Dr. R.C. Sproul surveys the great work accomplished by Jesus Christ through His crucifixion the redemption of God s people. Dr. Sproul considers the atonement from numerous angles and shows conclusively that the cross was absolutely necessary if anyone was to be saved. Opening the Scriptures, Dr. Sproul shows that God Himself provided salvation by sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross, and the cross was always God s intended method by which to bring salvation. The Truth of the Cross is an uncompromising reminder that the atonement of Christ is an absolutely essential doctrine of the Christian faith, one that should be studied and understood by all believers.
The Truth of the Cross
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
The Truth of the Cross is the best book on the cross I have read. It is a 'must' for every church library and a book that I will give away many times to friends. This is so because it is sober (i.e., it contains historically informed reflections on salient biblical texts), sensible (i.e., it is well-argued), simple (i.e., it holds the reader's attention through grabbing illustrations and even a seventh-grader can its substance), and spiritual (i.e., it comes from a heart set ablaze by the Spirit). --Dr. Bruce K. Waltke, Professor RTS<br /><br />The cross stands at the very center of our Christian lives. Still, many Christians are confused about the heart of the gospel, for many deviant views are in the air. R.C. Sproul blows the fog away in this wonderfully clear, theologically profound, and pastorally rich work. Learn afresh or anew what God has accomplished in the cross, so that you will boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ. --Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor SBTS
The cross stands at the very center of our Christian lives. Still, many Christians are confused about the heart of the gospel, for many deviant views are in the air. R.C. Sproul blows the fog away in this wonderfully clear, theologically profound, and pastorally rich work. Learn afresh or anew what God has accomplished in the cross, so that you will boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ. --Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor SBTS
The cross stands at the very center of our Christian lives. Still, many Christians are confused about the heart of the gospel, for many deviant views are in the air. R.C. Sproul blows the fog away in this wonderfully clear, theologically profound, and pastorally rich work. Learn afresh or anew what God has accomplished in the cross, so that you will boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ. --Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor SBTS
About the Author
Dr. R.C. Sproul is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, an international multimedia ministry based in Lake Mary, Florida, and can be heard teaching around the United States and overseas on his daily radio program Renewing Your Mind. He also serves as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew s Chapel in Sanford, Florida.
During his distinguished academic career, Dr. Sproul has helped train men for the ministry as a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and later at Knox Theological Seminary.
He is the author of more than sixty books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, What is Reformed Theology?, The Invisible Hand, Faith Alone, and A Taste of Heaven. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.
His impact on evangelical publishing was recognized in 2007 when the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association presented him with its Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given in recognition of exceptional contributions to the Christian publishing industry.
Dr. Sproul and his wife, Vesta, make their home in Longwood, Florida.
During his distinguished academic career, Dr. Sproul has helped train men for the ministry as a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and later at Knox Theological Seminary.
He is the author of more than sixty books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, What is Reformed Theology?, The Invisible Hand, Faith Alone, and A Taste of Heaven. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.
His impact on evangelical publishing was recognized in 2007 when the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association presented him with its Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given in recognition of exceptional contributions to the Christian publishing industry.
Dr. Sproul and his wife, Vesta, make their home in Longwood, Florida.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Dr. R.C. Sproul is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian education ministry located near Orlando, Florida. His teaching can be heard on the program Renewing Your Mind, which is broadcast on hundreds of radio outlets in the United States and in 40 countries worldwide. He is the executive editor of Tabletalk magazine and general editor of The Reformation Study Bible, and the author of more than seventy books and scores of articles for national evangelical publications. Dr. Sproul also serves as president of Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies and Reformation Bible College. He currently serves as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's in Sanford, FL.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Before I started into the text of The Truth of the Cross I read the three endorsements that came with it, one by Thomas Schreiner, one by Scott Clark and one by Bruce Waltke. It was Waltke's that caught my eye when he said, "The Truth of the Cross is the best book on the cross I have read." A man of Waltke's age, Christian maturity and status must have read more than a few books on the cross, making this no little statement. Having read the book, I know it was no exaggeration. The best book on the cross I've ever read is Frederick Leahy's The Cross He Bore, a book I'd consider a must-read for any Christian. Could this one be as good, as beautiful as that?
There are few people I'd rather read on this topic than R.C. Sproul. He has an unparalleled gift for explaining difficult theological concepts in a way that makes them accessible and easy to understand. I don't know of anyone else who does a better job of explaining Reformed theology and the theology of God's sovereign grace in the contexts of biblical theology and the history of the church. This book does just that. It convincingly unfolds the meaning, significance and power of the cross, showing the necessity of an atonement and providing a biblical defense for substitutionary atonement as understood by the historic stream of Protestant theology.
This message is timely. As Sproul says in the first chapter, "I doubt there has been a period in the two thousand years of Christian history when the significance, the centrality, and even the necessity of the cross have been more controversial than now. ... Never before in Christian history has the need for an atonement been as widely challenged as it is today." Yet it is clear from the Bible that if "you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity." We can only understand the atonement if we know about the character of God. "If we are defective in understanding the character of God or understanding the nature of sin, it is inevitable that we will come to the conclusion that the atonement was not necessary." And so this book examines the character of God, the state of humanity, and the work that must be done to reconcile sinful men to a holy God.
Though the book is short, it is dense. And yet, because of Sproul's gift in teaching, it is easy to read and easy to digest. It shares the glorious doctrines that stand at the very heart of the Christian faith. It shares the great and glorious news of the gospel.
Is this the best book on the cross I've ever read? Perhaps. I don't know that I would recommend this in place of The Cross He Bore but it certainly would make a wonderful complement to Leahy's title. Less reflective and meditative, but with a greater emphasis on teaching theology, The Truth of the Cross will be a great addition to any library. This and The Cross He Bore could be read together every year and would undoubtedly bring great blessing with each reading. It is good to remember the cross and to come to a greater understanding of what it means and why it matters. The Truth of the Cross will center your thoughts upon the cross and upon the One Who went there willingly so that we could have life.
There are few people I'd rather read on this topic than R.C. Sproul. He has an unparalleled gift for explaining difficult theological concepts in a way that makes them accessible and easy to understand. I don't know of anyone else who does a better job of explaining Reformed theology and the theology of God's sovereign grace in the contexts of biblical theology and the history of the church. This book does just that. It convincingly unfolds the meaning, significance and power of the cross, showing the necessity of an atonement and providing a biblical defense for substitutionary atonement as understood by the historic stream of Protestant theology.
This message is timely. As Sproul says in the first chapter, "I doubt there has been a period in the two thousand years of Christian history when the significance, the centrality, and even the necessity of the cross have been more controversial than now. ... Never before in Christian history has the need for an atonement been as widely challenged as it is today." Yet it is clear from the Bible that if "you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity." We can only understand the atonement if we know about the character of God. "If we are defective in understanding the character of God or understanding the nature of sin, it is inevitable that we will come to the conclusion that the atonement was not necessary." And so this book examines the character of God, the state of humanity, and the work that must be done to reconcile sinful men to a holy God.
Though the book is short, it is dense. And yet, because of Sproul's gift in teaching, it is easy to read and easy to digest. It shares the glorious doctrines that stand at the very heart of the Christian faith. It shares the great and glorious news of the gospel.
Is this the best book on the cross I've ever read? Perhaps. I don't know that I would recommend this in place of The Cross He Bore but it certainly would make a wonderful complement to Leahy's title. Less reflective and meditative, but with a greater emphasis on teaching theology, The Truth of the Cross will be a great addition to any library. This and The Cross He Bore could be read together every year and would undoubtedly bring great blessing with each reading. It is good to remember the cross and to come to a greater understanding of what it means and why it matters. The Truth of the Cross will center your thoughts upon the cross and upon the One Who went there willingly so that we could have life.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Seth McBee
Format:Hardcover
This little book by R.C. Sproul is a book that looks to be a beginner's guide to the cross. It is very short, as it is only 168 pages and the book is only about 5 inches by 3 inches. As I opened the book I expected that this would be something that I would give to someone who is just learning about what the cross did and why it had to happen, or a refresher for those who needed to get "grounded" again. This is exactly what it was. Dr. Sproul does a very good job of quickly yet precisely taking the reader through the necessity of the cross, the cause of the cross, the implications of the cross, and even a little prophetic note of the cross through passages like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.
This book doesn't get too deep but just glances across a wide variety of topics to get the reader acquainted with the reason behind the cross. I believe this is exactly what Dr. Sproul was trying to accomplish, and so he fulfilled his desire with this book. The reader should not expect a deep theological discussion on each topic, but merely an introduction for further study after this book.
The only thing that I feel should have been left out or at least written with more fluidity is the last chapter on limited atonement. It was odd that Dr. Sproul wrote the entire book, focusing primarily on what the Scriptures said about the atonement and it's cause, really drawing no line in the sand on historic theologies. Then, in the last chapter he tries to quickly go through limited atonement and reformed doctrine. It just didn't seem to fit in this book. I believe he could have definitely made it fit if he wanted to give a defense of limited atonement, but he then tried to give a quick history of the TULIP and the like, and it just seemed like too short of a book and the wrong "stage" to try and draw up these arguments. It really stuck out like a sore thumb. Before the last chapter I believe I could have handed the book to any new Christian with no "primer" beforehand. Now, if I give it to a new believer I will have a lot of explaining to do because of the last chapter as it really opens a can of worms that could have been avoided.
Besides that, the book is concise and makes good arguments on the cross in a God honoring way. I would recommend the book to any who need a refresher or just don't understand the meaning or the reason behind the cross. Of course, with a disclaimer on the last chapter. Recommended
This book doesn't get too deep but just glances across a wide variety of topics to get the reader acquainted with the reason behind the cross. I believe this is exactly what Dr. Sproul was trying to accomplish, and so he fulfilled his desire with this book. The reader should not expect a deep theological discussion on each topic, but merely an introduction for further study after this book.
The only thing that I feel should have been left out or at least written with more fluidity is the last chapter on limited atonement. It was odd that Dr. Sproul wrote the entire book, focusing primarily on what the Scriptures said about the atonement and it's cause, really drawing no line in the sand on historic theologies. Then, in the last chapter he tries to quickly go through limited atonement and reformed doctrine. It just didn't seem to fit in this book. I believe he could have definitely made it fit if he wanted to give a defense of limited atonement, but he then tried to give a quick history of the TULIP and the like, and it just seemed like too short of a book and the wrong "stage" to try and draw up these arguments. It really stuck out like a sore thumb. Before the last chapter I believe I could have handed the book to any new Christian with no "primer" beforehand. Now, if I give it to a new believer I will have a lot of explaining to do because of the last chapter as it really opens a can of worms that could have been avoided.
Besides that, the book is concise and makes good arguments on the cross in a God honoring way. I would recommend the book to any who need a refresher or just don't understand the meaning or the reason behind the cross. Of course, with a disclaimer on the last chapter. Recommended
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Overview
The cross has been the center of discussion and debate since the early beginnings of Christianity. What exactly happened that night? Did it even have to happen? What was Jesus going through as it happened? Who benefits from what happened on the cross? These are the simplified versions of some very complex theological questions arising from our understanding of Christ's work on the cross but if you think about it, so much of the way you live the Christian life is rooted in what you believe really took place on the cross. The author himself spells out how important this is in his comment
"If you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity."
Outline
R.C. Sproul's most recent book The Truth of the Cross checks in at about 167 pages, a quick read if you are willing but certainly not sparse in depth. When the cross is discussed, normally you would hear the words atonement, justification, sacrifice, redemption, substitution, debt, suffering, and hell. Amazingly enough, you will find all of these topics covered in this book in a way that RC is well-known for: easy to understand but never lacking in thought-provoking theology.
Obviously in a shorter book like this it is difficult to thoroughly examine all of these topics but that wasn't the author's intent. The author seems to have written an introductory book, giving the reader who may have questions about the cross or maybe hasn't ever studied some of these topics a good overview of the subject.
Although the book answers a lot of questions throughout its first nine chapters, I particularly enjoyed the tenth chapter, "Questions and Answers". Some great questions are asked and RC briefly responds with just enough to cover the question but leaves the reader to ponder some more and, hopefully, dig into the Bible for more answers. I wish more authors provided a Q&A section within their books; a mini-catechism of sorts. This also serves as a good quick-reference guide to the book written in a much more readable form.
Summary
This is a great book for those looking for a quick introduction to the questions they have about the cross and some of the more theological terms associated with it. But of course, this would be an excellent book for anyone who has studied the cross but loves to hear the story again and again.
The cross has been the center of discussion and debate since the early beginnings of Christianity. What exactly happened that night? Did it even have to happen? What was Jesus going through as it happened? Who benefits from what happened on the cross? These are the simplified versions of some very complex theological questions arising from our understanding of Christ's work on the cross but if you think about it, so much of the way you live the Christian life is rooted in what you believe really took place on the cross. The author himself spells out how important this is in his comment
"If you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity."
Outline
R.C. Sproul's most recent book The Truth of the Cross checks in at about 167 pages, a quick read if you are willing but certainly not sparse in depth. When the cross is discussed, normally you would hear the words atonement, justification, sacrifice, redemption, substitution, debt, suffering, and hell. Amazingly enough, you will find all of these topics covered in this book in a way that RC is well-known for: easy to understand but never lacking in thought-provoking theology.
Obviously in a shorter book like this it is difficult to thoroughly examine all of these topics but that wasn't the author's intent. The author seems to have written an introductory book, giving the reader who may have questions about the cross or maybe hasn't ever studied some of these topics a good overview of the subject.
Although the book answers a lot of questions throughout its first nine chapters, I particularly enjoyed the tenth chapter, "Questions and Answers". Some great questions are asked and RC briefly responds with just enough to cover the question but leaves the reader to ponder some more and, hopefully, dig into the Bible for more answers. I wish more authors provided a Q&A section within their books; a mini-catechism of sorts. This also serves as a good quick-reference guide to the book written in a much more readable form.
Summary
This is a great book for those looking for a quick introduction to the questions they have about the cross and some of the more theological terms associated with it. But of course, this would be an excellent book for anyone who has studied the cross but loves to hear the story again and again.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Study resource
This book is a good resource for those hungry for more than typical topics presented in the church setting for new or young Christians . Read more
Published 4 hours ago by Kimberly
5.0 out of 5 stars
the Truth of the Cross is very good
This is an insightful book for every Christian. R C Sproul put a new slant on various scriptures. He makes you think as you read, instead of just skimming through the book.
Published 1 day ago by jacquelyn l davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb book by RC
Really, RC has done ultimate work to bring the simple but yet profound message of the Cross and Jesus Christ.
Published 2 days ago by Ajesh
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dr. Sproul writes in a way that even I can start to understand The...
I would recommend this book to my son. While he is not a real religious person, he does appreciate reading some theology. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Donna Reuning
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This is a truly wonderful book from Dr R C Sproul. Like all of R C's other writting, clear, concise, all centred on our Lord and Saviour objectively. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Ekklesia
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Cross of Jesus Christ is the Focus of the Hope of Mankind
I believe that this book lays out why the cross is such a central part of not only the Christian faith but why it is such a debatable piece to be argued over in today's world. Read more
Published 6 days ago by C.G
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE TRUTH OF THE CROSS
R.C. SPROUL IS THE MAN TO LISTEN TO AND OR READ FOR INTELLIGENT BIBLICAL TEACHINGS. HE IS OUTSTANDING IN ALL WAYS & WILL LEAD YOU CLOSER TO UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE WORD OF GOD.
Published 6 days ago by Sue Ferguson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Summary of the Central Christian Doctrine
RC shows the result of many years of study and thought dedicated to the "Why" of the Cross. Excellent in its simplicity.
Published 7 days ago by D. S. Forrester
5.0 out of 5 stars
A rich book
Dr. Sproul never ceases to amaze. His writing is so deep and thorough and yet easily readable. I have recommended it to Christian friends. Read more
Published 9 days ago by doodles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
Made me take a second look at a few stories from the Bible. But overall a great read. Loved it!
Published 11 days ago by C. Morrison
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
|
|
