A REVIEW OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

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A Book Review
Presented to
Dr. Malcolm Yarnell III
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

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In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for SYSTH 3013

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by
Jeffrey A. Manning

Stott, John R.W.. The Cross of Christ, The 20th Anniversary Ed. Downers Grove: IVP
Books, 2006. 380 pp. $26.00.

If someone were to ask what the heart of Christianity is what would one say? John
Stott exhibits in this book that the central message of the Christian faith is the centrality
of the cross of Jesus Christ. Stott, both a preacher and evangelist, served many years as a
rector or parish priest at All Souls Church in London, England. Even as a pastortheologian his books have been read all over the world, even being named as one of the
100 Most Influential People in the World. As any great expositor would do, he
remains faithful to the teaching of Scripture that Christianity is about the cross.

Summary
He begins by stating that the cross of Christ is the greatest and most glorious of
all subjects (13) How could this cruel event create such affection? He sees it as one
who is indebted to the person who bore it. Marking it as the distinguishing factor amongst
the other religions, he argues that the cross is at the center of the historic, biblical
faith (13) Believing that it has been sufficiently ignored in enough places, Stott brings
the reader back to what J.I. Packer says is the very heart of the Christian gospel. (13)
While this is the very purpose that Christ came, the doctrine still remains unpopular to
some theologians and, up until recently, little has been written on the subject. This is
probably why this book, which is widely considered as his greatest work, has been held
in high regard for some time now. His interaction with text, using careful exegesis, while
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learning from both the traditional and modern persuasions, gives it the kind of scope that
helps make up for the years that the discussion of this doctrine lacked. The only other
books he gratefully mentions as contributions are Leon Morriss Apostolic Preaching of
the Cross and The Cross in the New Testament. Concerning the readership of his
audience, these works are more comprehensive and scholarly in scope. So, without
glazing over details or over the difficult discussions concerning the cross and atonement,
he provides a comprehensive look that pastorally appeals to many people.
First, he brings them to the cross itself. This is an appropriate place to be since it
is the discussion but also because of our involvement. Despite everything that happened
when Christ died, a depth that none can fathom, Stott says, whether we like it or not,
we are involved. Our sins put him there. (18) While many believe this purpose of the
cross, many have not developed the details concerning it. Chapters two and three deal
with these details about who is responsible and the underlying anguish that was
associated with this event. Maintaining the centrality of the cross, Stott explains that
everyone is responsible for the death of Christ but that it is ultimately Christ who laid
down His own life. This is helpful since many take the focus off the purpose of the cross
in order to determine blame. This addresses critics on all historical ends by saying that it
is the fault of the Romans, Jews, and us that put Him there. Yet, at the end of it all none
of us could have killed unless He laid it down. The purpose, however, needs to be
developed more, for which he does in chapters 4-9.
The central portion of the book is, first, the heart of the cross and, secondly, its
achievement. The progression he follows, in light of the purpose of the cross, is helpful.
There is the problem of forgiveness. He writes, It is not why God finds it difficult to

forgive, but how he finds it possible to do so at all. (90) Again, now that we are at the
foot of the cross and see that it is our fault, we must see that it is not mere mistakes that
separate but complete rebellion. He reminds us that we must have a balanced
understanding of the sinfulness of man and the great glory of God. If we cannot measure
those two then the cross of Christ is diminished. A satisfaction for sin must be made and
it must be a perfect sacrifice, one of self-substitutionary caliber. This had to happen but
not only for forgiveness of sins but for relationship, revelation, and the conquest over all
evil.
The last portion of the book brings the reader to the realization that they must not
only come to the cross but that they must also live there. The blessed community that
many live in now called the church is a community centered on the cross. We serve
because He served first. We give because He first gave to us. We love because He loved
first. This kind of love even extends to those who persecute us. He says, the holy love
of the cross should characterize our response to evil-doers. From personal forgiveness
and imputed righteousness to the holy community of believers and the forgiveness of evil
people in this world, the cross of Christ stands at the center of it all. It is also the clearly
stated purpose of this book.

Critical Evaluation
Honestly, it is difficult to be too critical of such a highly regarded writing. Simply
judging by the endorsements the book has received over the years it is clear that there is
much agreement across many theological constructs. From reformed theologians to
charismatic theologians to postmodern thinkers, The Cross of Christ brings everyone to

the very heart and pulse of Christianity. It works like a well-constructed and delivered
sermon. This is no surprise since John Stott was a pastor. There is background material,
main points, sub points, illustrations and application. While there must be good
information to work with in a sermon, it is not a sermon until it is preached and until
there is a call to do something. This book has all of these elements. He reminds us by way
of Scripture that the cross is 1) the ground for our justification 2) the means of our
sanctification 3) the subject of our witness 4) and the object of our witness. (341) It is the
beginning, the middle, and the end of the new life in Christ. Despite whichever
theological house someone builds, part of its foundation must be built on the cross. Yet, if
I must make one critical observation I would say it is the implication of more hell
language. He incorporates Satan, devil, punishment, and such but there is no clear
indication of the particular place of eternal torment. While this may be clearly implied,
considering that most other word usage is present it may also be helpful to discuss it in
particular rather than just in general.
Conclusion
Again, the author seems to make a clear case for the purpose and the blessed
results of the cross. I personally felt like Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones when he spoke about
Richard Sibbes writings being a balm to my soul. The Cross of Christ takes me to the
place where my faith began and where it continues today. Not only that but it must
become the center point for the ministry for which God gives me. I only echo the more
familiar voices in evangelicalism when I say that John Stotts The Cross of Christ is a
lifetime achievement and one that will stand for years to come.