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Christ Crucified: The once–for–all sacrifice
In this stimulating work Stephen Charnock links the Old and New Testaments with this classic explanation of how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ fulfils the Old Testament sacrificial system. He particularly illustrates the importance of the Passover, and opens up our understanding of the differences which characterise the New Testament Church era. He shows that Jesus willingly submitted to the pain he knew he would go through, in order to bring us the blessings of a new covenant with God. The Puritans were brought up on the Bible; for a Puritan mind a clear text from the Bible settled all controversy. It is this discipline and clear sightedness which makes their work so valuable to today's generation.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 1996
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180 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Charnock
214 books39 followersStephen Charnock (1628–1680), Puritan divine, was an English Puritan Presbyterian clergyman born at the St Katherine Cree parish of London.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 18, 2025
This is an excellent extended exposition of 1 Corinthians 2:2, and is stimulating, stretching and edifying. In his introduction, J.I. Packer comments that, "Trusting, loving and following Jesus necessitates keeping the cross in view at all times. Our living Lord calls for what we may call cruciform discipleship, clear-headed, open-eyed, and whole-hearted." That is what Stephen Charnock seeks to promote in this book, with the blend of deep theological insight and warm pastoral application that is so characteristic of the English Puritans. To use a modern phrase, Charnock deep-dives into the nature of the atonement and what it means for us as Christians. He begins by considering what we know about Christ as crucified and contends that Christ, and especially in his death, should be the primary focus of a Christian's study and knowledge. Specifically in this section, he looks at the origin of Christ's death and the fact that it was ordered by God; at the person who suffered and died on the cross; and at the fruits and outcome of his death.
In the middle section of the book, Charnock unpacks what it means for Christ to be our Passover. He begins by proving that Christ is our Passover and does this by showing the resemblance between the paschal lamb and the Redeemer, and also by showing the resemblance to the effects of the Passover. Next, he moves on to demonstrate that this means that Christ was a sacrifice. He does this by explaining the purposes of the OT sacrifices, the fact that they all pointed to Christ, and the reasons that Christ specifically was fit to be a better and final sacrifice and priest for all who believe. Finally, he shows what it means for Christ to be a sacrifice for us, what was achieved by his sacrifice, and the practical application of these points.
The final section of the book is an extended consideration of the voluntariness and effectiveness of Christ's death, and why this is important and necessary. His central point is that Christ's offering of himself as our substitute was completely voluntary, was acceptable to the Father and satisfied his justice, and is efficacious for us by allowing God to be gracious and merciful, propitiating his wrath, expiating our sin, and allowing a righteousness to be imputed to us that is not our own. This brought glory to God and also confirmed both the covenant of redemption within the Godhead and the covenant of grace established with Abraham.
This book is strong meat, and J.I. Packer is right when he says that it can be hard work. Charnock is not as easily accessible as some of the other Puritans, but this book repays the effort.
A couple of good examples of Charnock's writing are below: "Why this voluntariness was necessary, on the part of the sacrifice itself. He was above any obligation to that work he so freely undertook for us. When 'he made himself of no reputation', it was a work of his charity, not of necessity; and he was bound in no other bonds, but those of his own love"
And again: "The satisfaction for sin was to be made by death, because man upon his revolt from God was by the immutable law bound over to death. Man could not satisfy the law but by death, and so must have lain under the bonds of that death for ever, and no convenient way could be found for his rescue, unless some one, who was not obnoxious to that penalty by nature, should suffer in his stead that death which he owed."
Apart from an overuse of commas, his writing has a kind of plodding elegance and exudes the comprehensiveness and attention to detail you expect from the Puritans. The other Puritan characteristic that he exudes is warmth and affection, both towards God and towards his fellow believers:
"How wonderful was the love of Christ! To accept so willingly of such hard conditions for us, and die so ignominiously upon the cross we had deserved! He knew the burden of sin, he knew the terrors of hell. Yet he did not shrink from the imputation of the one or the suffering of the other. It was not a willingness founded upon ignorance but upon a clear sighted affection. He was willing to be reproached that we might be glorified; he would be like to us that we might be confirmed to him; and took our human nature that we might in a sort partake of his divine."
And again: "How willingly then should we part with our sins for Christ, and do our duty to him! O that we could in our measures part as willingly with our lusts, as he did with his blood! He parted with his blood when he needed not, and shall not we with our sins when we ought to do so for our own safety as well as for his glory."
This is a book to read thoughtfully and with a pencil in hand, and I had to read many paragraphs several times before I understood them properly. It is also a book that will enrich the Christian's thinking on the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf, and has deepened my appreciation and love for my saviour. I think that is exactly what Charnock would have wanted to achieve when he wrote it.
In the middle section of the book, Charnock unpacks what it means for Christ to be our Passover. He begins by proving that Christ is our Passover and does this by showing the resemblance between the paschal lamb and the Redeemer, and also by showing the resemblance to the effects of the Passover. Next, he moves on to demonstrate that this means that Christ was a sacrifice. He does this by explaining the purposes of the OT sacrifices, the fact that they all pointed to Christ, and the reasons that Christ specifically was fit to be a better and final sacrifice and priest for all who believe. Finally, he shows what it means for Christ to be a sacrifice for us, what was achieved by his sacrifice, and the practical application of these points.
The final section of the book is an extended consideration of the voluntariness and effectiveness of Christ's death, and why this is important and necessary. His central point is that Christ's offering of himself as our substitute was completely voluntary, was acceptable to the Father and satisfied his justice, and is efficacious for us by allowing God to be gracious and merciful, propitiating his wrath, expiating our sin, and allowing a righteousness to be imputed to us that is not our own. This brought glory to God and also confirmed both the covenant of redemption within the Godhead and the covenant of grace established with Abraham.
This book is strong meat, and J.I. Packer is right when he says that it can be hard work. Charnock is not as easily accessible as some of the other Puritans, but this book repays the effort.
A couple of good examples of Charnock's writing are below: "Why this voluntariness was necessary, on the part of the sacrifice itself. He was above any obligation to that work he so freely undertook for us. When 'he made himself of no reputation', it was a work of his charity, not of necessity; and he was bound in no other bonds, but those of his own love"
And again: "The satisfaction for sin was to be made by death, because man upon his revolt from God was by the immutable law bound over to death. Man could not satisfy the law but by death, and so must have lain under the bonds of that death for ever, and no convenient way could be found for his rescue, unless some one, who was not obnoxious to that penalty by nature, should suffer in his stead that death which he owed."
Apart from an overuse of commas, his writing has a kind of plodding elegance and exudes the comprehensiveness and attention to detail you expect from the Puritans. The other Puritan characteristic that he exudes is warmth and affection, both towards God and towards his fellow believers:
"How wonderful was the love of Christ! To accept so willingly of such hard conditions for us, and die so ignominiously upon the cross we had deserved! He knew the burden of sin, he knew the terrors of hell. Yet he did not shrink from the imputation of the one or the suffering of the other. It was not a willingness founded upon ignorance but upon a clear sighted affection. He was willing to be reproached that we might be glorified; he would be like to us that we might be confirmed to him; and took our human nature that we might in a sort partake of his divine."
And again: "How willingly then should we part with our sins for Christ, and do our duty to him! O that we could in our measures part as willingly with our lusts, as he did with his blood! He parted with his blood when he needed not, and shall not we with our sins when we ought to do so for our own safety as well as for his glory."
This is a book to read thoughtfully and with a pencil in hand, and I had to read many paragraphs several times before I understood them properly. It is also a book that will enrich the Christian's thinking on the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf, and has deepened my appreciation and love for my saviour. I think that is exactly what Charnock would have wanted to achieve when he wrote it.
April 6, 2023
Phew
what to say about this one?
First i'll start by saying this is now one of my favourite books and I think i'll return to it regularly.
As to the content, it's broken up into 3 sections, or discourses.
The first is concerning the knowledge of Christ Crucified, which runs from pages 25-53
The second is a discourse on Christ our passover, running from pages 55-127
And the final section is about the voluntariness of Christ's death, from 127-229 which closes the book.
In typical puritan fashion, it's very well ordered, going from numbered points, to lettered sub points & finalising in application.. it will help to have a pen & paper next to you so you can write the outline of the section you're in, as they tend to flow into one another.
This book is not an easy read, but it will reward diligent slow reading, i'm not sure how it's intended to be read, but there's so much content here I don't think it would be possible to take it in on one read.
The first section, The knowledge of Chirst Crucified is all about Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:2, and how this knowledge of Christ crucified is to be the centre of what we think & meditate on as Christians, it's the shortest part of the book and it is worth the price of the book alone, it's gold.
The next section concerns how it is that Christ fulfils the Old Testament sacrificial system, this is a very informative survey of what the bible teaches regarding the atonement across all of redemptive history.
The final section, which is both the hardest and most important - concerns the voluntary nature of the work of Christ. He submitted not out of obligation, but willingly. This is a great exposition of the covenant of redemption, the intention in the atonement & the 2 natures of Christ, necessity & sufficiency are dealt with here.
Charnock doesn't go into polemics here, most of what is dealt with pertains to the sufficiency, sufficient/efficient language of extent doesn't get touched upon here. Which is fine, That doesn't seem to be the purpose of this book, as opposed to Owen's The Death of Death.
In conclusion, this book preaches the gospel to the believer and the unbeliever, it unfolds the work of Christ and what it means for us. Charnock doesn't give you anything you can't use, this isn't information for the sake of knowing ,but for the sake of worship & service. As you come to the end of the book you'll feel as though the subject has been both exhausted and yet only touched upon. If the doctrine of the atonement were a sponge, Charnock has squeezed every last drop of it out, and yet it seems that it will never be completely dry.
what to say about this one?
First i'll start by saying this is now one of my favourite books and I think i'll return to it regularly.
As to the content, it's broken up into 3 sections, or discourses.
The first is concerning the knowledge of Christ Crucified, which runs from pages 25-53
The second is a discourse on Christ our passover, running from pages 55-127
And the final section is about the voluntariness of Christ's death, from 127-229 which closes the book.
In typical puritan fashion, it's very well ordered, going from numbered points, to lettered sub points & finalising in application.. it will help to have a pen & paper next to you so you can write the outline of the section you're in, as they tend to flow into one another.
This book is not an easy read, but it will reward diligent slow reading, i'm not sure how it's intended to be read, but there's so much content here I don't think it would be possible to take it in on one read.
The first section, The knowledge of Chirst Crucified is all about Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:2, and how this knowledge of Christ crucified is to be the centre of what we think & meditate on as Christians, it's the shortest part of the book and it is worth the price of the book alone, it's gold.
The next section concerns how it is that Christ fulfils the Old Testament sacrificial system, this is a very informative survey of what the bible teaches regarding the atonement across all of redemptive history.
The final section, which is both the hardest and most important - concerns the voluntary nature of the work of Christ. He submitted not out of obligation, but willingly. This is a great exposition of the covenant of redemption, the intention in the atonement & the 2 natures of Christ, necessity & sufficiency are dealt with here.
Charnock doesn't go into polemics here, most of what is dealt with pertains to the sufficiency, sufficient/efficient language of extent doesn't get touched upon here. Which is fine, That doesn't seem to be the purpose of this book, as opposed to Owen's The Death of Death.
In conclusion, this book preaches the gospel to the believer and the unbeliever, it unfolds the work of Christ and what it means for us. Charnock doesn't give you anything you can't use, this isn't information for the sake of knowing ,but for the sake of worship & service. As you come to the end of the book you'll feel as though the subject has been both exhausted and yet only touched upon. If the doctrine of the atonement were a sponge, Charnock has squeezed every last drop of it out, and yet it seems that it will never be completely dry.
September 1, 2023
This is a book to savor and contemplate from cover to cover. I can't comprehend how a regenerate soul can find this dry and boring. There is no greater love, beauty, majesty, patience, suffering, atonement, peace, forgiveness, or assurance to be found in all God's universe than what was displayed on the cross as Jesus died on our behalf.
Contemplation of this moves His redeemed ones to wonder and worship.
Contemplation of this moves His redeemed ones to wonder and worship.
May 6, 2021
This is a classic. Reading it will demonstrate why. It is more than a restatement of 1 Cor 1:23. It really is quite mind blowing as Charnock shows Christ crucified as the thread uniting all of Scripture but especially Christ as the Passover. It is a little light on application but the application included faith lived out not merely professed.
May 2, 2019
Wordy, but excellent.
Read
November 17, 2023Revisiting this book periodically.
April 29, 2024
Great thoughtful book that breaks down why Christ is the ultimate sin offering. Connecting the Old Testament law and the New Testament grace through Jesus.
December 15, 2024
A must read.
In such a way that Jesus came into this world for the purpose of dying on the cross Stephen gives us the excellent account of why Jesus had to go to the cross.
In such a way that Jesus came into this world for the purpose of dying on the cross Stephen gives us the excellent account of why Jesus had to go to the cross.
October 2, 2013
Christ Crucified deserves a 5 star due to its content. The puritan Stephen Charnock wrote an excellent look at Christ crucified which comes from 2 Corinthians 2:2. His three main points were the
The Knowledge of Christ crucified
Christ Our Passover Lamb
The Voluntariness of Christ's Death
Each point had theological points supported by scripture and applications to the Christian. There are quite a few profound thoughts given such as Christ's willingness to go to the cross was greater than our willingness to sin against him. The similarities of the Passover and the similarities of Christ's death were related to great detail. The points really help elevate our understanding of Christ's work on the cross. Charnock follows each point with an application based on scripture and our understand of the text.
Christ Crucified would be a little more difficult of a read. Editing attempted to make sense of uses of English literary use in ways that we are not as familiar with today. Even with it there are times that some may find that they have to read a sentence a second time to understand what was meant. So this might be the down side of reading like this. However, we are told to love the Lord our God with the mind and this can be one way to increase our understanding of Christ and his work on the cross.
This was a part of our monthly book club. To join our month book club join us at Beaverton Grace Bible A FREE unedited version of this copy can be found in Google at Christ Crucified by Stephen Charnock.
The Knowledge of Christ crucified
Christ Our Passover Lamb
The Voluntariness of Christ's Death
Each point had theological points supported by scripture and applications to the Christian. There are quite a few profound thoughts given such as Christ's willingness to go to the cross was greater than our willingness to sin against him. The similarities of the Passover and the similarities of Christ's death were related to great detail. The points really help elevate our understanding of Christ's work on the cross. Charnock follows each point with an application based on scripture and our understand of the text.
Christ Crucified would be a little more difficult of a read. Editing attempted to make sense of uses of English literary use in ways that we are not as familiar with today. Even with it there are times that some may find that they have to read a sentence a second time to understand what was meant. So this might be the down side of reading like this. However, we are told to love the Lord our God with the mind and this can be one way to increase our understanding of Christ and his work on the cross.
This was a part of our monthly book club. To join our month book club join us at Beaverton Grace Bible A FREE unedited version of this copy can be found in Google at Christ Crucified by Stephen Charnock.
Read
July 6, 2012I thought this book was a good summary of the Gospel and what Christ did on the cross. Our broken relationship with God due to our sins are mentioned, and also the effects of Christ's work on the cross in devastating Satan's kingdom.
August 29, 2016
At times the books is slow, but well-worth the read for the marvelous truth proclaimed - Christ crucified!!
June 15, 2016
Great! A difficult read but worth it
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews