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The Man on the Middle Cross : Are you going to heaven?
Imagine… You’re waiting at the gates of heaven when you’re asked, “Why should we let you in?” What would you say? Could you meet the entry requirements?
This short and engaging book by Alistair Begg introduces three ordinary people who had no way to be sure what was in store beyond this life—until they discovered an extraordinary hope. This is the offer of the An eternity not dependent on effort or endeavour, but on the one who stands inviting us to “come.”
This short and engaging book by Alistair Begg introduces three ordinary people who had no way to be sure what was in store beyond this life—until they discovered an extraordinary hope. This is the offer of the An eternity not dependent on effort or endeavour, but on the one who stands inviting us to “come.”
48 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Alistair Begg
148 books361 followersAlistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Following graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church.
In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.
In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 18, 2026
Great explanation of the gospel- really good book to pass along to an unbeliever
October 13, 2025
I picked up this gospel tract/booklet at a conference recently. It’s excellent. If you don’t know Jesus, read and learn than He is the only One who offers real fulfillment. He is the only One who can forgive sins. Only Jesus can promise you a place in God’s perfect heaven forever. Come to Him.
April 5, 2026
‘The man on the middle cross said I could come’
I was at a new church today and they pushed this into my hands on the way out. It’s a good read with the intention of being a book you can pass off to someone else. I appreciated being presented these common Bible stories again and learning new perspectives from the writer.
I was at a new church today and they pushed this into my hands on the way out. It’s a good read with the intention of being a book you can pass off to someone else. I appreciated being presented these common Bible stories again and learning new perspectives from the writer.
January 20, 2026
This is ideal to give away to friends that have indicated some interest in Jesus. The gospel is really clear throughout and I felt it had a really nice balance of challenging the reader as well as coming alongside them like a gentle friend. Fantastic!
December 15, 2025
I received this book from a relative. I was born into a Christian home and lived the first 30 years of my life for Christ. I was even an ordained pastor. I have now lived over 25 years as an agnostic. I must say that these have been the best years of my life. I wouldn’t be alive today if I stayed with Christianity. I didn’t live in truth as a Christian because I always knew I was gay. Since I went with my gut and my truth, I have lived the most amazing life and an authentic, honest, and truthful life. You don’t have to have religion to know right or wrong. I’m happy for anyone that is happy in their faith, but I long for the day when those individuals are happy and fine that others have different believes and they should have the right to live as they choose.
November 24, 2025
8/10
A short but very powerful little track. The gospel message is one of the most simple things to convey, and yet we so often find it one of the most difficult things to comprehend. I recommend this little book for anyone interested in learning what the message of the gospel boils down to, and it’s helpful for both new and old members of the faith.
A short but very powerful little track. The gospel message is one of the most simple things to convey, and yet we so often find it one of the most difficult things to comprehend. I recommend this little book for anyone interested in learning what the message of the gospel boils down to, and it’s helpful for both new and old members of the faith.
January 2, 2026
Crazy short little book that is a perfect introduction to the Gospel. Begg tells three different stories from the Bible as well as tying in a similar modern story and then has the actual scripture included as well. I plan on giving it to some of my college students both for their edification and also as an inspiration to share the gospel. However, you should totally watch the clip of Alister Begg actually talking about the man on the middle cross. It’s way better than just reading it.
January 2, 2026
Alastair Begg’s book’s is sub-titled, “Are you going to Heaven.” I just received this attending Cross Con 2036.
This 38 page booklet is a clear and concise description of the true gospel of Scripture.
Works and all the other baggage that are sometimes included in gospel presentations are stripped away in this well written booklet.
Begg takes three people in the gospel narrative and shows clearly how they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and shows how the reader can have the same altered life if he/she humbly repents of sin and embraces Jesus as Lord and Savor.
Booklet also includes QR codes so reader can watch animated video’s and overviews of creation and a more detailed description of what is included in the gospel.
This is a great booklet to give to someone after you have shared the gospel. It includes everything needed to answer many of the questions clarifying what’s needed to come before the Lord with a true submissive heart of repentance.
Chas Morse
This 38 page booklet is a clear and concise description of the true gospel of Scripture.
Works and all the other baggage that are sometimes included in gospel presentations are stripped away in this well written booklet.
Begg takes three people in the gospel narrative and shows clearly how they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and shows how the reader can have the same altered life if he/she humbly repents of sin and embraces Jesus as Lord and Savor.
Booklet also includes QR codes so reader can watch animated video’s and overviews of creation and a more detailed description of what is included in the gospel.
This is a great booklet to give to someone after you have shared the gospel. It includes everything needed to answer many of the questions clarifying what’s needed to come before the Lord with a true submissive heart of repentance.
Chas Morse
February 28, 2026
We live in a broken world. Begg eloquently captures the purpose and the emotion behind the stories of Jesus and his reaching out to the broken and lost world. “The man on the middle cross said I could come” is our only hope. Cling to it. Will be using this resource for some evangelistic relationships.
January 6, 2026
Great book. Super quick and easy read that gives a new perspective on common encounters with Jesus to point you to how we are saved and what we place our hope in. Great book to give new believers or nonbelievers, but good for all to read.
January 7, 2026
This book is so small and yet full of Jesus. I think it can be a great book for someone young in their faith and for someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus yet.
Why should I let you in to my Heaven?
Answer: Because (Jesus) THE MAN on the middle cross died for me and said I can be here!
Why should I let you in to my Heaven?
Answer: Because (Jesus) THE MAN on the middle cross died for me and said I can be here!
September 16, 2025
Nice evangelistic booklet and advertisement for Alistair Begg’s ministry now that he has retired as pastor.
January 4, 2026
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
January 6, 2026
Simple, short, super readable in regard to picturing each scene. Begg does a good job illustrating each story.
January 7, 2026
Great booklet! It’s longer than a tract but smaller than a book. Great explanation of salvation. I’ll prolly get some of these as a resource!
March 28, 2026
This is a super short book that is simply a sermon series preached by Alistair Begg. It is a beautiful sermon text and exposition and very relevant for reading in light of our upcoming Easter/Resurrection Sunday celebrations. To be clear, you can read it anytime but it feels pretty special to read it right now as we are thinking about Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
April 17, 2026
Examples of how someone who may be outcast, disabled or sinful may yet enter heaven through faith.
QR code video links dramatize the Biblical references, making the parables more accessible.
QR code video links dramatize the Biblical references, making the parables more accessible.
April 8, 2026
Caught a little clip of this on Instagram and had to look it up. Luckily, I was able to find it on Spotify. It's a short, but beautiful sermon.
February 8, 2026
So simple and yet so beautiful. I love how Begg writes with clarity and profound kindness at the same time.
August 21, 2025
In this short book, Alistair Begg shares three powerful stories. Each one records a conversation that alters the course of a life. These encounters are all found in the Bible.
The first story comes from John 4: 3-30; 39–42. This is the story of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well. Carefully, Jesus points to the woman’s need for personal forgiveness and for salvation. A true encounter with God and real transformation always begin here.
Begg writes that the standard picture in our culture is that God is playing hide-and-seek and doesn’t want to be found. But the account we have in the Bible is the reverse of that. We are the ones who have gone into hiding. Jesus comes looking for each one of us—not to condemn us but to offer us living water, the fulfillment that each of us longs for.
The second story comes from Mark 2:1-12. This is the story of the man who was lowered down to Jesus through a roof. He went with his friends hoping that his legs would be healed. That is what he longed for more than anything – to be able to walk for the rest of his days, to get a job, and to look after his family. But Jesus gave him something much greater. He forgave his sins and opened the door to a relationship with God.
The third story comes from Luke 23: 39-43. This is the story of the thief on the cross.
Begg writes that he often thinks about that thief on the cross, and is looking forward to the day when he comes across him in heaven, when he will ask him about what happened to him that day.
Begg writes that salvation is a gift. It’s pure grace from start to finish—unfiltered, unearned, freely given. He tells us that at the heart of the Christian faith is this incredible exchange: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took the punishment that we deserve so that we could receive the forgiveness we can never earn.
Begg asks us to consider when we stand before God at the end of our life, what will our answer be when he asks us why he should let us into his heaven? Will we list our own achievements, hoping they will be enough? Or will you simply say, “The man on the middle cross said I could come”?
Begg writes that the Samaritan woman discovered that Jesus is the one who offers real fulfillment. The paralyzed man found that Jesus can forgive sins. The thief on the cross realized that Jesus could promise him a place in God’s perfect heaven forever. He tells us that Jesus makes those offers to you and to me. Your thirst can be quenched. You can be healed. You can come.
He states that we can respond to Jesus’ invitation by saying a prayer like the one that is listed in the book.
This is a helpful book that can be read in less than an hour, and is priced so that you can give copies away to friends and family.
The first story comes from John 4: 3-30; 39–42. This is the story of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well. Carefully, Jesus points to the woman’s need for personal forgiveness and for salvation. A true encounter with God and real transformation always begin here.
Begg writes that the standard picture in our culture is that God is playing hide-and-seek and doesn’t want to be found. But the account we have in the Bible is the reverse of that. We are the ones who have gone into hiding. Jesus comes looking for each one of us—not to condemn us but to offer us living water, the fulfillment that each of us longs for.
The second story comes from Mark 2:1-12. This is the story of the man who was lowered down to Jesus through a roof. He went with his friends hoping that his legs would be healed. That is what he longed for more than anything – to be able to walk for the rest of his days, to get a job, and to look after his family. But Jesus gave him something much greater. He forgave his sins and opened the door to a relationship with God.
The third story comes from Luke 23: 39-43. This is the story of the thief on the cross.
Begg writes that he often thinks about that thief on the cross, and is looking forward to the day when he comes across him in heaven, when he will ask him about what happened to him that day.
Begg writes that salvation is a gift. It’s pure grace from start to finish—unfiltered, unearned, freely given. He tells us that at the heart of the Christian faith is this incredible exchange: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took the punishment that we deserve so that we could receive the forgiveness we can never earn.
Begg asks us to consider when we stand before God at the end of our life, what will our answer be when he asks us why he should let us into his heaven? Will we list our own achievements, hoping they will be enough? Or will you simply say, “The man on the middle cross said I could come”?
Begg writes that the Samaritan woman discovered that Jesus is the one who offers real fulfillment. The paralyzed man found that Jesus can forgive sins. The thief on the cross realized that Jesus could promise him a place in God’s perfect heaven forever. He tells us that Jesus makes those offers to you and to me. Your thirst can be quenched. You can be healed. You can come.
He states that we can respond to Jesus’ invitation by saying a prayer like the one that is listed in the book.
This is a helpful book that can be read in less than an hour, and is priced so that you can give copies away to friends and family.
December 27, 2025
Great little book on the Gospel. Good for evangelistic purposes. Contains three short Bible narratives and one closing chapter.
August 17, 2025
Sometimes, a reminder that the simple lessons of the Bible are some of the best lessons is a good reminder to have. And that's what The Man on the Middle Cross by Alistair Begg delivers. I needed this book. My brother unexpectedly died three weeks ago today (8/17/25). I’ve been struggling so hard to pray and read my Bible. Not because I’m mad at God or anything like that. But because my brother’s unexpected death at 39, my beloved best friend-brother, seems SO cruel. I’m utterly heartbroken. My brain is in such a fog I can’t focus on basic things let alone Bible studies. I needed the simple TRUTHS of Jesus spelled out for me. I needed the comfort that comes from remembering that no matter what it is all about Jesus. Right now, I need simple comfort. The Man on the middle cross gave that to me through this simple, yet glorious, little book. It’s only 32 pages, but they are seriously good pages that pack a punch. I’m probably going to turn to this book again and again in these rough days ahead to be reminded of God’s sublime goodness. Whether you’ve been a believer for a while now, or your interest is newly piqued by God and Christianity, this is a must-read. I’m so very glad this book popped up in my Amazon feed. I definitely needed the message of this powerful little book.
I purchased a copy of this non-fiction text in eBook from Amazon.com on August 16, 2025, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I purchased a copy of this non-fiction text in eBook from Amazon.com on August 16, 2025, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 19, 2025
[Thank you to @10ofthoseusa for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
I’ve been a fan of everything I’ve read by Alistair Begg. I really appreciated his most recent (upcoming) title, “The Man on the Middle Cross.”
This short and concise book features three individuals whom we meet in the bible and their vastly different standings and circumstances. The book highlights what these individuals do have in common: a need for a Savior: Jesus, and an inability to save themselves.
Through the stories of these individuals, the author explains that everyone is in need of salvation and that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. Not only this, but that no person is ever too far gone to be saved, if they believe and profess Christ as Lord. The book emphasizes mankind's inability to save themselves and that salvation is a gift of God, not dependent on works. This book also touches on assurance of salvation.
“The Man on the Middle Cross” would serve as an excellent evangelistic tool for seekers or a discipleship tool for very new believers.
A solid read. Highly recommend!
I’ve been a fan of everything I’ve read by Alistair Begg. I really appreciated his most recent (upcoming) title, “The Man on the Middle Cross.”
This short and concise book features three individuals whom we meet in the bible and their vastly different standings and circumstances. The book highlights what these individuals do have in common: a need for a Savior: Jesus, and an inability to save themselves.
Through the stories of these individuals, the author explains that everyone is in need of salvation and that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. Not only this, but that no person is ever too far gone to be saved, if they believe and profess Christ as Lord. The book emphasizes mankind's inability to save themselves and that salvation is a gift of God, not dependent on works. This book also touches on assurance of salvation.
“The Man on the Middle Cross” would serve as an excellent evangelistic tool for seekers or a discipleship tool for very new believers.
A solid read. Highly recommend!
Read
June 12, 2025“The only proper answer is in the third person: “Because he…”, “Because Jesus…” Because he said I could come. The man on the middle cross—he said I could come. He died on the cross in my place.”
In this short book, Alistair Begg highlights three people from gospels and shows their need for more beyond this life: salvation. It beautifully displays that we contribute nothing to our salvation and relies on Christ alone. This is intended for the use of evangelism and would be a great tool to keep on your shelf to giveaway!
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for a review.
In this short book, Alistair Begg highlights three people from gospels and shows their need for more beyond this life: salvation. It beautifully displays that we contribute nothing to our salvation and relies on Christ alone. This is intended for the use of evangelism and would be a great tool to keep on your shelf to giveaway!
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for a review.
October 26, 2025
I wish there was a clear gospel presentation section rather than just weaving it through these stories, but overall a good book that I will definitely be giving my family!
March 28, 2026
A wonderful little gospel tract. This booklet seems to be doing the rounds this Easter season, with at least two churches that I know of using it in the lead-up to Resurrection Sunday. I grabbed one a few weeks back from the table at the back of church and just this morning read it through. It is short and a quick read and to one who has been a Christian for a while, there is nothing new. Still yet. It is wonderfully encouraging to consider the gospel anew and to read these three stories that Begg retells. He does a beautiful job of re-telling the stories of the Samaritan woman, the forgiven paralytic, and the thief on the cross. This is certainly a book aimed at one that does not know Christ, but one that is possibly (hopefully?) seeking to understand who this Jesus is. I wonder how a non-Christian would find this. I can certainly state that it encouraged me to read it this day. The last story brought tears to my eyes, as I considered the thief at the gates of heaven and pleading naught but the words of Jesus. What a joy it would be to hear those words from Jesus, that promise that I might be WITH HIM in paradise that day. Oh my heart melted considering such. I cannot wait for the day when I too walk through heaven’s gates. I don’t care for any golden streets or harps or such. I simply want to be with my Lord.
September 23, 2025
In The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg brings the gospel to those seeking hope, restoration, and a way back to God.
Changed Lives
This warm, short, and powerful evangelistic book is based on Alistair Begg’s most quoted sermon line: “The man on the middle cross said I could come.” It actually moved me to tears when I first saw the viral clip online, and this book is a wonderful way to share that same message.
The book tells the stories of three lives changed by Jesus: the Samaritan woman at the well, the healing of the paralyzed man who was let down through the roof by his friends, and the thief on the cross.
Come to Jesus
What I love most about this book is that it includes extended passages of biblical text, so the reader is taken straight to Scripture. It also features QR codes linking to dramatized gospel videos from Lumo Project Films.
Whether you are searching for fulfillment and satisfaction, seeking healing from a broken world and sin, or striving for forgiveness and a life beyond this world in heaven, this book calls its readers to come to Jesus and live.
I received a media copy of The Man on the Middle Cross and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
Changed Lives
This warm, short, and powerful evangelistic book is based on Alistair Begg’s most quoted sermon line: “The man on the middle cross said I could come.” It actually moved me to tears when I first saw the viral clip online, and this book is a wonderful way to share that same message.
The book tells the stories of three lives changed by Jesus: the Samaritan woman at the well, the healing of the paralyzed man who was let down through the roof by his friends, and the thief on the cross.
Come to Jesus
What I love most about this book is that it includes extended passages of biblical text, so the reader is taken straight to Scripture. It also features QR codes linking to dramatized gospel videos from Lumo Project Films.
Whether you are searching for fulfillment and satisfaction, seeking healing from a broken world and sin, or striving for forgiveness and a life beyond this world in heaven, this book calls its readers to come to Jesus and live.
I received a media copy of The Man on the Middle Cross and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
April 4, 2026
Excellent explanation of the Gospel. I particularly enjoyed the shortness of it, you can easily read in one sitting while still getting a wonderful, though provoking portrayal of the Gospel.
“I imagine him (the criminal on the cross next to Jesus) stepping hesitantly into the splendor of heaven, still dazed but gloriously free from the agony of his final moments on earth. He takes an uncertain step, his feet no longer bound by nails, his body now whole but his mind still catching up. A majestic figure approaches, his eyes sharp yet kind. ‘What are you doing here’ the angel asks him…. ‘on what basis are you here?’…. His face softens, as though remembering something too wonderful for words, his voice now calm and steady. The man on the middle cross said I could come.”
The man on the middle cross said I could come. Of course, this is extra biblical. We do not know what happened when this man entered paradise. But what a wonderful use of Christian liberty Alistair Begg uses when illustrating this moment. Praise the Lord for the creativity He has given Begg in order to lead people to Him.
“I imagine him (the criminal on the cross next to Jesus) stepping hesitantly into the splendor of heaven, still dazed but gloriously free from the agony of his final moments on earth. He takes an uncertain step, his feet no longer bound by nails, his body now whole but his mind still catching up. A majestic figure approaches, his eyes sharp yet kind. ‘What are you doing here’ the angel asks him…. ‘on what basis are you here?’…. His face softens, as though remembering something too wonderful for words, his voice now calm and steady. The man on the middle cross said I could come.”
The man on the middle cross said I could come. Of course, this is extra biblical. We do not know what happened when this man entered paradise. But what a wonderful use of Christian liberty Alistair Begg uses when illustrating this moment. Praise the Lord for the creativity He has given Begg in order to lead people to Him.
January 19, 2026
“The man on the middle cross said I could come.
And that's the point, isn't it? It's the astonishing truth that shattered religious expectations then-and still does today. Reuben didn't have time to go to Bible studies, to go to church and get baptized, or to give money to charity. He didn't have time to do any of the things that most people associate with being religious, and yet Jesus promised him a place in heaven. No theological tests. No religious achievements because heaven isn't earned. It's a gift. It's pure grace from start to finish unfiltered, unearned, freely given.”
“Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took the punishment that we deserve so that we could receive the forgiveness we can never earn.
Because my sinless savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me”
And that's the point, isn't it? It's the astonishing truth that shattered religious expectations then-and still does today. Reuben didn't have time to go to Bible studies, to go to church and get baptized, or to give money to charity. He didn't have time to do any of the things that most people associate with being religious, and yet Jesus promised him a place in heaven. No theological tests. No religious achievements because heaven isn't earned. It's a gift. It's pure grace from start to finish unfiltered, unearned, freely given.”
“Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took the punishment that we deserve so that we could receive the forgiveness we can never earn.
Because my sinless savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2026
Pastor Alistair Begg tells bible stories cutting to the heart.
I saw on a foreign site that recommends buying this book for non-Christians friends to share the gospel with them. I intended to buy several copies in French, but before doing this, I wanted to read it by myself to know how to talk with my friends. I bought English Kindle version. Although I've been Christian for more than ten years, this little book touched me deeply. When I read what Jesus said to people around him, paraphrased by pastor Alistair Begg, it was as though Jesus was speaking to me. I was deeply touched by each story. I highly recommend Christians to buy this book to seekers or other non-Christians, or even it's for revitalize your zeal for Jesus and the gospel, it's a very good book.
I saw on a foreign site that recommends buying this book for non-Christians friends to share the gospel with them. I intended to buy several copies in French, but before doing this, I wanted to read it by myself to know how to talk with my friends. I bought English Kindle version. Although I've been Christian for more than ten years, this little book touched me deeply. When I read what Jesus said to people around him, paraphrased by pastor Alistair Begg, it was as though Jesus was speaking to me. I was deeply touched by each story. I highly recommend Christians to buy this book to seekers or other non-Christians, or even it's for revitalize your zeal for Jesus and the gospel, it's a very good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews