What do you think?
Rate this book
The Truth of the Cross
In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul surveys the great work accomplished by Jesus Christ through His crucifixion ― the redemption of God’s people. Dr. Sproul considers the atonement from numerous angles and shows conclusively that the cross was absolutely necessary if anyone was to be saved. Opening the Scriptures, Dr. Sproul shows that God Himself provided salvation by sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross, and the cross was always God’s intended method by which to bring salvation. The Truth of the Cross is an uncompromising reminder that the atonement of Christ is an absolutely essential doctrine of the Christian faith, one that should be studied and understood by all believers.
167 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2007
295 people are currently reading
1756 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,973 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 15, 2013
RC Sproul at his best. Highly recommended!
April 4, 2013
This is a tremendous Easter read. Explains a lot about the importance of the Cross and also about atonement. I gave it 3 stars because it had a lot of theological references I couldn't understand. It therefore demands a second read.
Here are some few notes I got from the book:
"Don't forget the Cross because it was on the Cross, through the Cross and by the Cross that our Saviour performed His work of redemption and gathered His people for eternity"
"An atonement was not merely hypothetically necessary for man's redemption, but was absolutely necessary if any person was ever going to be reconciled to God and redeemed"
"(Romans 3:26. That's what the Cross is about- it displays the justice of God and the mercy of God. It is by the virtue of the atonement that God can maintain His justice and yet demonstrate His mercy by providing satisfaction for those debtors who can't pay their debts, those enemies who can't find reconciliation to overcome their estrangement, and those criminals who can't pay for their crimes"
"Not only is the sin of man imputed to Christ, but the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us, to our account"
"The righteousness of God that is transferred to us is the righteousness He achieved by living under the Law for thirty-three years without once sinning. Jesus had to live a life of obedience before His death could mean anything. He had to acquire, if you will, merit at the bar of justice. Without His life of sinless obedience, Jesus' atonement would have had no value at all"<----THIS
"He is our Saviour, not merely because He dies, but because He lived a sinless life before He died, as only the Son of God could"
"On the Cross, God's wrath was poured out on Christ. God did strike Him, smite Him and afflict Him- but not for any evil in Christ. He was smitten in His role as the vicarious Substitute for the people of God"
"If Christ was not truly forsaken by His Father during execution, then no atonement occurred, because forsakennes was the penalty for sin that God established in the old covenant. Therefore, Christ had to receive the full measure of that penalty on the Cross"
"Jesus cried out to His Father because He had actually been forsaken"
"If Jesus was not forsaken on the Cross, we are still in our sins. We have no redemption, no salvation. The whole point of the cross was for Jesus to bear our sins and bear the sanctions of the covenant. In order to do that, He had to be forsaken. Jesus submitted Himself to His Father's will and endured the curse, that we, His people, might experience the ultimate blessedness."
Here are some few notes I got from the book:
"Don't forget the Cross because it was on the Cross, through the Cross and by the Cross that our Saviour performed His work of redemption and gathered His people for eternity"
"An atonement was not merely hypothetically necessary for man's redemption, but was absolutely necessary if any person was ever going to be reconciled to God and redeemed"
"(Romans 3:26. That's what the Cross is about- it displays the justice of God and the mercy of God. It is by the virtue of the atonement that God can maintain His justice and yet demonstrate His mercy by providing satisfaction for those debtors who can't pay their debts, those enemies who can't find reconciliation to overcome their estrangement, and those criminals who can't pay for their crimes"
"Not only is the sin of man imputed to Christ, but the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us, to our account"
"The righteousness of God that is transferred to us is the righteousness He achieved by living under the Law for thirty-three years without once sinning. Jesus had to live a life of obedience before His death could mean anything. He had to acquire, if you will, merit at the bar of justice. Without His life of sinless obedience, Jesus' atonement would have had no value at all"<----THIS
"He is our Saviour, not merely because He dies, but because He lived a sinless life before He died, as only the Son of God could"
"On the Cross, God's wrath was poured out on Christ. God did strike Him, smite Him and afflict Him- but not for any evil in Christ. He was smitten in His role as the vicarious Substitute for the people of God"
"If Christ was not truly forsaken by His Father during execution, then no atonement occurred, because forsakennes was the penalty for sin that God established in the old covenant. Therefore, Christ had to receive the full measure of that penalty on the Cross"
"Jesus cried out to His Father because He had actually been forsaken"
"If Jesus was not forsaken on the Cross, we are still in our sins. We have no redemption, no salvation. The whole point of the cross was for Jesus to bear our sins and bear the sanctions of the covenant. In order to do that, He had to be forsaken. Jesus submitted Himself to His Father's will and endured the curse, that we, His people, might experience the ultimate blessedness."
April 7, 2015
I had really enjoyed The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul so I had high hopes for this book, which I picked up for a Lent and Easter read. Unfortunately, this one did not live up to my expectations. The theology in this one was too verbose, too repetitive, and too lecturing. It did not keep me interested, or engrossed, or touch my soul in any way.
April 23, 2024
Sproul is amazing at conveying deep truths in coherent, digestible words. This book is great to read around the time of Easter as it reminds us how essential the cross is for us and for God’s work. I especially loved the last chapter where there are common questions raised on salvation and Sproul concisely answers them.
March 29, 2013
Excellent exposition of the Cross and the theology of substitutionary atonement. Sproul does a great job at explaining intimidating doctrines in simple terms.
May 14, 2019
Me gustó mucho la sección de preguntas y respuestas. :)
April 4, 2013
Very easy to read and inspiring presentation of the meaning of the Cross of Christ and why it was absolutely necessary. R.C. looks at the concept of atonement from different views we find in the Bible and shows that "the necessity for the atonement of Christ finds its genesis, in the first instance, in the character of God. Because He is holy and righteous, He cannot excuse sin. Rather, He must pass judgment on it. The judge of all the earth must do right. Therefore, He must punish sinners - or provide a way to atone for their sin."
It is God to whom we are debtors that Christ became our Surety. It is God with Whom we are at enmity that Christ became our Mediator. It is God against Whom we have committed a crime that Christ became the Substitute to receive the full measure of God's wrath.
Christ is our Redeemer. He atoned for our sins on the cross.
It is God to whom we are debtors that Christ became our Surety. It is God with Whom we are at enmity that Christ became our Mediator. It is God against Whom we have committed a crime that Christ became the Substitute to receive the full measure of God's wrath.
Christ is our Redeemer. He atoned for our sins on the cross.
September 11, 2023
I appreciate Sproul's approach to explaining the enormity of the cross. He is meticulous fleshing out every detail that can only fuel one's worship. Furthermore, his historical background places the cross in its appropriate position in history.
What a joyful experience. Will read again.
What a joyful experience. Will read again.
February 19, 2020
Para mi es el mejor libro que leído hasta ahora que explica el evangelio en detalle. Todo cristiano debería leerlo.
Dios permita y pueda ser traducido al español para beneficio del habla hispana
Dios permita y pueda ser traducido al español para beneficio del habla hispana
April 23, 2025
”If you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity“
May 18, 2011
A short, winsome presentation of the classic Protestant view of the cross. Sproul doesn't break any new ground with this volume, but, like most of Sproul's writings, it's warm and devotional without sacrificing doctrinal precision.
The first two chapters deal with the need of the atonement and the justice of God.
Chapters 3-5 deal with "metaphors" of the atonement, but he rightly sees penal substitution at the heart of Christianity: "If you take away the substitutionary atonement, you empty the cross of its meaning and drain all the significance of the passion of our Lord himself," (81).
Chapter 6 deals with depravity and justification.
Chapter 7 presents Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
Chapter 8 was the most helpful and elucidating for me, as Sproul does a brief biblical theology of the blessing and curse motif and then convincingly shows how these twin themes find their fulfillment on Christ at the cross. It's a glorious chapter that merits further meditation.
Chapter 9 makes a case for particular redemption (limited atonement) and ends with some wise pastoral counsel to those who struggle with this teaching.
Chapter 10 is a series of questions people often have when discussing the atonement. Sproul provides a brief answer to each. (This is the one minor irritation of the book. The questions in this last chapter are in bold and in all caps. It actually makes it hard to read. Plus it looks bad.)
The first two chapters deal with the need of the atonement and the justice of God.
Chapters 3-5 deal with "metaphors" of the atonement, but he rightly sees penal substitution at the heart of Christianity: "If you take away the substitutionary atonement, you empty the cross of its meaning and drain all the significance of the passion of our Lord himself," (81).
Chapter 6 deals with depravity and justification.
Chapter 7 presents Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
Chapter 8 was the most helpful and elucidating for me, as Sproul does a brief biblical theology of the blessing and curse motif and then convincingly shows how these twin themes find their fulfillment on Christ at the cross. It's a glorious chapter that merits further meditation.
Chapter 9 makes a case for particular redemption (limited atonement) and ends with some wise pastoral counsel to those who struggle with this teaching.
Chapter 10 is a series of questions people often have when discussing the atonement. Sproul provides a brief answer to each. (This is the one minor irritation of the book. The questions in this last chapter are in bold and in all caps. It actually makes it hard to read. Plus it looks bad.)
December 7, 2008
This is an excellent little book on the cross and what exactly Jesus did on it. Sproul does an excellent job of exploring Christ's sacrifice on the cross and why exactly that specific act is central to Christianity. He does use a decent amount of Christian vernacular, but he also does a pretty good job of explaining the more technical terms
I would recommend this to any believer who desires to read a little deeper on Christianity. It is a smaller, gift-sized book, so it's not very intimidating. But, if someone isn't very interested in reading something that dives a little below the surface of Christianity, then they might become a little bogged down in the writing. It is a very well-written book, but I think it would have a harder time holding the attention of a skeptic.
That said, the theology expressed within is solidly reformed - so be forewarned if you're not of that persuasion. Then again, in my opinion, if you've never wrestled with some of the calvinistic concepts of salvation you need to encounter and engage them at some point. Sproul doesn't actually get into Calvinism until the end, and there he more explains it than really "pushes" it - but he does give a solid (albeit quick) argument in it's favor.
I would encourage everyone to at least engage at some level the points which Sproul addresses here, and this little book, while unassuming, gives a great little crash course in what the cross means for every Christian.
I would recommend this to any believer who desires to read a little deeper on Christianity. It is a smaller, gift-sized book, so it's not very intimidating. But, if someone isn't very interested in reading something that dives a little below the surface of Christianity, then they might become a little bogged down in the writing. It is a very well-written book, but I think it would have a harder time holding the attention of a skeptic.
That said, the theology expressed within is solidly reformed - so be forewarned if you're not of that persuasion. Then again, in my opinion, if you've never wrestled with some of the calvinistic concepts of salvation you need to encounter and engage them at some point. Sproul doesn't actually get into Calvinism until the end, and there he more explains it than really "pushes" it - but he does give a solid (albeit quick) argument in it's favor.
I would encourage everyone to at least engage at some level the points which Sproul addresses here, and this little book, while unassuming, gives a great little crash course in what the cross means for every Christian.
April 3, 2013
R.C Sproul is an excellent author and can explain things very clearly. Here are some of my favorite quotes/thoughts from the book:
"If anything has been lost from our culture, it is the idea that human beings are privately, personally, individually, ultimately, inexorably accountable to God for their lives"
"But if people understood that there is a holy God and that sin is an offense against that holy God, they would break down the doors of our churches and ask, "What must I do to be saved?"
"The prevailing notion of justification in Western culture today is justification by death. It's assumed that all one has to do to be received into the everlasting arms of God is to die."
"God is loving, but a major part of what He loves is His own perfect character, with a major aspect being the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness. Though God pardons sinners and makes great provision for expressing His mercy, He will never negotiate His justice. If we fail to understand that, the cross of Christ will be utterly meaningless to us."
On why Jesus had to be baptized by John (something that was confusing to me in the past), "He had to fulfill every single commandment of God is He was to be sinless."
"He is your Surety, your Mediator, your Substitute, your Redeemer. He atoned for your sins on the cross."
"If anything has been lost from our culture, it is the idea that human beings are privately, personally, individually, ultimately, inexorably accountable to God for their lives"
"But if people understood that there is a holy God and that sin is an offense against that holy God, they would break down the doors of our churches and ask, "What must I do to be saved?"
"The prevailing notion of justification in Western culture today is justification by death. It's assumed that all one has to do to be received into the everlasting arms of God is to die."
"God is loving, but a major part of what He loves is His own perfect character, with a major aspect being the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness. Though God pardons sinners and makes great provision for expressing His mercy, He will never negotiate His justice. If we fail to understand that, the cross of Christ will be utterly meaningless to us."
On why Jesus had to be baptized by John (something that was confusing to me in the past), "He had to fulfill every single commandment of God is He was to be sinless."
"He is your Surety, your Mediator, your Substitute, your Redeemer. He atoned for your sins on the cross."
Read
July 25, 2011Sproul is one of the few authors I read without having to wonder about his theological trustworthiness. He teaches soundly, a true scholar with a talent of explanation.
This book is a jewel amongst crucifixion writings.
"The bare historical data about the crucifixion," writes Sproul in chapter seven, "is that Jesus was executed by the Romans by being affixed to a cross outside Jerusalem. Our concern, however, is not so much with what happened but with the meaning of the crucifixion."
The small book (less than a handspan tall, 167 pages) tackles the big implications of the cross.
Content is slightly heady (which can be positive or negative, depending on the day), touching on theological topics like Pelagianism, imputation, and substitutionary atonement. Still, Sproul explains these well, and the reader can follow along fairly easily even if this is his first hearing of these things. (A final chapter of Q&A also is especially helpful.)
While touching the brain, Sproul does not neglect the heart. Chapter nine, "A Secure Faith," resonated in my soul.
The book is deep. But worth the read.
This book is a jewel amongst crucifixion writings.
"The bare historical data about the crucifixion," writes Sproul in chapter seven, "is that Jesus was executed by the Romans by being affixed to a cross outside Jerusalem. Our concern, however, is not so much with what happened but with the meaning of the crucifixion."
The small book (less than a handspan tall, 167 pages) tackles the big implications of the cross.
Content is slightly heady (which can be positive or negative, depending on the day), touching on theological topics like Pelagianism, imputation, and substitutionary atonement. Still, Sproul explains these well, and the reader can follow along fairly easily even if this is his first hearing of these things. (A final chapter of Q&A also is especially helpful.)
While touching the brain, Sproul does not neglect the heart. Chapter nine, "A Secure Faith," resonated in my soul.
The book is deep. But worth the read.
April 1, 2013
A really helpful book. Really easily read but yet theologically deep. A memorable passage that is so sad but so true talks about justification. Some have justification by faith, some by works but so many by death. So many people think that no matter what, when they die they will automatically go to heaven. Sobering thought. More sobering is, what are we doing about it? Who are we telling the "good news" to?
March 26, 2013
This is vintage R.C. Sproul. Clear, articulate, and right on the money. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a very basic and to the point defense of substitutionary atonement or even a basic introduction to Christianity.
This book is a good example as to why Dr. Sproul will be remembered for generations and is in many ways the leading Reformed light of the 20th Century.
This book is a good example as to why Dr. Sproul will be remembered for generations and is in many ways the leading Reformed light of the 20th Century.
April 28, 2013
Not quite as dense as C.S. Lewis, but just as clear and powerful. Theology surrounding the cross is something that I've loved for quite awhile, and reading this helped me not only review things I had learned previously, it also gave new insights into things that were previously ignored or set aside. It's not too long, but it gives a great, concise picture of the cross.
May 31, 2015
The book is wonderful. Dr. R.C. Sproul has a gift for teaching the word of God and this book is a shining example. He allows us to gain a little bit of view behind the curtain so to speak to help us understand the nature of the atonement, its effectiveness and it's power. Fantastic read.
July 13, 2012
Breathe taking reformed view of the cross. Sproul at his best.
March 25, 2013
A good addition to anyone's theological library. Dr Sproul is always good in this book and occasionally outstanding.
March 26, 2013
Cant exhaust the importance and centrality of cross in a book but good job rc sproul!
April 7, 2013
A great book that every Christian should read. Whether you've been following Christ your whole life or are a new believer this book has much to offer.
April 20, 2019
A fairly comprehensive introduction to a Biblical understanding of the atonement. Christ's work on the cross is a subject that is often misunderstood by many modern Christians, and Dr. Sproul helpfully sheds light on the most important aspects of Christ's work on the cross.
Sproul begins by confirming the absolute necessity of the atonement and does so by, in typical Sproul fashion, highlighting strongly the holiness of God against sin. That forgiveness and reconciliation cannot be merely attained by God 'forgetting' our sins and thereby violating His own justice and holiness.
This is linked very logically, and seamlessly, into the way in which the Bible looks at the work of Christ on the cross: a paid debt, a ransom, and a substitution. The most helpful section of the this work was Sproul's continuing commitment to penal substitutionary atonement. Also, his discussion on what 'ransom' means from the Old Testament (including using examples from Old Testament law, and the book of Ruth) against the 'Ransom Theory' was quite helpful. The ransom, of course, was to God, not Satan. Sproul helps to see that, in the logical extension of the Ransom Theory, we can no longer proclaim 'Christus Victor' but 'Satanus Victor'.
The next main section I thought was the highlight of the book - a demonstration of Christ's fulfilment of Isaiah 53 as the Suffering Servant. There was nothing groundbreaking in this section, but the way it is written is theological precise, exegetically consistent, and devotional in nature.
The last main section is a defence and explanation of limited atonement (or particular redemption) as a distinctive of the Reformed faith. The argument that Christ accomplished and secured the salvation of all those for whom He died is laid out simply and in a compelling way.
The final chapter is a series of question and answers. The questions posed there are well answered, and as such may be helpful, but the chapter feels out of place in the book. Some of the questions aren't hugely connected to the rest of the work, though useful in their own right.
Sproul begins by confirming the absolute necessity of the atonement and does so by, in typical Sproul fashion, highlighting strongly the holiness of God against sin. That forgiveness and reconciliation cannot be merely attained by God 'forgetting' our sins and thereby violating His own justice and holiness.
This is linked very logically, and seamlessly, into the way in which the Bible looks at the work of Christ on the cross: a paid debt, a ransom, and a substitution. The most helpful section of the this work was Sproul's continuing commitment to penal substitutionary atonement. Also, his discussion on what 'ransom' means from the Old Testament (including using examples from Old Testament law, and the book of Ruth) against the 'Ransom Theory' was quite helpful. The ransom, of course, was to God, not Satan. Sproul helps to see that, in the logical extension of the Ransom Theory, we can no longer proclaim 'Christus Victor' but 'Satanus Victor'.
The next main section I thought was the highlight of the book - a demonstration of Christ's fulfilment of Isaiah 53 as the Suffering Servant. There was nothing groundbreaking in this section, but the way it is written is theological precise, exegetically consistent, and devotional in nature.
The last main section is a defence and explanation of limited atonement (or particular redemption) as a distinctive of the Reformed faith. The argument that Christ accomplished and secured the salvation of all those for whom He died is laid out simply and in a compelling way.
The final chapter is a series of question and answers. The questions posed there are well answered, and as such may be helpful, but the chapter feels out of place in the book. Some of the questions aren't hugely connected to the rest of the work, though useful in their own right.
April 15, 2017
I was hoping for a thoughtful and deep read during Holy Week. This book helped me see why I am not a Calvinist. I am often aware that both sides of the theological table (Calvinism vs. Arminianism) can exaggerate the claims of the other. But reading this book by a leading Calvinist made it very clear why I don't believe in their teachings. A few examples.
He quotes a theologian friend who says there are basically only three types of theology, Augustinian, Semi-Pelagianism and Pelagianism. What? Only those three? Arminianism doesn't fall into those categories at all. Pelagian was a heretic and I don't think semi-heresy is a good category to be placed in. He says "Virtually every church in history has fallen into one of those categories". Well that is not true, since Arminianism doesn't fall into those. Although Calvinists say that it does.
So the debate comes as to the extent of the atonement. Who was it for? He writes, "Historic Reformed theology takes the biblical doctrine of divine election seriously...Calvinists believe that God had a plan from all eternity to redeem a people for Himself." Note the phrase "a people", it wasn't His intent to redeem all people. He reiterates this by saying "It was never God's intention to save everybody. God was under no obligation to save anyone. Indeed, He would have been perfectly just if He had consigned all people to eternal damnation, but in His mercy, He chose to save some...God's purpose in redemption was to save a remnant...from the wrath."
He uses Matt 20:28, "A ransom for MANY" to say that God never intended to save everybody. "Reformed theology teaches that Jesus Christ went to the cross for the elect, and only for the elect." I am not making this up. Then he says, "People have trouble with that..." Yeah, like a lot of people. He even admitted in an early chapter that many Calvinists don't even understand this theology. If they did there would be many more people who had trouble with that.
He goes on to admit, "One of the major stumbling blocks is Scripture's own statement that Jesus died for 'the world'". He then says that the use of world didn't mean really the world, but that people from every race will be numbered among the elect. That sounds like a convenient twisting of the term.
Then he refers to the Arminian position in a most offensive matter when he says, "God's sovereign will is not at the whim and mercy of our personal and individual responses to it." What, "our whim"? An idle fancy, or sudden notion? Somehow he believes our veiw of atonement "diminishes and devalues the full impact and power of the atonement." But that the Calvinist belief is that God "accomplished what He set out to do and only this way of understanding shows the greatness of the work of Christ."
He reduces the argument to, "For the Arminian, salvation is possible for all but certain for none. In the Calvinist position, salvation is sure for God's elect." I like the first option a whole lot better. His salvation is possible for ALL people. The uncertainty part is incorrect, however.
Oh but there is more. What about in evangelism? Sproul asserts that it is very helpful in evangelism. I want to say that I admire and respect my fellow co-laborers, Baptist missionaries and pastors. They are zealous for souls! I am addressing here the thoughts of Sproul on this subject. Sproul writes, "The Calvinist knows that not everyone will respond to the gospel...but some will. By contrast the Arminian doesn't know that not everyone will respond. In the Arminian's mind, it's a theoretical possibility that everybody will repent and believe. However the Arminian also must deal with the possibility that no one will respond. He can only hope that his gospel presentation will be so persuasive that the unbeliever, lost and dead in his trespasses and sins, will choose to cooperate with divine grace so as to take advantage of the benefits offered in the atonement." First of all, that is such a false way to look at how to present the gospel. It is never up to human techniques. And second of all, to take advantage of the "benefits offered in the atonement" sounds like salvation being merely fire insurance against hell vs. a relationship with God. He uses this to say that Arminians believe in a hypothetical atonement. Well, I would say his idea is hypothetical. It was not really for all people but just for some. He goes on to state this, "Jesus was about to make atonement, and that atonement would be effective for everyone for WHOM HE INTENDED IT TO BE EFFECTIVE."So it was only for some. That is so sad to me.
He continues, "So if you are of the flock of Christ, one of his lambs, then you can know with certainty that the atonement has been made for your sins." But how can you know? "If you want Christ's atonement to avail for you and if you put your trust in the atonement and rely on it to reconcile you ...you don't need to worry about the abstract questions of election." Hmmmm. So he thankfully admits there is some cooperation of the person, some decision made.
Then he ends the book with some questions and answers. "Did the atonement apply to those who lived before the cross?" His answer seems puzzling in the light of all he just had written. He says that the Old Testament person who trusted the promise of the work Messiah, was saved. He didn't qualify it to those elect in Israel, but that Old Testament person. So what about the New Testament person or the 21st century person? Can't they also trust in the promise of the work of the Messiah and be saved? That is what the Arminian belief is; that grace is at work to make us aware of God's gift. We are free to accept it or reject it. That is what a relationship is all about, even with a sovereign God. He set it up that way.
So I would change this title to be the Truth about Augustinianism and falsehoods about Arminianism.
He quotes a theologian friend who says there are basically only three types of theology, Augustinian, Semi-Pelagianism and Pelagianism. What? Only those three? Arminianism doesn't fall into those categories at all. Pelagian was a heretic and I don't think semi-heresy is a good category to be placed in. He says "Virtually every church in history has fallen into one of those categories". Well that is not true, since Arminianism doesn't fall into those. Although Calvinists say that it does.
So the debate comes as to the extent of the atonement. Who was it for? He writes, "Historic Reformed theology takes the biblical doctrine of divine election seriously...Calvinists believe that God had a plan from all eternity to redeem a people for Himself." Note the phrase "a people", it wasn't His intent to redeem all people. He reiterates this by saying "It was never God's intention to save everybody. God was under no obligation to save anyone. Indeed, He would have been perfectly just if He had consigned all people to eternal damnation, but in His mercy, He chose to save some...God's purpose in redemption was to save a remnant...from the wrath."
He uses Matt 20:28, "A ransom for MANY" to say that God never intended to save everybody. "Reformed theology teaches that Jesus Christ went to the cross for the elect, and only for the elect." I am not making this up. Then he says, "People have trouble with that..." Yeah, like a lot of people. He even admitted in an early chapter that many Calvinists don't even understand this theology. If they did there would be many more people who had trouble with that.
He goes on to admit, "One of the major stumbling blocks is Scripture's own statement that Jesus died for 'the world'". He then says that the use of world didn't mean really the world, but that people from every race will be numbered among the elect. That sounds like a convenient twisting of the term.
Then he refers to the Arminian position in a most offensive matter when he says, "God's sovereign will is not at the whim and mercy of our personal and individual responses to it." What, "our whim"? An idle fancy, or sudden notion? Somehow he believes our veiw of atonement "diminishes and devalues the full impact and power of the atonement." But that the Calvinist belief is that God "accomplished what He set out to do and only this way of understanding shows the greatness of the work of Christ."
He reduces the argument to, "For the Arminian, salvation is possible for all but certain for none. In the Calvinist position, salvation is sure for God's elect." I like the first option a whole lot better. His salvation is possible for ALL people. The uncertainty part is incorrect, however.
Oh but there is more. What about in evangelism? Sproul asserts that it is very helpful in evangelism. I want to say that I admire and respect my fellow co-laborers, Baptist missionaries and pastors. They are zealous for souls! I am addressing here the thoughts of Sproul on this subject. Sproul writes, "The Calvinist knows that not everyone will respond to the gospel...but some will. By contrast the Arminian doesn't know that not everyone will respond. In the Arminian's mind, it's a theoretical possibility that everybody will repent and believe. However the Arminian also must deal with the possibility that no one will respond. He can only hope that his gospel presentation will be so persuasive that the unbeliever, lost and dead in his trespasses and sins, will choose to cooperate with divine grace so as to take advantage of the benefits offered in the atonement." First of all, that is such a false way to look at how to present the gospel. It is never up to human techniques. And second of all, to take advantage of the "benefits offered in the atonement" sounds like salvation being merely fire insurance against hell vs. a relationship with God. He uses this to say that Arminians believe in a hypothetical atonement. Well, I would say his idea is hypothetical. It was not really for all people but just for some. He goes on to state this, "Jesus was about to make atonement, and that atonement would be effective for everyone for WHOM HE INTENDED IT TO BE EFFECTIVE."So it was only for some. That is so sad to me.
He continues, "So if you are of the flock of Christ, one of his lambs, then you can know with certainty that the atonement has been made for your sins." But how can you know? "If you want Christ's atonement to avail for you and if you put your trust in the atonement and rely on it to reconcile you ...you don't need to worry about the abstract questions of election." Hmmmm. So he thankfully admits there is some cooperation of the person, some decision made.
Then he ends the book with some questions and answers. "Did the atonement apply to those who lived before the cross?" His answer seems puzzling in the light of all he just had written. He says that the Old Testament person who trusted the promise of the work Messiah, was saved. He didn't qualify it to those elect in Israel, but that Old Testament person. So what about the New Testament person or the 21st century person? Can't they also trust in the promise of the work of the Messiah and be saved? That is what the Arminian belief is; that grace is at work to make us aware of God's gift. We are free to accept it or reject it. That is what a relationship is all about, even with a sovereign God. He set it up that way.
So I would change this title to be the Truth about Augustinianism and falsehoods about Arminianism.
November 5, 2025
A powerful and deeply insightful read. Reveals the beauty and necessity of the cross in a way that both challenges and strengthens your faith.
January 12, 2018
This is a great book on the atonement written by a great theologian.
---------------------------------------------
Chapters break down as follows:
1. The Necessity of an Atonement- the centrality of the cross to Christianity, the challenge of teaching it in a culture that does not believe in sin or God's holiness anymore, and the necessity of the atonement.
2. The Just God - the cross addresses the problem/threat of the justice of God. Sproul unpacks the justice of God, using the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom in Genesis 18
3. Debtors, Enemies, and Criminals - the cross saves from sin. Sproul talks about the doctrine of sin. He says sin is "cosmic treason," and explains the various ways Scripture describes sin, particularly as: debt, hostility to God, and law-breaking. The cross saves from each facet/quality of sin.
4. Ransomed from Above - the cross is a ransom payment that frees us from sin's slavery. Sproul explains the concepts of "ransom" and then also "redemption," using passages from case laws in Exodus 21 and also the story of Ruth.
5. The Saving Substitute - the cross is a substitutionary act in which Christ takes our place under the just judgment of God so that we can go free. Sproul shows this teaching from the Gospels. He also talks about the distinction between "expiation" and "propitiation," arguing that Jesus does both at the cross. Talking about propitiation also raises the issue of God's wrath. Sproul defends this concept too.
6. Made Like His Brethren - This chapter brings together chs 1-5, while also adding a few new points about imputation and justification.
7. The Suffering Servant - The cross is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Sproul looks specifically at Isaiah 53 and also Psalm 22, and lists several others.
8. The Blessing and the Curse - The cross is where Jesus bears the covenantal curses which sin gave to humanity, so that we get the covenantal blessings due for Christ. Sproul discusses Christ's cry of deriliction from Psalm 22, as well as the idea of the cross as a circumcision.
9. A Secure Faith - The cross is where Jesus purchased salvation for the elect. In this chapter, Sproul gives a defense of the Calvinistic doctrine of Limited Atonement. Of interest (to me) was a paragraph in which he discussed how the cross has yielded common grace blessings to the world too.
10. Questions and Answers - Here he fields several questions related to the atonement:
1) why did blood have to be shed for salvation?
2) Jesus was forsaken on the cross, does that mean it's right to speak of hell as the absence of God?
3) The Wesley hymn "And Can it Be" says that "You, My God should die for me" is that biblical?
4) Is there a connection between rejecting Total Depravity and rejecting Limited Atonement?
5) Is there a conflict between decisional salvation and election?
6) How does Post-modernism affect how people think about the atonement?
7) How does God the Father fit into salvation? How do we give him proper emphasis?
8) At what point in history is a person saved, at the cross or when they believe?
9) Does the atonement apply to those who lived before Jesus?
----------------------------------
It's very good. A simple walk through of basic Reformed and theological teachings related to the cross. Very 'meat and potatoes' style presentation. It may be a little too much for an outsider, or a very new Christian. But someone with a little biblical knowledge under their belt would find it helpful and instructive. Good reading for leading up to Good Friday, or if you do Lent.
ONE MINOR DISAGREEMENT
Sproul's answers to almost all of the questions are very good, except for one-- the question about Wesley's hymn. Sproul says the lyric "that you My God, should die for me" is wrong because, naturally eternal God can't die.
I appreciate the concern, but this isn't a proper way to think through the lyric. The incarnation makes our language about the actions of the God-man a little more flexible.
The Westminster Confession teaches the "communicatio idiomatum," the communication of natures, in the person of Christ, in which because of "the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes attributes to the person denominated by the other nature" (WCF 8.7).
The only way I can think to translate the point out of that gobbledygook is just to quote Scripture. Paul says in Acts 2o:28 that "God purchased the church with his own blood." If it's okay for Paul to say that, it's also okay to say God died for our sins.
(HOWEVER, the lyric that could raise an eyebrow in the Wesley hymn is where it says Christ left his Father's throne and "emptied himself OF ALL but love." But that is for another time.)
---------------------------------------------
Chapters break down as follows:
1. The Necessity of an Atonement- the centrality of the cross to Christianity, the challenge of teaching it in a culture that does not believe in sin or God's holiness anymore, and the necessity of the atonement.
2. The Just God - the cross addresses the problem/threat of the justice of God. Sproul unpacks the justice of God, using the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom in Genesis 18
3. Debtors, Enemies, and Criminals - the cross saves from sin. Sproul talks about the doctrine of sin. He says sin is "cosmic treason," and explains the various ways Scripture describes sin, particularly as: debt, hostility to God, and law-breaking. The cross saves from each facet/quality of sin.
4. Ransomed from Above - the cross is a ransom payment that frees us from sin's slavery. Sproul explains the concepts of "ransom" and then also "redemption," using passages from case laws in Exodus 21 and also the story of Ruth.
5. The Saving Substitute - the cross is a substitutionary act in which Christ takes our place under the just judgment of God so that we can go free. Sproul shows this teaching from the Gospels. He also talks about the distinction between "expiation" and "propitiation," arguing that Jesus does both at the cross. Talking about propitiation also raises the issue of God's wrath. Sproul defends this concept too.
6. Made Like His Brethren - This chapter brings together chs 1-5, while also adding a few new points about imputation and justification.
7. The Suffering Servant - The cross is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Sproul looks specifically at Isaiah 53 and also Psalm 22, and lists several others.
8. The Blessing and the Curse - The cross is where Jesus bears the covenantal curses which sin gave to humanity, so that we get the covenantal blessings due for Christ. Sproul discusses Christ's cry of deriliction from Psalm 22, as well as the idea of the cross as a circumcision.
9. A Secure Faith - The cross is where Jesus purchased salvation for the elect. In this chapter, Sproul gives a defense of the Calvinistic doctrine of Limited Atonement. Of interest (to me) was a paragraph in which he discussed how the cross has yielded common grace blessings to the world too.
10. Questions and Answers - Here he fields several questions related to the atonement:
1) why did blood have to be shed for salvation?
2) Jesus was forsaken on the cross, does that mean it's right to speak of hell as the absence of God?
3) The Wesley hymn "And Can it Be" says that "You, My God should die for me" is that biblical?
4) Is there a connection between rejecting Total Depravity and rejecting Limited Atonement?
5) Is there a conflict between decisional salvation and election?
6) How does Post-modernism affect how people think about the atonement?
7) How does God the Father fit into salvation? How do we give him proper emphasis?
8) At what point in history is a person saved, at the cross or when they believe?
9) Does the atonement apply to those who lived before Jesus?
----------------------------------
It's very good. A simple walk through of basic Reformed and theological teachings related to the cross. Very 'meat and potatoes' style presentation. It may be a little too much for an outsider, or a very new Christian. But someone with a little biblical knowledge under their belt would find it helpful and instructive. Good reading for leading up to Good Friday, or if you do Lent.
ONE MINOR DISAGREEMENT
Sproul's answers to almost all of the questions are very good, except for one-- the question about Wesley's hymn. Sproul says the lyric "that you My God, should die for me" is wrong because, naturally eternal God can't die.
I appreciate the concern, but this isn't a proper way to think through the lyric. The incarnation makes our language about the actions of the God-man a little more flexible.
The Westminster Confession teaches the "communicatio idiomatum," the communication of natures, in the person of Christ, in which because of "the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes attributes to the person denominated by the other nature" (WCF 8.7).
The only way I can think to translate the point out of that gobbledygook is just to quote Scripture. Paul says in Acts 2o:28 that "God purchased the church with his own blood." If it's okay for Paul to say that, it's also okay to say God died for our sins.
(HOWEVER, the lyric that could raise an eyebrow in the Wesley hymn is where it says Christ left his Father's throne and "emptied himself OF ALL but love." But that is for another time.)
July 24, 2013
This book is about the Truth of the Cross. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, more important than the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, came as a man, in the likeness of sinful flesh, lived a perfect life (the life that no man could live), fulfilling every aspect of the Law in its entirety, under complete and total submission to the Father's will, and was crucified on a cross by the hands of lawless men. And yet it was truly the plan of Almighty God who desired Him to be upon that tree, for He was the spotless lamb, the Savior of the world. He was the unblemished sacrifice, upon whom the sins of His people were laid. As the Scriptures declare, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of salvation to all who place their faith in Christ alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Praise God for His goodness and His love and His mercy. The only way that the cross will ever seem glorious is if a person recognizes the depths of his depravity and the nature of the atonement. Christ was crucified and bore the wrath of God for us, His people, so that we would not have to. This verse is most likely one of the most famous in the entire Bible, and though it may have lost its zest to those who have heard it hundreds of times, when it is understood that the Father was "pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grift; if he would render Himself as a guilt offering" (Isaiah 53:10), it is sweeter than any honey and more awesome than anything imaginable: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Hallelujah! Praise the LORD God Almighty!
Here one of my favorite quotes in the book: "I've heard sermons about the nails and the thorns. Granted, the physical agony of crucifixion is a ghastly thing. But thousands of people have died on crosses, and others have had ever more painful, excruciating deaths than that. But only One received the full measure of the curse of God while on a cross. Because of that, I wonder whether Jesus was even aware of the nails and the thorns. He was overwhelmed by the outer darkness. One the cross, he was in hell, totally bereft of the grace and the presence of God, utterly separated from all blessedness of the Father. He became a curse for us so that we one day will be able to see the face of God. God turned His back on His Son so that the light of His countenance will fall on us. It's no wonder Jesus screamed from the depths of His soul." The Cross is not just some "icon" to wear around your neck--it is a symbol of the hope believers have in Christ Jesus. This book presents that truth in an articulate and God-honoring way.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of salvation to all who place their faith in Christ alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Praise God for His goodness and His love and His mercy. The only way that the cross will ever seem glorious is if a person recognizes the depths of his depravity and the nature of the atonement. Christ was crucified and bore the wrath of God for us, His people, so that we would not have to. This verse is most likely one of the most famous in the entire Bible, and though it may have lost its zest to those who have heard it hundreds of times, when it is understood that the Father was "pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grift; if he would render Himself as a guilt offering" (Isaiah 53:10), it is sweeter than any honey and more awesome than anything imaginable: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Hallelujah! Praise the LORD God Almighty!
Here one of my favorite quotes in the book: "I've heard sermons about the nails and the thorns. Granted, the physical agony of crucifixion is a ghastly thing. But thousands of people have died on crosses, and others have had ever more painful, excruciating deaths than that. But only One received the full measure of the curse of God while on a cross. Because of that, I wonder whether Jesus was even aware of the nails and the thorns. He was overwhelmed by the outer darkness. One the cross, he was in hell, totally bereft of the grace and the presence of God, utterly separated from all blessedness of the Father. He became a curse for us so that we one day will be able to see the face of God. God turned His back on His Son so that the light of His countenance will fall on us. It's no wonder Jesus screamed from the depths of His soul." The Cross is not just some "icon" to wear around your neck--it is a symbol of the hope believers have in Christ Jesus. This book presents that truth in an articulate and God-honoring way.
February 20, 2011
R.C. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross is nothing short of an amazing piece of theological writing. It discusses the necessity of Christ's atonement in light of the sins of man. It also goes into detail about the substitutionary act that was Christ's death, and covers who exactly benefits from the atonement. There is also a chapter on the five points of Calvinism that explains the historical depth of Calvinism.
I admit that I was nervous about reading this book because of Sproul's reputation as a first-class theologian. As a layperson, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to follow his writing very well. However, Sproul is a master of the written word. He takes this subject and makes it easy to understand with his captivating writing style. As a result, I found the book to be a fairly easy read - which helped, because the subject matter is so thought-provoking.
I finished this book before church this morning, and I found that what I learned in this book opened up the Bible to me in ways I never imagined. I understand so much more about what Christ's sacrifice truly meant, both for those who lived before His time and for those who lived after. In terms of this understanding, I feel that The Truth of the Cross is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read, and I don't use that hyperbole lightly.
A chapter toward the end of the book does a pretty thorough job of explaining the five points of Calvinism from a layperson's perspective. Sproul explains that Calvinism actually stems back to the time of St. Augustine, and that people tend to misinterpret the idea of limited atonement. He explains that limited atonement only means that Christ died for believers, which I feel is important for people to understand.
Whether or not you are a member of the reformed church, I believe that this book is inspirational and leads to a better understanding of the sacrifice that was made on Calvary. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Christ, God, and what is expected of Christians.
I admit that I was nervous about reading this book because of Sproul's reputation as a first-class theologian. As a layperson, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to follow his writing very well. However, Sproul is a master of the written word. He takes this subject and makes it easy to understand with his captivating writing style. As a result, I found the book to be a fairly easy read - which helped, because the subject matter is so thought-provoking.
I finished this book before church this morning, and I found that what I learned in this book opened up the Bible to me in ways I never imagined. I understand so much more about what Christ's sacrifice truly meant, both for those who lived before His time and for those who lived after. In terms of this understanding, I feel that The Truth of the Cross is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read, and I don't use that hyperbole lightly.
A chapter toward the end of the book does a pretty thorough job of explaining the five points of Calvinism from a layperson's perspective. Sproul explains that Calvinism actually stems back to the time of St. Augustine, and that people tend to misinterpret the idea of limited atonement. He explains that limited atonement only means that Christ died for believers, which I feel is important for people to understand.
Whether or not you are a member of the reformed church, I believe that this book is inspirational and leads to a better understanding of the sacrifice that was made on Calvary. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Christ, God, and what is expected of Christians.
May 25, 2013
The Truth of the Cross
As a “returning” believer, I wanted to refresh myself with the basics of the faith. I was thinking of revisiting the books on apologetics and basic Christianity that I had read in the past. But when my “big brother” in the faith shared the limited time offer to get the Kindle edition for free, I grabbed it.
The Cross is central to Christianity. RC Sproul lays this down in a thorough manner in this book. For a layperson like myself who has no formal theological or biblical training, the book can get overwhelming with the doctrines and theological terms that Sproul used. However he manages to explain these clearly without losing the reader. So for a new believer seeking to understand the details of the “why” of the Cross, this book is an excellent introduction to the subject without having to enroll in Bible school.
I liked the emphasis Sproul placed on reading and studying the Old Testament to put the Gospel and the rest of the New Testament in proper context. The new believer often encounters Jesus in the New Testament. When I first became a believer, I had a lot of questions still about the Cross, atonement, salvation, propitiation and so on. I wasn’t asking questions out of doubt so much as wanting to know more. Sproul did an excellent job of explaining the Old Testament to help the reader understand why Jesus had to exist in the way he did, and why the Cross had to happen.
I would recommend this book to the reader seeking to understand the why of the Cross. It is an excellent read.
I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As a “returning” believer, I wanted to refresh myself with the basics of the faith. I was thinking of revisiting the books on apologetics and basic Christianity that I had read in the past. But when my “big brother” in the faith shared the limited time offer to get the Kindle edition for free, I grabbed it.
The Cross is central to Christianity. RC Sproul lays this down in a thorough manner in this book. For a layperson like myself who has no formal theological or biblical training, the book can get overwhelming with the doctrines and theological terms that Sproul used. However he manages to explain these clearly without losing the reader. So for a new believer seeking to understand the details of the “why” of the Cross, this book is an excellent introduction to the subject without having to enroll in Bible school.
I liked the emphasis Sproul placed on reading and studying the Old Testament to put the Gospel and the rest of the New Testament in proper context. The new believer often encounters Jesus in the New Testament. When I first became a believer, I had a lot of questions still about the Cross, atonement, salvation, propitiation and so on. I wasn’t asking questions out of doubt so much as wanting to know more. Sproul did an excellent job of explaining the Old Testament to help the reader understand why Jesus had to exist in the way he did, and why the Cross had to happen.
I would recommend this book to the reader seeking to understand the why of the Cross. It is an excellent read.
I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2015
It has been a wonderful read. It opened my mind to different schools of thought in Christian Theology. The stance of penal substitution of Protestant Theology, of Agustinianism,the purpose of the God incarnate of Anselm, and the exposition of limited atonement of Calvinism. The truth of the cross hinges on the crux of the matter, which is the heart of Christianity itself.
Jesus Christ, who was the Son of God, came down to earth to absolve the sins of his people. He has been the Savior, Surety, Redeemer,Mediator, Suffering Servant and Vicarious Substitute, the Lamb of God who took the sins of the world. For he is the only one who can.
Two quotes of the many of this book stuck to me. First is that Jesus did not only die for us, he lived for us.
"You might forget other things that I teach you, but don't ever forget the cross, because it was on the cross, through the cross, and by the cross that our Savior performed his work of redemption and gathered His people for eternity."
Cons of this book is theological concepts which hard to comprehend without substantial background information.
A good book overall! The cross is the essence of Christianity.
Jesus Christ, who was the Son of God, came down to earth to absolve the sins of his people. He has been the Savior, Surety, Redeemer,Mediator, Suffering Servant and Vicarious Substitute, the Lamb of God who took the sins of the world. For he is the only one who can.
Two quotes of the many of this book stuck to me. First is that Jesus did not only die for us, he lived for us.
"You might forget other things that I teach you, but don't ever forget the cross, because it was on the cross, through the cross, and by the cross that our Savior performed his work of redemption and gathered His people for eternity."
Cons of this book is theological concepts which hard to comprehend without substantial background information.
A good book overall! The cross is the essence of Christianity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews