This is a review of the Cross of Christ by one of our apprentices Ruth Waliaula. Ruth is an apprentice placed in City of Light Fellowship Church in Karen, Nairobi where she helps with administration work.
‘For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’ 1 Corinthians 1:18
Many people, I included have used this verse often especially in preaching, but paying no or less attention to the seriousness of the message of the cross.
Many times we have used the cross and signs of the cross as Christians but we barely take into consideration its importance. In fact, we never ask ourselves why the cross and not another thing. We are so used to the cross that it has become cliché, sadly.
John Stott writes to bring us a deeper understanding of the cross as Christians and the importance of the cross. He writes to bring to us the basic evangelical understanding of the cross. He says there is no greater, no more challenging task for a Christian leader than to set out the meaning of the cross for the church and for the world.
The book has been written in a very systematic way that is easy to understand and follow. It is divided into four major sections namely, approaching the cross, heart of the cross, achievement of the cross and living under the cross.
The author brings to us the centrality of the cross. He shows us how the cross became the central theme and the foundational image of the Christian faith. The most amazing thing is getting to learn that there was nothing else that could represent the Christian faith other than the cross.
John explains the reason why Christ died. Many times we blame Judas, Pilate and the soldiers for killing Jesus but do not consider the bigger picture of Christ dying on the cross. In blaming ‘those people’ we have failed to see that we are the reason he died; it is because of our sins that he died.
It is until we realize this that we will grasp the seriousness of the cross. Understanding the seriousness of the cross gives us an understanding of the seriousness of sin. Sin is so serious that Christ had to shed His blood on the cross; there was no other alternative for the forgiveness of sin other than in the blood of Christ.
This book has greatly helped me to get the wider picture of the work of Christ on the cross. It offers more than what this review gives. It’s packed with so much knowledge with lots of keen and extensive explanation around this topic that is very helpful in understanding the cross of Christ.
The Cross of Christ is a must read for all Christians. I recommend it to every Christian for the understanding and appreciation of the cross and for the growth of their faith in Christ.
