The Death of Christ

by James Denney, Juan Pablo Marichal Catalán (Editor)

James Denney’s purpose in The Death of Christ was “to explain, in the light of modern historical study, the place held by the death of Christ in the New Testament, and the interpretation put upon it by the apostolic writers.” He defends the penal substitution theory of atonement, according to which, Christ, by his own sacrificial choice, was punished in the place of sinners. Only this interpretation of Christ’s sacrifice unifies the messages of each of the New Testament’s distinct authors, Denney argues. His work contains an interesting balance of Reformed Presbyterian theology and evangelicalism. In the preface, Denney writes that his motive in publishing his book “was as much evangelical as theological.”

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1982

About the author

James Denney (1856 – 1917) was a Scottish theologian and preacher. He is probably best known today for his theological articulation of the meaning of the atonement within Christian theology, atonement for him being “the most profound of all truths”.

Reviews

[Phillip R Neal]

Classic on Atonement

It is a must read book given it is a classic on the subject. Very good presentation throughout. Like most who approach the subject little is done to put forth a teaching of the Holy Spirit. Denny touches on how because of the sacrifice we too will live like the master but doesn't touch on how that is empowered.

[Mark Ackeret]

Pretty heavy theologically but comprehendable. Denney randomly includes explanations in foreign languages without further translation. His last few chapters on preaching and living the atonement are most helpful.

[Douglas Wilson]

Good.

[Eli]

The best and most important book on the death of Christ ever written.