The doctrine of penal substitution is under attack in our day, as I’ve mentioned before. This new book by R.C. Sproul looks like yet another helpful response. If you are looking for a primer on the doctrine of the atonement–a helpful presentation of its importance, without getting lost in theological jargon–this sounds like the book.
“The Truth of the Cross is the best book on the cross I have read. It is a ‘must’ for every church library and a book that I will give away many times to friends. This is so because it is sober (i.e., it contains historically informed reflections on salient biblical texts), sensible (i.e., it is well-argued), simple (i.e., it holds the reader’s attention through grabbing illustrations and even a seventh-grader can its substance), and spiritual (i.e., it comes from a heart set ablaze by the Spirit).”
— Dr. Bruce K. Waltke, Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary
“The cross stands at the very center of our Christian lives. Still, many Christians are confused about the heart of the gospel, for many deviant views are in the air. R.C. Sproul blows the fog away in this wonderfully clear, theologically profound, and pastorally rich work. Learn afresh or anew what God has accomplished in the cross, so that you will boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ.”
— Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“The gospel is a message of good news that something extraordinary has happened. At the heart of that message is that Jesus, God the Son incarnate, has atoned for the sins of all His people, turning away the righteous wrath of God. The gospel is a cross-shaped message. Sadly, in our day, this message is being re-shaped into other forms, and the results are not happy. We can give thanks for this volume by R.C. Sproul, however, because in it he steps into the breach once more to provide a clear, concise, and thoughtful case for the biblical and historic Christian gospel of the cross.”
— Dr. R. Scott Clark, Associate Professor, Westminster Seminary California
Check it out.
(HT: JT)