CROSS EXAMINED by Mark Meynell
(IVP 2001)
Hands up if you’ve started the Cross of Christ several times, but never made it to the end? Then perhaps this book is for you. Whilst it won’t replace John Stott’s masterpiece, it will take you on an easier-going journey over much of the same terrain. Why does God choose to save people through something which looks so ridiculous? What is penal substitution all about? How does the Old Testament foreshadow Jesus death? Why does the cross mark Satan’s downfall? What does it mean for us to crucify our sinful nature? All of these questions and more are answered directly from the Bible – many of the chapters are straight expositions – with brilliant illustrations from contemporary films and Douglas Coupland books (yes, I’ll be plagiarising them!)
Mark Meynell writes partly with an evangelistic aim. The book is very lend-able and would be brilliant for a nominal churchgoer or a Catholic friend. The explanation of our predicament in terms of the wrath of a holy God is also a much needed challenge to many Christians in our age of a watered-down, self-help gospel. As we examine the cross, we find that it is we who are being cross-examined by our Creator. A must-read.
Andrew Sach
Student Worker at St Helen's, Bishopsgate