgive us, without there being a payment, much like he calls us to forgive those who sin against us? These are hard questions! When Stott poses them, he does so with force. He would almost make me nervous that the Bible contains no answer, but then he always proves how thoroughly Gods Word holds up.
Next, Stott addresses the consequences of the cross: salvation of sinners, the revelation of God, and the conquest on evil. He discusses propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, and justification as the four images of what God accomplished at the cross.
Finally, he closes with “life under the cross”. In this section he discusses the implications of living under the cross. He calls us to be a community of continuous celebration, service to others, and love for enemies. He discusses how we are to overcome evil with good and brings this down to the ground of the modern day by attacking racism and sexism and charging us to care for the global and local poor. And finally he addresses the problem of suffering.
This is not a book of apologetics - it is written with the assumption that you believe the Gospel of Christ. This book is verrrry dense and pretty long. This book is also not without its biases. On every page, Stott takes firm theological stands, many of which are contentious, and some of which are bound to be incorrect or incomplete. However, as far as I’ve read, this book was the most complete and encouraging account of what God accomplished at the cross that I know of. To any Christian who wants to go deeper in this respect, I would highly recommend.
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June 5, 2012Quotes 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 leave us alone? To which he instantly replies that we are his business ant he will never leave us alone. So we perceive him as a threatening rival who disturbs our peace, upsets our status quo, undermines our authority and diminshes our self-respect. We too want to get rid of him." (pg. 58)
"The fact that [Judas'] betrayel was foretold in the Scriptures does not mean that he was not a free agent, any more than the Old Testament predictions of the death of Jesus mean that he did not die voluntarily." (pg. 59)
"Thirty coins, the ransom price of a common slave." (pg. 60)
"'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?' the old negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, 'Yes, we were there.' Not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can see the the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance)." (pg. 63)
"Octavius Winslow summed it up in a neat statement: 'Who delivered up Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy; - but the Father, for love!" (pg. 64)
Ch. 3: LOOKING BELOW THE SURFACE
"Christ died for us, for our good; that the 'good' he died to procure for us was our salvation; that in order to procure it he has to deal with our sins; and that in dying for them it was our death that he died." (pg. 68)
"Authentic love always expresses itself in humble service and...the world would identify them as his disciples only if they loved one another." (pg. 70)
The New Covenant (Exodus 24:8, Isaiah 42:6, Zechariah 9:11, Hebrews 9:18-20, Jeremiah 31:31-34) (pgs. 71-72)
"I used to imagine that because Christ died, the whole world had been autmatically put right. When someone explained to me that Christ had died for ME, I responded haughtily, 'everybody knows that,' as if the fact itself or my knowledge oof the fact had brought me salvation. But God does not impose his gifts on us willy-nilly; we have to receive them by faith. Of both the divine gift and the human reception of the Lord's Supper remains the perpetual outward sign. It is intended to be 'a participation in the body and blood of Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:15)." (pg. 73)
Amazing discussion of Jesus facing the cup of God's wrath in the Garden of Gethsemane. (pgs. 78-80)
"'He saved others, but he can't save himself!' Their words, spoken as an insult, were the literal truth. He could not save himself and others simultaneously. He chose to sacrifice himself in order to save the world." (pg. 80)
"'At the birth of the Son of God,' Douglas Webster has written, 'there was brightness at midnight; at the death of the Son of God there was darkness at noon.'" (pg. 81)
Verses on the Great Exchange: pg. 81.
Ch. 4: THE PROBLEM OF FORGIVENESS
"It is when our perception of God and man, or of holiness and sin, are askew that our understanding of the atonement is bound to be askew also." (pg. 90)
"How could anyone imagine taht Christianity is about sin rather than about the forgiveness of sin? How could anyone look at the cross and see only the shame of what we did to Crhsit, rather than the glory of what he did for us?" (pg. 100)
"A guilty conscience is a great blessing, but only if it drives us to come home." (pg. 100)
"To be 'cured' against one's will, and cured of staes which we may not regard as disease, is to be put on a level with those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals. But to be punished, however severely, because we have deserved it, because we 'ought to have known better,' is to be treated as a human person made in God's image." (pgs. 103-104)
"It is perilous to begin with any a priori, even with a "God-given sense of moral justice" which then shapes our understanding of the cross. It is wiser and safer to begin inductively with a God-given doctrine of the cross, which then shapes our understanding of moral justice." (pg. 106)
"When thinking of the great and living God, it is better to look up than down, and outside than inside ourselves." (pg.108)
"We learn to appreciate the access to God that Christ has won for us only after we have first seen God's inaccessibility to sinners. We cry 'Hallelujah' with authenticity only after we have first cried 'Woe is me, for I am lost'" (pg. 110)
"In Dale's words, 'It is partly because sin does not provoke our own wrath that we do not believe that sin provokes the wrath of God.'" (pg 110)
"All inadequate doctrines of the atonement are due to inadequate doctrines of God and humanity, If we bring God down to our level and raise ourselves to his, then of course we see no need for a radical salvation, let alone for a radical atonement to secure it. When, on the other hand, we have glimpsed the blinding glory of the holiness of God and have been so convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit that we tremble before God and acknowledge what we are, namely 'hell-deserving sinners,' then and only then doe the necessity of the cross appear so obvious that we are astonished we never saw it before." (pg. 111)
"The essential background to the cross...is a balanced understanding of teh gravity of sin and the majesty of God. If we diminish either, we diminish the cross." (pg. 111)
Ch. 5: SATISFACTION FOR SIN
"[Hardy] caricatured the Christian understanding of the cross in order to more readily condemn it." (pg. 113)
"Anselm defines sin as 'not rendering to God what is his due'" (pg. 119)
Ch. 6: THE SELF-SUBSTITIUTION OF GOD
"Consecration leads to celebration. The life of the redeemed is a feast, ritually expressed in the Eucharist, the Christian festival of thanksgiving..." (pg. 141)
"We must not, then, speak of God punishing Jesus or of Jesus persuading God, for to do so is to set them over against each other as if they acted independently of each other or were in conflict with each other. We must never make Christ the object of God's punishment or God the object of Christ's persuasion, for both God and Christ were subjects not objects, taking the initiative together to save sinners." (pg. 151)
"Because 'the holiness of god...is meaningless without judgment,' the one thing God could not do in the face of human rebellion was nothing." (pg. 152)
"We strongly reject, therefore, every explanation of the death of Christ that does not have at its center the principle of 'satisfaction through substitution,' indeed divine self-satisfaction through divine self-substitution." (pg. 158)
"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives that belong to god alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone." (pg. 159)
"At the root of every caricature of the cross lies a distorted Christology." (pg. 159)
"But we cannot escape the embarassment of standing stark naked before God. It is of no use for us to try and cover up like Adam and Eve in the garden. Our attempts at self-justificiation are as ineffectual as their fig leaves. We have to acknowledge our nakedness, see the divine substitute wearing our filthy rags instead of us, and allow him to clothe us with his own righteousness (cf. Rev. 3:17-18)." (pg. 162)
Ch. 7 THE SALVATION OF SINNERS
"God's anger is poles apart from ours. What provokes our anger (injured vanity) never provokes his; what provokes his anger (evil) seldom provokes ours." (pg. 171)
"God does not love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us because God loves us." (pg. 172)
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 leave us alone? To which he instantly replies that we are his business ant he will never leave us alone. So we perceive him as a threatening rival who disturbs our peace, upsets our status quo, undermines our authority and diminshes our self-respect. We too want to get rid of him." (pg. 58)
"The fact that [Judas'] betrayel was foretold in the Scriptures does not mean that he was not a free agent, any more than the Old Testament predictions of the death of Jesus mean that he did not die voluntarily." (pg. 59)
"Thirty coins, the ransom price of a common slave." (pg. 60)
"'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?' the old negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, 'Yes, we were there.' Not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can see the the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance)." (pg. 63)
"Octavius Winslow summed it up in a neat statement: 'Who delivered up Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy; - but the Father, for love!" (pg. 64)
Ch. 3: LOOKING BELOW THE SURFACE
"Christ died for us, for our good; that the 'good' he died to procure for us was our salvation; that in order to procure it he has to deal with our sins; and that in dying for them it was our death that he died." (pg. 68)
"Authentic love always expresses itself in humble service and...the world would identify them as his disciples only if they loved one another." (pg. 70)
The New Covenant (Exodus 24:8, Isaiah 42:6, Zechariah 9:11, Hebrews 9:18-20, Jeremiah 31:31-34) (pgs. 71-72)
"I used to imagine that because Christ died, the whole world had been autmatically put right. When someone explained to me that Christ had died for ME, I responded haughtily, 'everybody knows that,' as if the fact itself or my knowledge oof the fact had brought me salvation. But God does not impose his gifts on us willy-nilly; we have to receive them by faith. Of both the divine gift and the human reception of the Lord's Supper remains the perpetual outward sign. It is intended to be 'a participation in the body and blood of Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:15)." (pg. 73)
Amazing discussion of Jesus facing the cup of God's wrath in the Garden of Gethsemane. (pgs. 78-80)
"'He saved others, but he can't save himself!' Their words, spoken as an insult, were the literal truth. He could not save himself and others simultaneously. He chose to sacrifice himself in order to save the world." (pg. 80)
"'At the birth of the Son of God,' Douglas Webster has written, 'there was brightness at midnight; at the death of the Son of God there was darkness at noon.'" (pg. 81)
Verses on the Great Exchange: pg. 81.
Ch. 4: THE PROBLEM OF FORGIVENESS
"It is when our perception of God and man, or of holiness and sin, are askew that our understanding of the atonement is bound to be askew also." (pg. 90)
"How could anyone imagine taht Christianity is about sin rather than about the forgiveness of sin? How could anyone look at the cross and see only the shame of what we did to Crhsit, rather than the glory of what he did for us?" (pg. 100)
"A guilty conscience is a great blessing, but only if it drives us to come home." (pg. 100)
"To be 'cured' against one's will, and cured of staes which we may not regard as disease, is to be put on a level with those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals. But to be punished, however severely, because we have deserved it, because we 'ought to have known better,' is to be treated as a human person made in God's image." (pgs. 103-104)
"It is perilous to begin with any a priori, even with a "God-given sense of moral justice" which then shapes our understanding of the cross. It is wiser and safer to begin inductively with a God-given doctrine of the cross, which then shapes our understanding of moral justice." (pg. 106)
"When thinking of the great and living God, it is better to look up than down, and outside than inside ourselves." (pg.108)
"We learn to appreciate the access to God that Christ has won for us only after we have first seen God's inaccessibility to sinners. We cry 'Hallelujah' with authenticity only after we have first cried 'Woe is me, for I am lost'" (pg. 110)
"In Dale's words, 'It is partly because sin does not provoke our own wrath that we do not believe that sin provokes the wrath of God.'" (pg 110)
"All inadequate doctrines of the atonement are due to inadequate doctrines of God and humanity, If we bring God down to our level and raise ourselves to his, then of course we see no need for a radical salvation, let alone for a radical atonement to secure it. When, on the other hand, we have glimpsed the blinding glory of the holiness of God and have been so convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit that we tremble before God and acknowledge what we are, namely 'hell-deserving sinners,' then and only then doe the necessity of the cross appear so obvious that we are astonished we never saw it before." (pg. 111)
"The essential background to the cross...is a balanced understanding of teh gravity of sin and the majesty of God. If we diminish either, we diminish the cross." (pg. 111)
Ch. 5: SATISFACTION FOR SIN
"[Hardy] caricatured the Christian understanding of the cross in order to more readily condemn it." (pg. 113)
"Anselm defines sin as 'not rendering to God what is his due'" (pg. 119)
Ch. 6: THE SELF-SUBSTITIUTION OF GOD
"Consecration leads to celebration. The life of the redeemed is a feast, ritually expressed in the Eucharist, the Christian festival of thanksgiving..." (pg. 141)
"We must not, then, speak of God punishing Jesus or of Jesus persuading God, for to do so is to set them over against each other as if they acted independently of each other or were in conflict with each other. We must never make Christ the object of God's punishment or God the object of Christ's persuasion, for both God and Christ were subjects not objects, taking the initiative together to save sinners." (pg. 151)
"Because 'the holiness of god...is meaningless without judgment,' the one thing God could not do in the face of human rebellion was nothing." (pg. 152)
"We strongly reject, therefore, every explanation of the death of Christ that does not have at its center the principle of 'satisfaction through substitution,' indeed divine self-satisfaction through divine self-substitution." (pg. 158)
"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives that belong to god alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone." (pg. 159)
"At the root of every caricature of the cross lies a distorted Christology." (pg. 159)
"But we cannot escape the embarassment of standing stark naked before God. It is of no use for us to try and cover up like Adam and Eve in the garden. Our attempts at self-justificiation are as ineffectual as their fig leaves. We have to acknowledge our nakedness, see the divine substitute wearing our filthy rags instead of us, and allow him to clothe us with his own righteousness (cf. Rev. 3:17-18)." (pg. 162)
Ch. 7 THE SALVATION OF SINNERS
"God's anger is poles apart from ours. What provokes our anger (injured vanity) never provokes his; what provokes his anger (evil) seldom provokes ours." (pg. 171)
"God does not love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us because God loves us." (pg. 172)
October 15, 2022
What a book.
Stott is insanely good at explaining complicated ideas in a way you can understand. The beauty of this is that, having laid out what the Bible says on the cross with such clarity, the applications for how to 'live under the cross' become far more gripping and attractive.
A quote that stood out to me:
"Yet we still regard security as our birthright and 'safety first' as a prudent motto ... Insistence on security is incompatible with the way of the cross. What daring adventures the incarnation and the atonement were! What a breach of convention and decorum that Almighty God should renounce his privileges in order to take human flesh and bear human sin! Jesus had no security except in his Father. So to follow Jesus is always to accept at least a measure of uncertainty, danger and rejection for his sake."
Thanks Ryan
Stott is insanely good at explaining complicated ideas in a way you can understand. The beauty of this is that, having laid out what the Bible says on the cross with such clarity, the applications for how to 'live under the cross' become far more gripping and attractive.
A quote that stood out to me:
"Yet we still regard security as our birthright and 'safety first' as a prudent motto ... Insistence on security is incompatible with the way of the cross. What daring adventures the incarnation and the atonement were! What a breach of convention and decorum that Almighty God should renounce his privileges in order to take human flesh and bear human sin! Jesus had no security except in his Father. So to follow Jesus is always to accept at least a measure of uncertainty, danger and rejection for his sake."
Thanks Ryan
December 11, 2014
"This is the best book we have read in this group."
So commented a faculty member recently in a campus book group that discussed Stott's book. And we've discussed some pretty significant books by the likes of Augustine, Pascal, Calvin, Kierkegaard, Barth, and others!
I think what marks this book by John Stott, that I first read when published nearly 30 years ago, is a combination of theological clarity and pastoral application that help one deeply root one's understanding of the work of Christ on the cross not only in belief but in Christian devotion and practice.
The book consists of four sections. The first is introductory, "Approaching the Cross" and explores the centrality of the cross in Christian belief and practice and considers why such an instrument of torture would become so central that it even shapes the architecture of our great cathedrals. This leads to a focus on why Christ died, considering not only the historical events but the deeper reasons in the purposes of God and the need of human beings.
This brings us to what I think is the central section of the book, which is appropriately enough titled, "The Heart of the Cross." It is here that Stott carefully lays the groundwork for his defense of the substitution as foundational to our understanding of how Christ atoned for sin. But this isn't Jesus simply "taking one for the team" that leaves itself open to questions of divine child abuse. Allow me here to quote Stott at some length:
"Our substitute, then who took our place and died our death on the cross, was neither Christ alone (since that would make him a third party thrust in between God and us), nor God alone (since that would undermine the historical incarnation), but God in Christ, who was truly and fully both God and man, and who on that account was uniquely qualified to represent both God and man and to mediate between them. If we speak only of Christ suffering and dying, we overlook the initiative of the Father. If we speak only of God suffering and dying, we overlook the mediation of the Son. The New Testament authors never attribute the atonement either to Christ in such a way as to dissociate him from the Father, or to God in such a way as to dispense with Christ, but rather to God and Christ, or to God acting in and through Christ with his whole-hearted concurrence." (p. 156 in the 1986 edition)
The third section then moves on to describe "The Achievement of the Cross" in the salvation of sinners, the revelation of God, and the conquest of evil. Particularly striking was his focus on what we see of the glory, justice, and love of God coming together in the cross. Equally wonderful is his explanation of how the victory of the cross frees us from wrath, sin, the law, and death.
The last section then considers "Living Under the Cross." He begins with a discussion of how we are a community of celebration and how our worship and the Lord's table indeed celebrate the work of the cross. I was surprised in this chapter with the extended discussion of differing views of the eucharist where he distinguishes Anglican from Catholic practice. He then moves to how the cross helps us understand ourselves as both sinners and redeemed and of great worth in a way that releases us for great service. This even empowers us to love our enemies and find meaning in suffering.
Stott then concludes with a summary of the pervasive influence of the cross in a chapter that summarizes the book using the letter to the Galatians as a means of review.
What John Stott gave us here, as in all of his writing is a theologically rich but evangelically orthodox account of the cross. He is gracious and pastoral and yet willing to surface theological differences and to clearly set forth arguments from the scriptures for his own positions in a way that demarcates the matters that need to be honestly faced if the Church is to be one not merely in sentiment but truth. Above all, he shows us how the work of the cross is indeed central to the message and life of the Church when we may be tempted to get caught up in moralism, activism, or speculative theology. This may be a word we need as much in our day as when Stott wrote in 1986.
So commented a faculty member recently in a campus book group that discussed Stott's book. And we've discussed some pretty significant books by the likes of Augustine, Pascal, Calvin, Kierkegaard, Barth, and others!
I think what marks this book by John Stott, that I first read when published nearly 30 years ago, is a combination of theological clarity and pastoral application that help one deeply root one's understanding of the work of Christ on the cross not only in belief but in Christian devotion and practice.
The book consists of four sections. The first is introductory, "Approaching the Cross" and explores the centrality of the cross in Christian belief and practice and considers why such an instrument of torture would become so central that it even shapes the architecture of our great cathedrals. This leads to a focus on why Christ died, considering not only the historical events but the deeper reasons in the purposes of God and the need of human beings.
This brings us to what I think is the central section of the book, which is appropriately enough titled, "The Heart of the Cross." It is here that Stott carefully lays the groundwork for his defense of the substitution as foundational to our understanding of how Christ atoned for sin. But this isn't Jesus simply "taking one for the team" that leaves itself open to questions of divine child abuse. Allow me here to quote Stott at some length:
"Our substitute, then who took our place and died our death on the cross, was neither Christ alone (since that would make him a third party thrust in between God and us), nor God alone (since that would undermine the historical incarnation), but God in Christ, who was truly and fully both God and man, and who on that account was uniquely qualified to represent both God and man and to mediate between them. If we speak only of Christ suffering and dying, we overlook the initiative of the Father. If we speak only of God suffering and dying, we overlook the mediation of the Son. The New Testament authors never attribute the atonement either to Christ in such a way as to dissociate him from the Father, or to God in such a way as to dispense with Christ, but rather to God and Christ, or to God acting in and through Christ with his whole-hearted concurrence." (p. 156 in the 1986 edition)
The third section then moves on to describe "The Achievement of the Cross" in the salvation of sinners, the revelation of God, and the conquest of evil. Particularly striking was his focus on what we see of the glory, justice, and love of God coming together in the cross. Equally wonderful is his explanation of how the victory of the cross frees us from wrath, sin, the law, and death.
The last section then considers "Living Under the Cross." He begins with a discussion of how we are a community of celebration and how our worship and the Lord's table indeed celebrate the work of the cross. I was surprised in this chapter with the extended discussion of differing views of the eucharist where he distinguishes Anglican from Catholic practice. He then moves to how the cross helps us understand ourselves as both sinners and redeemed and of great worth in a way that releases us for great service. This even empowers us to love our enemies and find meaning in suffering.
Stott then concludes with a summary of the pervasive influence of the cross in a chapter that summarizes the book using the letter to the Galatians as a means of review.
What John Stott gave us here, as in all of his writing is a theologically rich but evangelically orthodox account of the cross. He is gracious and pastoral and yet willing to surface theological differences and to clearly set forth arguments from the scriptures for his own positions in a way that demarcates the matters that need to be honestly faced if the Church is to be one not merely in sentiment but truth. Above all, he shows us how the work of the cross is indeed central to the message and life of the Church when we may be tempted to get caught up in moralism, activism, or speculative theology. This may be a word we need as much in our day as when Stott wrote in 1986.
March 24, 2023
A must read and a true christian classic! Stott is exhaustive in his study of the cross and its implications for us and world around us. Really appreciated his look into the various atonement theories, he makes effective use of both church history and scripture in his assessment of each theory. Also found his take on the cry of dereliction very interesting and well argued, even if some would take a different view. Stott delves into the character of God and who Christ is, we have a saviour who doesn't change but also suffers as we do. Theology that is good for both the mind and the soul.
February 12, 2022
This took me way too long. There is some absolute gold in here but you do have to go through a bit to get to it sometimes.
If you’re looking for an in-depth read in the cross this is for you. If you’re after an interesting and inspiring read not so much.
If you’re looking for an in-depth read in the cross this is for you. If you’re after an interesting and inspiring read not so much.
July 19, 2022
The theological precision of Stott as he navigates the significance of penal substitutionary atonement is unmatched. It was, however, heady and challenging to read (for myself) at times. I was glad his last few chapters brought out practical implications to living everyday life in response to the good news of the cross of Christ.
June 20, 2025
One of the greatest works of accessible theology ever written. Stott was a gift to God’s people.
May 9, 2023
It is the man who has died with Christ that can preach the cross of Christ
June 20, 2025
I struggle with his view of God’s Impassibility but other than that 5 🌟
September 20, 2025
“Faith has absolutely no value in itself; its value lies solely in its object. Faith is the eye that looks to Christ, the hand that lays hold of him, the mouth that drinks the water of life. And the more clearly we see the absolute adequacy of Jesus Christ’s divine-human person and sin-bearing death, the more incongruous does it appear that anybody could suppose that we have anything to offer.”
Read
May 18, 2024"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?"
February 7, 2022
A historical, theological, devotional, worshipful, and scriptural book.
I was debating between 4 and 5. It got a little muddled in the middle (also a little Covenantalist lol). But overall, a really great book!
“God could quite justly have abandoned us to our fate. He could have left us alone to reap the fruit of our wrongdoing and to perish in our sins. It is what we deserved. But he did not. Because he loved us, he came after us in Christ. He pursued us even to the desolate anguish of the cross, where he bore our sins, guilt, judgement and death. It takes a hard and stony heart to remain unmoved by love like that.”
“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.”
“If the Cross of Christ is anything to the mind, it is surely everything – the most profound reality and the sublimest mystery.”
“It was by his death that he wished above all else to be remembered. There is then, it is safe to say, no Christianity without the cross. If the cross is not central to our religion, ours is not the religion of Jesus.”
“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 was debating between 4 and 5. It got a little muddled in the middle (also a little Covenantalist lol). But overall, a really great book!
“God could quite justly have abandoned us to our fate. He could have left us alone to reap the fruit of our wrongdoing and to perish in our sins. It is what we deserved. But he did not. Because he loved us, he came after us in Christ. He pursued us even to the desolate anguish of the cross, where he bore our sins, guilt, judgement and death. It takes a hard and stony heart to remain unmoved by love like that.”
“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.”
“If the Cross of Christ is anything to the mind, it is surely everything – the most profound reality and the sublimest mystery.”
“It was by his death that he wished above all else to be remembered. There is then, it is safe to say, no Christianity without the cross. If the cross is not central to our religion, ours is not the religion of Jesus.”
“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?”
December 23, 2013
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.
January 3, 2024
Such a theologically rich book that dives deep into the cross and all that Christ has accomplished for us. I realized much of the work Christ did on the cross, I have taken at face value and this book was convicting in that way. Simple truths that I thought I understood about the cross, Stott digs into in such a deeper and more meaningful way. Honestly, it was so theologically deep at times that I had to re read sections and still wasn’t sure I completely grasped some of the ideas. But 100% worth the read just to learn so much more about Christ’s sacrifice and grow in deeper love and appreciation for what He did.
June 24, 2020
This has widely been considered one of the best books to read if you are a Christian. John Stott has affectionately been called the closest thing to a pope that Protestants have and I can see why. His width and breadth of knowledge, scriptural, historical, artistic, evangelistic, and pastoral all come out in this book. The Cross of Christ is going to take you on a wide sweep of all of the beauties and graces of the cross and at the heart of it, justification.
This book can be hard to read at times due to its repetitive theme and consistent layout. I found myself wandering off from time to time while reading. I would use this more a book of reference in the future than one I would read cover to cover again. It is worth your time though for no other reason than to learn why Stott is loved by so many.
This book can be hard to read at times due to its repetitive theme and consistent layout. I found myself wandering off from time to time while reading. I would use this more a book of reference in the future than one I would read cover to cover again. It is worth your time though for no other reason than to learn why Stott is loved by so many.
August 6, 2025
This book was good for my soul. A fantastic exploration of Christ’s death on the cross and what that means for God and man. The gospel is a thing shallow enough to briefly describe and deep enough to explore forever. Stott expertly explores the heresies and truths of the cross. He banishes any doubts that this is an old familiar story and gives every Christian new eyes to behold the glories of the cross of Christ.
This book is more than worth your time.
This book is more than worth your time.
January 13, 2024
The Cross of Christ has become a Christian Classic for very good reason. Look for deep theological truths here, as well as practical application of our salvation, not to mention the historical defenses too. It will leave you praying what the puritans would pray, “O blessed cross, what mercies dost thou bring with thee!” And “Take us to our saviors cross, and leave us there.”
February 14, 2025
This guy does not miss.
November 29, 2016
400 pages of repetitive obsessing, with the logical fallacy of deciding his conclusions first then working back to grasp at any thought that might tenuously fit them.
Good that he never mentions hell and he manages to avoid ever being specific about what the unpleasant atonement formula is imagined to save us from. Despite styling himself an Evangelical he is known to be one against belief in a conscious hell. This makes it a humanely bearable read, better than any much shorter snappier book by tbe hell fanatics. Good for searching and studying the in-depth thoughts of a fervent believer in the idea of Jesus being an atonement sacrifice.
He pads it by looking at every aspect of the idea from every angle, and every source of theologians' developing thoughts on it across church history. He disagrees with any church father whose interpretation implied any character criticism of God, he insists on taking for granted that God must in every way be perfect and above critique. This is hardly sensible, and totally not dispassionate reasoning for the atonement idea to be right. Readers like me who find it just sick will safely continue to.
He does not make us an attractive offer. It includes the degrading self-contempt and being asked to feel like rubbish, tbat cross based Evangelicalism always includes. He offers us a hypocrite God of do as I say not as I do: who as part of being perfect must not be expected to forgive anyone without penalties paid, yet because we are imperfect, who can order us to forgive wrongs done to us and to suffer oppression and injustice as a result. The concluding section shows that he unjustly just does not care about the fairness and wellbeing of our own lives nor wants us to. For he concludes by ordering us to live obsessively Evangelically for the cross and for preaching it, instead of for ourselves at all. A mindless and closed minded lifestyle.
Good that he never mentions hell and he manages to avoid ever being specific about what the unpleasant atonement formula is imagined to save us from. Despite styling himself an Evangelical he is known to be one against belief in a conscious hell. This makes it a humanely bearable read, better than any much shorter snappier book by tbe hell fanatics. Good for searching and studying the in-depth thoughts of a fervent believer in the idea of Jesus being an atonement sacrifice.
He pads it by looking at every aspect of the idea from every angle, and every source of theologians' developing thoughts on it across church history. He disagrees with any church father whose interpretation implied any character criticism of God, he insists on taking for granted that God must in every way be perfect and above critique. This is hardly sensible, and totally not dispassionate reasoning for the atonement idea to be right. Readers like me who find it just sick will safely continue to.
He does not make us an attractive offer. It includes the degrading self-contempt and being asked to feel like rubbish, tbat cross based Evangelicalism always includes. He offers us a hypocrite God of do as I say not as I do: who as part of being perfect must not be expected to forgive anyone without penalties paid, yet because we are imperfect, who can order us to forgive wrongs done to us and to suffer oppression and injustice as a result. The concluding section shows that he unjustly just does not care about the fairness and wellbeing of our own lives nor wants us to. For he concludes by ordering us to live obsessively Evangelically for the cross and for preaching it, instead of for ourselves at all. A mindless and closed minded lifestyle.
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