ÒIt is sometimes said that the great question of the hour for the Church's belief is Christological; it is the question of Christ's person. That is true. But it is the question of the cross all the same.Ó (p16)Written over seventy years ago, P.T. Forsyth's ÒCruciality of the CrossÒ continues to provide an excellent and vital foundation for an understanding of the Christian doctrine of the atonement.
The Work of Christ, by Scottish minister and Biblical scholar P. T. Forsyth, explains the character and deeds of the Lord Jesus, and how they affect Christian beliefs and life philosophy. Adapted from a series of lectures the author delivered to gatherings of young and newly-ordained ministers, this book is an engaging and competent example of Biblical scholarship. Well-received by his audience, the author was encouraged to publish these thoughts in a book; their central pillar - that Christ's life and works pierce to the heart of theological study - remains a poignant reflection upon the New Testament. The qualities of a good Christian are found to be intricately related to what Jesus said during his famous sermons and teachings. Qualities of self-sacrifice, spiritual reflection, and atoning for our sins are discussed. The author also discusses Christ's philosophical words on the subject of reconciliation; why the principles of reconcile can blossom into a way of life. Latterly, the author examines the Christian cross and its symbolism, before embarking on a discussion of the challenges and problems facing the modern-day Christian. For the author, reconciling belief in God and Jesus Christ with elements of philosophy, and recognizing the gravity of the Savior's words and martyrdom, is crucial for all believers in the present time.
Andrew Murray relates in this work the importance of the cross to Christian belief, and to the lessons which Jesus Christ wanted to teach all of mankind. Although demonstratively brief, Murray's explanations contain a conviction and poignancy, explaining the centrality and vitality of the crucifix to the Christian faith. The crucifixion's importance in Christ's message and destiny, and the reasons behind why his spirit was led to a painful end upon the cross, are keenly discussed by Murray. He delivers explanations of the cross as a symbol of Christian attainment, wherein God takes possession of the human soul and frees it from sin for eternity. Andrew Murray authored 200+ works on the religion and ministry of Christianity, the Bible, and on topics inspiring Christians to lead virtuous and happy lives. Murray spent most of his life imparting the word of God in churches throughout South Africa, and in the 1880s became an important figure in the founding of the South African General Mission.
There is a lot of mystery surrounding the cross. This book details a step-by-step account of the events leading to, on the cross, in the grave, as well as events on the resurrection morning. It sheds light on the spiritual significance of the three days and nights when Jesus Christ obtained the greatest victory for us.
In this small gem of theological reflection, North America's foremost "theologian of the cross" offers a profound and compelling contemplation on the relevance of the church's most fundamental confession. Hall ponders what confessing Jesus as crucified means in today's context, one that is postmodern, pluralistic, multicultural, and in some respects post-Christian. A digest of his monumental trilogy, this book lays out in brief compass the heart of Hall's theology of the cross, contrasting it sharply with the theology of established Christianity, showing how it reframes classical Christology and soteriology, and drawing the implications for what it means to be human, for Christian ethics, and for the church.
