Have just re-read this book after more than a decade and I've realised again what a great introduction to Christianity it is - as well as how enjoyable a read it is.

It is short yet comprehensive; the focus is decisively on Jesus as he is revealed in the Bible; and not a sentence or paragraph is wasted. The very structure of the book is pleasingly simple and direct:

Part 1: Christ's Person
Part 2: Man's Need
Part 3: Christ's Work
Part 4: Man's Response

Stott has a way of writing that feels like he's addressing real people with real lives and real questions. His frequent illustrations are not just there to entertain or to make reading easier but they effectively connect biblical truth with the reader, giving greater understanding and insight, highlighting the true profoundness of the gospel and making the call to repent, believe and follow Jesus all the more compelling.

Admittedly it's not the simplest introduction to Christianity available but it's comprehensiveness, brevity, and clarity would place it near the top of my list of books to give to a non-Christian who is not adverse to reading and who has expressed a desire to learn more about Christianity for themselves.

I'd also suggest most Christians would benefit from the refresher course in basic Christianity that reading this book provides.