The Cross of Christ [Deluxe Edition] [Hardcover]

John Stott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2006

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Capter six alone--"Self-Substitution of God"--is worth the whole of this rich, God-honoring, Christ-exhausting, devotional, biblical...theologically sane and clear book." -- —Luis Palau, International Evangelist

"I have no hesitation in saying that this is the most enriching theological book I have ever read. " -- —Ajith Fernando, author, Bible teacher and national director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka

"Outside of the Bible itself, this may be the best book I've ever read on the cross of Christ." -- —Anne Graham Lotz, author of Just Give Me Jesus

"Stott has given us a classic articulation of this influential, evangelical doctrine that is both vigorous and readable." -- —Tony Jones, National Coordinator of Emergent-U.S. (www.emergentvillage.com), and author of The Sacred Way

"This, more than any book he has written, is his masterpiece." -- —J. I. Packer, Regent College

From the Publisher

eatures & Benefits

* A masterpiece from one of the most respected Christian teachers

* Explores all the facets of the cross and its implication for our lives

* A classic study on the heart of the Christian faith

* Examines Scripture, tradition and modern experience with regard to the cross

* Biblically precise, thoughtful, thorough and filled with practical passion

* 1987 Eternity Book of the Year

* Winner of a 1988 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award

* Now with a study guide and a new foreword by Alister McGrath

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 380 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; 20th Anniversary Edition edition (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083083320X
• ISBN-13: 978-0830833207
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John 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."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 122 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work on the Atonement! Summary below September 21, 2000

By Rob Taylor

Format:Hardcover

"But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," - Galatians 6:14 NASB

The name John Stott is well recognized among Bible students today, and for good reason. He has long been recognized for his gifted teaching, penetrating insight and pastoral warmth. His writings take the profound teachings of Christianity; shine much needed light on them, and in the same fluid motion, they plug the teachings into the lives of their readers. This book is no exception. The Cross of Christ is considered to be Stott's greatest work by more than a few people and I myself would place it in the top five books I've ever read. It's that good. The central theme of this book is to explain why and how the finished work of Christ on the cross is central to the Christian faith. It deals more with how salvation was provided for on the cross and not so much how it becomes effective for salvation in the life of a person. Stott begins by considering some preliminary issues such as the centrality of the cross in our faith. Stott says of Christ, "What dominated his mind was not the living but the giving of His life"(32). Stott rightly suggests that the cause of Christ's death was both the wickedness of men and the plan of God. He was turned over to the priests out of Judas' greed, turned over to Pilate out of the priest's envy, and handed over to the soldiers out of Pilate's cowardice, and the soldiers crucified Him. However, the blame for Christ's death cannot be placed solely on these individuals because He was not only suffering for their sins, but ours too. All this was according to the plan of God also. His love desired out salvation, and the only righteous way to do such a thing was to place our sins on the Savior and to have Him pay our penalty.... The chasm is great between ourselves and a holy God. Stott says that "sin is not only the attempt to be God; it is also the refusal to be man, by shuffling off the responsibility for our actions"(101). So in order for God to offer salvation to mankind, He must do so righteously, without contradicting Himself. Man can never repay such a tremendous debt. This is where the Savior enters the picture. In other words, "How can he save us and satisfy himself simultaneously? We reply to this point that, in order to satisfy himself, He sacrificed - indeed substituted - himself for us" (132). Stott declares, "...neither Christ alone as man not the Father alone as God could be our substitute. Only God in Christ, God the Father's own and only Son made man, could take our place" (160). The result of this divine transaction in that man can be pronounced legally righteous, justified, in the sight of God. Stott tells us that it is very important to understand the accomplishments of the cross, "for the better people understand the glory of the divine substitution, the easier it will be for them to trust in the Substitute" (203). After Stott delineates the details involved in the atonement of Christ he does something that few theologians do by discussing what it means to live under the shadow of the cross. He tells us that the greatest singe event, in which God simultaneously shows us His justice and His love, was in the cross. Ultimately, God dealt with the problem of evil at the cross when he provided salvation from it to all those who would trust Him. Now we have unlimited access to God which should mark our lives with joy.

Discipleship logically follows from salvation. Once God saves us, we give up "our supposed right to go on our own way" (279). We realize our position in Christ and we literally mortify the deeds of the flesh that once controlled us. Knowing that we are valuable in the sight of God should cause us to be giving in sacrificial service. Power and pride should now give way to service and humility. Last but not least, Stott deals with Christian suffering. The causes of suffering are varied, but its results should be patient endurance and mature holiness (315,16). Even while our faith is being tried, we can rest easier knowing that God loves us and has promised an ultimate deliverance. Our involvement with evil should not be in its repayment but on letting God deal righteously. The best examples of how we are to react to suffering are the meekness and trust in the sovereignty of God that were displayed in the life of Christ, culminating in His death. In summary, John Stott's The Cross of Christ is a book that teaches the prediction of, the necessity for, the accomplishments gained by and the benefits resulting from Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. I feel like this is a much-needed work at this point in time when much of Christianity is focused on Christian living with our never sufficiently knowing why we live like we do. I am a firm believer that correct behavior can only be consistently lived when our minds are thinking correctly beforehand. Observation tells me that it is virtually impossible to behave correctly without believing correctly. In my opinion, Stott places the importance of Christ's cross exactly where is should be in our list of priorities...right at the top. Read more ›

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, thorough and thrilling explanation of the Cross August 17, 1999

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

If you ever want to find out what is at the very heart of the Christian faith Stott argues that the death of Jesus is crucial. Although a serious read which convincingly refutes many of the wrong and inadequate views of the Cross, Stott leaves us with an understanding of the event that is coherrent, powerful and ultimately thrilling. As well as providing understanding, the book explores what it truly means to live 'under the shadow' of the Cross, demonstrating that the very best theology is extremely practical - indeed, life-changing.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cross of Christ December 17, 1999

By Terry W Stratton

Format:Hardcover

With a writing style that appealed to this former skeptic Stott dispeled clouds of confusion surrounding concepts like "salvation" and "redemption". He explained the reality that was behind the Christian jargon and removed false intellectual barriers to understanding the need for the cruxified and risen Christ. One of the 2 or 3 most life-changing books I have ever read.

58 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars About the symbol most attacked by non-believers October 12, 2000

By E. Johnson

Format:Hardcover

From Satanists to pagans to the non-believing world at large, the cross of Christ is the most despised symbol in probably all creation. What it stands for brings out the snidest comments I have ever heard. And no wonder! Even Paul said that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who perish. Stott does a marvelous job tracking the centrality of the cross and just what it means for the faithful Christian. This is not a skimming kind of book that many non-Christians whose diet consists of 100% fiction will appreciate. It will cause you to think, but as an earlier reviewer hinted, it's the kind of book more people in our churches desperately need to read. If you want milk, as so many Christian bookstores offer, then you will live a superficial Christian life. If you want meat that will help you dig deeper into this relationship you have with God, then I suggest picking up The Cross of Christ and making sure your highlighter is in new condition...you will need it!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, for relaxtion or study. May 11, 2005

By W. cornett

Format:Hardcover

This book is broken up into four main part: "Approaching the Cross," "The Heart of the Cross," "The Achievement of the Cross," and "Living under the Cross." These four sections show why and how Christ's cross is central to the Christian faith.

Stott begins the first section by showing prominence of the cross throughout Christian history. He shows that the early church used it as a sign and symbol, and the apostles made it central in their preaching. These things became so because the cross was the passion of Christ. Stott said, "What dominated his mind was not the living but the giving of His life"(32). He also address the enemies of the cross and shows that despite men's hatred of the cross it still remains the center focus of Christianity. Next, Stott tackled the question "Why did Christ die?". The answer he provides is that it was both the wickedness of men and the plan of God. He said, "he did not die; he was killed. . . . He was not killed; he died, giving himself up voluntarily to do his Father's will" (61-2). He looks at the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' life and shows that his mission was the cross.

In the second section he shows the need for forgiveness. This involves satisfying God's holiness and justness. The problem is, in Stott's words, "How can he save us and satisfy himself simultaneously? We reply to this point that, in order to satisfy himself, He sacrificed - indeed substituted - himself for us" (132). Stott declares, "...neither Christ alone as man not the Father alone as God could be our substitute. Only God in Christ, God the Father's own and only Son made man, could take our place" (160). Through this substitution men can receive right standing before God.

The third section focuses on what Christ's cross did.... First, and foremost, it provides salvation for sinners. He focuses on a few key terms: propitiation, redemption, justification, and reconciliation. Second, the revelatory work of the cross. Stott said, "When we look at the cross we see the justice, love, wisdom, and power of God." It is "a demonstration, of God's justice, love, wisdom and power. The cross assures us that this God is the reality within, behind and beyond the universe" (226). Third, it is the way of victory. Christ was victorious. Christians have victory through the blood of Christ that was shed from the cross.

The fourth section focuses on the practical implications of the cross to those who believe. Christians have fellowship around the cross (not food). Stott argued that the cross demands both self-denial and self-affirmation. This, according to Stott, leads to self-giving, not self-gratification. Living under the cross also means Christians must love their enemies, after all Christ died on the cross for sinners, his enemies. The cross also teaches about suffering. Christians should expect it and endure it with patience because it should bring maturity and holiness.

This book contains a scripture index and a subject index. This allows it not to only be a good read, but also a good reference. Anyone who loves the cross will love this book. Stott writes with an inviting style. The book is well researched. This reviewer would recommend this book without reservation. The only criticism that might be made is that chapters 10 and 11 are a little touchy feely. Read more ›