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Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ
In Unveiling the Cross, Ross Blackburn examines the Isaiah 6 vision of the Lord, ‘high and lifted up,’ in the light of New Testament revelation. Why did this encounter affect the prophet’s life so radically? What did he understand of the One on the throne? How is this ‘Day of Atonement’ scene connected to other heavenly visions in the Bible? In discussing these questions, the author discourses with two classic works, Hugh Martin’s The Atonement, and Sinclair B. Ferguson’s The Whole Christ. His treatment of Scripture – from the origin of ‘uncleanness’ in Genesis to the Lamb on the throne in Revelation – is incisive and masterful. Each page magnifies the Christ of the cross, the Christ of the throne, and the Christ who intercedes for his people. It is impossible to encounter this Lord of Hosts and remain unchanged.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2025
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March 21, 2025
In Unveiling the Cross, W. Ross Blackburn teaches you how to behold and proclaim the whole Christ.
Isaiah 6
This book is a brilliant examination of Isaiah 6, explaining it in light of the New Testament. Blackburn shows that the vision Isaiah saw is inextricably tied to seeing the crucified and risen Christ. Blackburn is well-read and wise, often speaking directly to preachers and offering deep insights that are both theologically rich and practically applicable.
I was most intrigued by how he relates the wording in Isaiah 6:1, where the Lord is described as “high and lifted up,” to the idea of Christ as a sacrifice. Blackburn connects this to John 12:36-41, suggesting that Isaiah saw the crucified Christ in his vision. Furthermore, he draws attention to how the “train of His robe” points to Christ as the High Priest, making a powerful theological link between the Old and New Testaments.
The Gospel
In Isaiah 6:8, Blackburn highlights the effects of the Spirit on the preacher, including a great love for God’s people and a profound confidence in the gospel. This makes the preacher, by necessity, a man of prayer—one who realizes that apart from the work of the Spirit, neither he nor his hearers will truly respond to the message of Christ.
Interestingly, the book ends with a reminder to preachers that persecution will come. Just as Isaiah asked, “How long, O Lord?” he also foretold a time when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” This serves as a calling for the church, and especially for those who shepherd her, to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel.
See and Preach
The call of the preacher is to preach Christ crucified. In order to do this faithfully, preachers must first behold Him in all His glory. Unveiling the Cross has deeply moved to behold the beauty of Christ and proclaim Him with greater passion and urgency.
I received a media copy of Unveiling the Cross and this is my honest review.
Isaiah 6
This book is a brilliant examination of Isaiah 6, explaining it in light of the New Testament. Blackburn shows that the vision Isaiah saw is inextricably tied to seeing the crucified and risen Christ. Blackburn is well-read and wise, often speaking directly to preachers and offering deep insights that are both theologically rich and practically applicable.
I was most intrigued by how he relates the wording in Isaiah 6:1, where the Lord is described as “high and lifted up,” to the idea of Christ as a sacrifice. Blackburn connects this to John 12:36-41, suggesting that Isaiah saw the crucified Christ in his vision. Furthermore, he draws attention to how the “train of His robe” points to Christ as the High Priest, making a powerful theological link between the Old and New Testaments.
The Gospel
In Isaiah 6:8, Blackburn highlights the effects of the Spirit on the preacher, including a great love for God’s people and a profound confidence in the gospel. This makes the preacher, by necessity, a man of prayer—one who realizes that apart from the work of the Spirit, neither he nor his hearers will truly respond to the message of Christ.
Interestingly, the book ends with a reminder to preachers that persecution will come. Just as Isaiah asked, “How long, O Lord?” he also foretold a time when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” This serves as a calling for the church, and especially for those who shepherd her, to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel.
See and Preach
The call of the preacher is to preach Christ crucified. In order to do this faithfully, preachers must first behold Him in all His glory. Unveiling the Cross has deeply moved to behold the beauty of Christ and proclaim Him with greater passion and urgency.
I received a media copy of Unveiling the Cross and this is my honest review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review