Cross-Examined: The Life-Changing Power Of The Death Of Jesus

What does the Cross mean to you? In Cross-Examined, Mark Meynell explores how the Cross reveals the ways God meets our deepest needs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

The crucifixion of Jesus is a complex and multifaceted event that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. While some may view it as a dreadful mistake, a tragic failure, or irrelevant, others believe that it holds profound significance for our understanding of God and our place in the world. In this essay, we will explore various perspectives on the crucifixion and attempt to understand its meaning and significance.

One perspective on the crucifixion is that it was a necessary evil. According to this view, God had to use extreme measures to save humanity from its sinfulness and bring about reconciliation with him. The crucifixion was a painful and humiliating death, but it was also a symbol of God's love and forgiveness. By sacrificing his son, Jesus demonstrated his willingness to pay the price for our sins and offer us the gift of eternal life.

Another perspective on the crucifixion is that it was a tragic failure. Some argue that Jesus' death was not the intended outcome of God's plan and that it was a result of human error and sin. They believe that Jesus should have been able to overcome the forces of evil and bring about a new world without resorting to violence. The crucifixion, they argue, is a reminder of the limitations of human nature and the need for God's intervention.

Yet another perspective on the crucifixion is that it is irrelevant. Some argue that the story of Jesus is a myth and that his death was not a real event. They believe that the crucifixion was a creation of the Roman Empire to control and manipulate the people and that it has no significance for our modern lives. They argue that we should focus on more practical and relevant issues, such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and human well-being.

However, a more nuanced and comprehensive perspective on the crucifixion is that it is both a dreadful mistake and a tragic failure. While it may have been a necessary evil in the eyes of God, it was also a result of human sin and rebellion. The crucifixion was a painful and humiliating death that was intended to serve as a warning to humanity of the consequences of sin. However, it also demonstrates the depths of God's love and forgiveness, as he was willing to sacrifice his son to save us from our sins.

In addition to its significance for our understanding of God and our place in the world, the crucifixion also has important implications for our lives today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God's will. It also reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the hope that we can find in Jesus Christ, even in the face of adversity and suffering.

One of the most significant aspects of the crucifixion is its role in the formation of Christianity. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation of the Christian faith, and the crucifixion is the central event that shaped the early Christian community. The cross was a symbol of the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus had to endure for the sake of humanity, and it was a reminder of the price that we must pay for our sins.

The crucifixion also has important implications for our understanding of human nature and the nature of evil. The story of Jesus' death on the cross demonstrates the depths of human suffering and the power of evil. It also shows us the resilience and hope that can be found in the face of adversity and suffering.

In conclusion, the crucifixion of Jesus is a complex and multifaceted event that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. While some may view it as a dreadful mistake, a tragic failure, or irrelevant, others believe that it holds profound significance for our understanding of God and our place in the world. The crucifixion was a necessary evil, a tragic failure, and a reminder of the limitations of human nature and the need for God's intervention. However, it also demonstrates the depths of God's love and forgiveness and the hope that we can find in Jesus Christ, even in the face of adversity and suffering.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789741711