The amazing cross
Jeremy and Elizabeth McQuoid
IVP, 192 pages
£8.99, ISBN: 978-1-84474-587-6
Star rating : 5
Husband and wife authors Jeremy and Elizabeth McQuoid have written a clear, readable, challenging and refreshing book on what was achieved for us through the cross of Christ. They also examine the difference this should make to the lives of those who claim to believe it.
The cross is presented as the absolute centre of God’s plan of salvation, though the book ends with chapters on the resurrection and the hope of glory. Jesus’ death is clearly explained as his bearing God’s wrath against sin as our substitute. It is also portrayed as a great victory over Satan.
The authors go on to explain what it means to be justified, redeemed and reconciled to God solely through the atoning death of Christ.
I appreciated their emphasis on the difference that the cross should make to our lives and conduct. Getting the doctrine right is important, but this must result in a changed life. We must experience the assurance of our salvation, deliverance from slavery to sin, and reconciliation with God and one another.
The chapters on living our lives in the light of the cross are extremely practical and helpful. They would be ideal to give to a new believer as a manual of Christian living. Older Christians would also find them a challenging reminder.
The McQuoids were encouraged to write this by the trustees of the Keswick Convention and it is part of a series of books on ‘Keswick’ themes. They include a large number of quotations on the subject of the cross from sermons preached at Keswick over the last several decades, by well-known ‘Keswick’ speakers, ranging from Donald Gray Barnhouse to Alistair Begg.
I wholeheartedly recommend this.
Brian Maiden
Kendal
