Philip G. Ryken celebrates Easter with this thoughtful guidebook to understanding the cross. Seven answers to seven questions explain the why and the wherefore of the cross for a Biblical faith and a Christian life.
Ryken covers the necessity of the cross for salvation; the offense it gives to Jews, Gentiles, and any moral individual; the peace it brings to those who trust in Christ; the power it has to achieve God's loving, saving purpose; the triumph it wins over sin, death, and the judgment of God; the humility it displays in the character of Jesus; and the boast it becomes for every believer.
Endorsements
Perfect for a thoughtful person who wants to know Christ and discover what it means to trust in Him.
Colin S. Smith Senior Pastor, The Orchard, Arlington Heights, Illinois and President, Unlocking the Bible
The cross is the center of the Christian life and message... But what does it mean? And how does that apply to our lives? This little book will help explain that to interested readers.
Josh Moody Senior Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois
This season is a time for renewal. People everywhere rejoice as the gloom and chill of winter gives way to the warmth and freshness of spring. There is no question that this annual climate change has been orchestrated by God to be a creative parable for redemption. For instance, Richard Sibbes, the great 16th and 17th century Puritan theologian, once said: "As the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory." It is no wonder, to us who celebrate Resurrection Day, that death and resurrection also apply metaphorically.
Philip Graham Ryken's latest book, "Salvation by Crucifixion" (Christian Focus Publications), has arrived just in time for Easter. This short book is based on a series of evangelistic sermons given at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. Ryken and the late James Montgomery Boice revived an old tradition of preaching during the lunch hour in the weeks leading up to Resurrection Day, and this book is the fruit of that ministry.
The books consists of seven chapters, which are sermons on the cross of Christ. Each sermon explains a characteristic or result of the crucifixion of Jesus. Ryken seeks to show the reader why "the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history." (p. 13)
In the first chapter, the author tells us of the necessity of the cross-that it was necessary to fulfill God's plan, pay for sin, and to save sinners. Chapter two speaks of the "offense" of the cross. It was an abomination to the Romans and a curse to the Jews, but it is also insulting to any "moral" person. (pp. 35-37) "The Peace of the Cross" is the title of the next chapter. Here, Ryken writes of the enmity between humanity and God and the reconciliation that Christ has provided in His cross-work. The fourth chapter is similar to the second, in that the shame of the cross (Heb. 12:2) is closely related to its foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18). The author spells out the power and wisdom of God in the saving cross of Christ. Chapter five is probably my favorite exposition in the book. Entitled "The Triumph of the Cross," it speaks of the debt acquired by our sin and its cancellation upon the cross. Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities [and]... made a public spectacle of them," (Col. 2:15) which has wrought victory over death for those united with Christ. In the sixth chapter, Ryken shows us the humiliation of Christ in His incarnation and (active/passive) obedience. He was humble in life and even unto death-by willingly being nailed to a vile cross in obedience! The reader can't help but ask, "How should I then live?" Finally, in chapter seven, the author concludes by helping us understand the "unusual obsession" of boasting in the cross of Christ. (pp. 86-87) This boasting is unusual because it is other-focused, rather than self-centered. The Christian knows he has not brought anything to the salvation equation except for his sin, and so his boast is in the cross that saves.
"Salvation by Crucifixion" is a wonderful little book. It's helpful for preachers and teachers in that it shows what an evangelistic, cross-focused sermon is supposed to look like. It's an encouragement to Christians everywhere because the gospel is laid bare and the doctrines of salvation are clearly explained. And since the content is evangelistic, it is an excellent resource for outreach. The book is small and short, so one could very easily hand them out while witnessing to others. I recommend having a few on hand for the purpose of distribution.
I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of review. I was in no way coerced or encouraged to write a favorable review.
Timothy G. Harris, Ohio
As practical as it is profound... It is a book that will encourage the believer and challenge the unbeliever as it displays the nature of God's redeeming love.
Robert Norris Senior Pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, Maryland
Dr. Ryken in his striking exploration of this question shows the many facets of the Bible's teaching on the cross. Jesus' identity and mission shine out clearly. This book will be interesting and helpful for Christians and non-Christians alike.
W. Robert Godfrey President Emeritus, Professor Emeritus of Church History, Westminster Seminary in California, Escondido, California
Read this book slowly, prayerfully, meditatively, and let its amazing truths penetrate the depth of your soul.
Joel R. Beeke Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Artful, but simple; compact, but loaded; sound, but fresh. This book is a jewel. Some passages sing. It well repays the time it takes to read it.
Mark Dever Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC
Philip G. Ryken became President of Wheaton College in July 2010. Prior to that he was Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is also a prolific author and a member of the council of The Gospel Coalition.
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