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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.”
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
15 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Alistair Begg
153 books347 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
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.
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!
December 27, 2025
Great little book on the Gospel. Good for evangelistic purposes. Contains three short Bible narratives and one closing chapter.
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.
August 30, 2025
A great simple gospel tract.
November 5, 2025
Great book
Great book that meets people where they are and reveals their need for a Savior. It's a great book to pass out to the
unsaved .
Great book that meets people where they are and reveals their need for a Savior. It's a great book to pass out to the
unsaved .
December 14, 2025
well said
Worth taking the time to read no matter how well you know the stories. Then buy several and use them for gifts 😊
Worth taking the time to read no matter how well you know the stories. Then buy several and use them for gifts 😊
January 1, 2026
Well written, brief insight into crucial Christian perspective. Truth for life.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews