Best book I've read about the Cross

John R. W. Stott, pastor of All Soul's Anglican Church in London, is one of the most respected evangelical writers in Great Britain. I just finished reading his classic book, The Cross of Christ, and I found it to be the best book I have ever read about the Cross.

Stott writes as an evangelical pastor and scholar. While he thinks deeply, he writes with clarity and frequent illustrations. In fact, I used his book as the basis for a series of sermons on the cross that I preached recently.

Stott begins by making a passionate argument for the centrality of the cross to the Christian gospel. Then he explores the reasons for the crucifixion, and while describing many "images" of atonement, he zeroes in on Christ as a substitutionary sacrifice to satisfy both the holiness and love of God. His discussion in chapter seven of propitiation, redemption, justification and reconciliation is perhaps the best chapter of the book. The book concludes with chapters on what it means to live as followers of the One who died on the cross, with excellent explanations of service, overcoming evil, and understanding suffering.

Stott has read widely on the subject and he graciously comments on opposing views from liberal and Roman Catholic scholars. He takes other views seriously, but is faithful to an orthodox evangelical interpretation of scripture. I found it interesting that he disagrees with the popular view of Jesus' death as a "ransom" paid to the devil in a strictly literal sense. His discussion on the distinctions between Protestant and Roman Catholic views of justification is particularly insightful. Stott rejects the doctrine that God does not suffer, maintaining in chapter 13 that it is precisely because God did suffer on the cross that we are able to bear our suffering.

Many parts of the book read as if they were sermons. This is not surprising, since Stott is a pastor. Yet it comes together as a systematic theology of the cross. His conclusion makes an excellent sermon on how central the cross is to Paul's Letter to the Galatians.

This is a book that I will read again and again in the years to come.

"March Madness" in church

It's "March Madness," the time when basketball fans get excited about the college playoffs.
We have "March Madness" in church, too. Matt Tullos has noticed lots of sports terms that fit in church. Basketball has an "alley-oop." In church, an "alley-oop" would be when the singer sings an incredible song that relates to the sermon and the preacher slams it home. But be careful, as church can also have an "alley-oops," as when the pastor preaches a sermon on adultery and then the soloist sings, "Why Not Tonight?"
Basketball also has a "slam-dunk." In church, a "slam-dunk" happens when the pastor loses his grip in the baptistry. There is also a foul called a "double-dribble." In church, this is when the Lord's Supper juice glasses are cracked.
Football has a "blitz." In church, a "blitz" is when a 20 people rush the associate pastor five minutes before the service, each with an announcement that must be made. Football also has a "screen pass." In church, a "screen pass" is when the pastor plans to use a clip from a Disney movie and then chickens out. Then there is the "illegal use of the hands" foul. This happens in more formal churches when charismatic worship is practiced. Then there is the "two-minute warning." In church, this is when the pastor slows down his sermon with the words, "Finally, church..."
Baseball has the term "stealing home." In church this is when a member slips out the back door during the invitation. Another baseball term is a "pinch hitter." In church, this is when a visiting preacher steps up to the pulpit.
My favorite sports term is a "sacrifice." This is done by a baseball player who allows himself to get out in order to advance a runner or even bring a runner home. And this is what Jesus did for us on the cross, getting "out" in order to advance us to our eternal "home" in Heaven. He had to do this because all of us have a "batting average" that is below .500 (we are sinners who often strike out) and we aren't good enough to get to Heaven on our own good deeds. Thank God, that even in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, we can make a comeback and win the victory through faith in Jesus Christ!
That's the message of the Easter season, when "March Madness" turns into "April Gladness."