Once and for All: A Confession of the Cross

by Tom Smail

To articulate a credible doctrine of the atonement in today's cultural situation is fraught with difficulties. How can we do justice to the central New Testament claim that the work of Christ at one point in history is decisive for God's relationship to the whole of humanity at every other point in history? Tom Smail takes the connection between the atonement and the Trinity as the underpinning of 'Once and for All' If we recognize that the work of the cross has to be seen to involve all three persons, and their relationships to one another, we have a structure that enables us to deal with the problems the doctrine of the atonement raises. This presentation of Christ's atoning work in his cross and resurrection both does justice to its decisive character as a once and for all historical event, and at the same time explores the sense in which a long past historical act can be universally relevant to and effective for everyone. Tom Smail makes contemporary theological thinking on this subject accessible, and also, in investigating the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of the gospel of the cross, gives expression to his personal struggle with it throughout fifty years of ministry. It is his own confession of the cross, guided by the Scriptures and the many diverse strands of the Christian tradition that are precious to him. 'Once and for All' will help us all to understand better, and to enter into, the unique and enduring mystery at the heart of our faith.

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Matthew Prydden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is defined by its inconsistencies. Some well thought out ideas contrasted with some vague and underdeveloped ideas. Some helpful considerations contrasted with some straw-man caricatures of Calvinism which were particularly disappointing.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me a while ago by a friend when I mentioned that I was struggling to reshape my understanding of Christ's death and resurrection after a period of becoming dissatisfied with the theology of the atonement that was prevalent in the circles I had grown up in as a Christian. Somehow the popular expression of penal substitution didn't fit the radical love and vision of Christ that I encountered in the Gospels. Small's 'Once and for All' manages to hold together the seriousness of sin and Christ's sacrificial love and creation embracing vision in a way which much better fits my understanding of Jesus as well as cohering with Scripture. This is a well written and easy to work through, whilst being profound in its reach. Recommended to all who want to think carefully about this topic.