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El Cristo preeminente
In The Preeminent Christ, Paul Washer declares the unmatched significance of the good news of Jesus Christ. Compelled by a desire for men to know God’s love, Washer draws from the church’s greatest theologians to herald Christ’s centrality in revelation, salvation, sanctification, study, proclamation, and glory. The Preeminent Christ will stimulate readers to forsake their tendency to view worldly “needs” as central by zealously seeking this Christ in the gospel. Contents 1. A Prolegomenon 2. An Apology 3. The Essential Content of the Gospel 4. The Same Gospel through the Ages 5. The Preeminence of the Gospel 6. The Preeminent Revelation of God 7. The Preeminent Message of Salvation 8. The Preeminent Means of Sanctification 9. The Preeminent Subject of Study 10. The Preeminent Subject of Preaching 11. The Preeminent Subject of Glorying 12. A Warning against the Neglect of the Gospel 13. Final Exhortation
136 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
66 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Paul Washer
71 books546 followersPaul David Washer became a believer while studying at the University of Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. After graduating, he moved to Peru and served there as a missionary.
Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.
Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 15, 2023
The book begins with a basic primer on the gospel. Paul Washer details the essential elements of the Gospel and then demonstrates that those elements are part of the historic Christian faith. The second half of the book turns to more exhortation on the value of the gospel, not only for salvation but sanctification, preaching, meditation, and boasting. Paul Washer provides an abundance of quotes from church history to exhort you to think on and find your joy in the person and work of Christ.
February 24, 2024
Great for those who want to grow in their capacity for older books. Washer quotes a Puritan on nearly every page. It’s also convicting to grow in one’s appreciation of the gospel.
April 13, 2025
A rare 10/10 rating!
Washer calls us back to our first love, our original affections anchored in the person and work of Christ, and stirs them with passage after passage, and encouragement upon encouragement.
Washer reminds us that we never "move on" from the gospel, or outgrow the need for it. All of the excellencies and powers of God are found most prominently and most centrally in the gospel, in Christ! In a word, the gospel is God's power unto salvation, and unto sanctification.
Looking into other Biblical truths can be helpful. But looking into those truths without anchoring them in Christ is like taking a trip to Niagara Falls, and then staying in the hotel to look at pictures of it on the internet. We must look centrally to Christ in all that is in the Bible. We must glory in His person and work every day, for He and He alone is the highest revelation and greatest treasure of God.
Perhaps the tendency of the larger Christian public now adays is to scan the shelf or internet for books that seem more "practical" or "relevant". But to scan over a book such as this due to such a false presupposition would be a grave mistake! For, there is nothing more relevant, more "practical" or more glorious in the Christian life than knowing Christ more intimately. He is the sum and substance of all.
Washer calls us back to our first love, our original affections anchored in the person and work of Christ, and stirs them with passage after passage, and encouragement upon encouragement.
Washer reminds us that we never "move on" from the gospel, or outgrow the need for it. All of the excellencies and powers of God are found most prominently and most centrally in the gospel, in Christ! In a word, the gospel is God's power unto salvation, and unto sanctification.
Looking into other Biblical truths can be helpful. But looking into those truths without anchoring them in Christ is like taking a trip to Niagara Falls, and then staying in the hotel to look at pictures of it on the internet. We must look centrally to Christ in all that is in the Bible. We must glory in His person and work every day, for He and He alone is the highest revelation and greatest treasure of God.
Perhaps the tendency of the larger Christian public now adays is to scan the shelf or internet for books that seem more "practical" or "relevant". But to scan over a book such as this due to such a false presupposition would be a grave mistake! For, there is nothing more relevant, more "practical" or more glorious in the Christian life than knowing Christ more intimately. He is the sum and substance of all.
July 5, 2024
Behold Christ!
April 8, 2023
Everything by Paul Washer is a must read. From his gospel tracts to his longer works. I adore his Gospel Trilogy! This book is just as solid as the rest of his books. Washer’s books are always saturated with God’s Word. This book was especially saturated with God’s Word along with lots of amazing quotes from many Puritans and others from the same vein. This is a great book by a man who knows Jesus. You will be blessed to read it!
August 9, 2023
This short book is saturated in Scripture and quotes from other theologians. Washer's target audience is believers and after reading this, one will long to know the unfathomable redeeming love of Christ better.
April 14, 2025
If for nothing else, this book has a wonderful amount of lengthy quotes from ancient authors who wrote beautifully on Christ. Paul Washer adds to the great men before him as another great man with a burning passion for Jesus Christ, the likes of which we need much more of. His writing is simple yet compelling, using language that portrays Biblical truths we take for granted in ways that cause the mind to consider more thoroughly.
June 2, 2023
Preacher, read this book, read it slowly, absorb every word, take it all in!
Typical Paul Washer. Clear, precise Gospel. Presented through an aggregation of scripture, creeds and credible voices from Puritans and trusted Evangelicals.
Typical Paul Washer. Clear, precise Gospel. Presented through an aggregation of scripture, creeds and credible voices from Puritans and trusted Evangelicals.
October 14, 2023
There is nothing else that ought to excite our attention and affection like the gospel of Jesus Christ. The incomprehensible nature of our God and the lengths to which He has worked to redeem us from sin should lead us to adoration of God, hatred of our sin, thankfulness for Christ, and a desire to proclaim His salvation to all we see. The beauty and glory of Christ is supreme; what else could draw our attention like Him? Washer’s book helps direct our gaze on this Object worthy of eternal affection. Every Christian should read this and be encouraged.
January 3, 2024
Not only does Paul Washer write about the Preeminent Christ, but also about His finished work on the Cross to redeem His people.
He includes such topics as the preeminence of the gospel, the preeminent message of salvation, the preeminent subject of study and preaching the glory of Christ. He quotes many faithful men such as; Flavel, Owen, Spurgeon to name a few.
A must read.
He includes such topics as the preeminence of the gospel, the preeminent message of salvation, the preeminent subject of study and preaching the glory of Christ. He quotes many faithful men such as; Flavel, Owen, Spurgeon to name a few.
A must read.
June 17, 2023
“The gospel of Jesus Christ does not ignore or downplay our sin but rather brings it to the forefront in all its ugliness and deals with it in the cross (Isa. 53:4-6, 10; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18). If we eliminate or make light of this essential truth of the gospel, we will have perverted its content, truncated its power, and brought judgment on ourselves (Gal. 1:8-9)!”
“Although our Bibles are inspired, our personal interpretations are not. It is a great display of arrogance to isolate ourselves from two thousand years of church history and interpret the Bible in a personal vacuum.”
“The ‘word of the cross’ is the word of the church. It is to be center in our hearts, foremost in our thoughts, and the beginning and ending of all our preaching. It is this message that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. It gives the church her life, her strength, and her beauty. To lose this message, dilute it, or treat it as secondary in importance is to drive a dagger through the very heart of our faith.“
“Therefore, it is not our obedience to the law, our imitation of Christ, the abstinence we have practiced, or the devotion we have shown to God that prevails. Our salvation is found in what God has accomplished on our behalf through the cross of His dear Son.”
“Although our Bibles are inspired, our personal interpretations are not. It is a great display of arrogance to isolate ourselves from two thousand years of church history and interpret the Bible in a personal vacuum.”
“The ‘word of the cross’ is the word of the church. It is to be center in our hearts, foremost in our thoughts, and the beginning and ending of all our preaching. It is this message that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. It gives the church her life, her strength, and her beauty. To lose this message, dilute it, or treat it as secondary in importance is to drive a dagger through the very heart of our faith.“
“Therefore, it is not our obedience to the law, our imitation of Christ, the abstinence we have practiced, or the devotion we have shown to God that prevails. Our salvation is found in what God has accomplished on our behalf through the cross of His dear Son.”
November 29, 2025
Washer isn’t known for his writing, as far as I’m aware, and his writing reflects his preaching approach, simple and to the point. About half of the book is Puritan quotations at length, but there’s some Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones, etc. Washer doesn’t have much to add to the continuum of Gospel exaltation, but his brief volume is a refreshing visitation of first principles. I think it would be an excellent gift for a new Christian.
May 13, 2023
Good. Especially the last two chapters where Paul Washer exhort us not to neglect the gospel.
Probably half of the book is made of lengthy quotes (good quotes though).
Probably half of the book is made of lengthy quotes (good quotes though).
August 13, 2023
Very Christ centered and Christ exalting, biblically focussed and edifying!
September 14, 2025
a most excellent book
August 24, 2023
“Our sure hope is that the more we know of Christ, the more we will know of God. The greater will be our esteem for him, and the more prevalent and pure will be our praise.”
“We must always remember that our action is what validates our confession. If Christ and his gospel are preeminent in our heart and mind then he will certainly be preeminent in our proclamation. He will be the preeminent standard to which we conform and he will be the preeminent motivation of our life.”
“ O impress this Gospel upon my soul, till its saving virtue be diffused over every faculty! Let it not only be heard, and acknowledged, and professed, but felt! Make it 'thy power to my eternal salvation;' (Rom. 1:16) and raise me to that humble, tender gratitude, to that active, unwearied zeal in thy service, which becomes one 'to whom so much is forgiven.' (Luke 7:47) and forgiven upon such terms as these.” Philip Dodridge
“We should be encouraged to know that the more we truly comprehend the truths of the gospel, the more we will be impassioned and transformed by them. However, we should also sincerely examine ourselves to determine if our knowledge has led to transformation. True knowledge of the gospel is not measured by the number of facts we have accumulated of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but by our conformity to the Christ of the gospel.”
“A church that is fed only on commands will languish from malnutrition. Its heart will wither. Its hope will fade and its vitality will be drained. But a church fed on Christ and his gospel will go from strength to strength and from glory to glory for the people who know their God shall be strong.”
“O that I should need thus to persuade your hearts to look unto Jesus! What, is not your Jesus worthy of this? Why, then, are your thoughts no more upon him? Why are not your hearts continually with him? Why are not your strongest desires, and daily delights in, and after the Lord Will not God give you leave to approach Jesus?… Why then doth he cry, and double his cry, Behold me, behold me? Ah, vile hearts! how delightfully and unweariedly can we think of vanity? How freely and how frequently can we think of Yea, of our miseries, wrongs, sufferour pleasures, friends, labors, lusts? ings, fear? And what, is not Christ in all our thoughts?…O turn your thoughts from off all earthly vanities, and bend your souls to study Christ; habituate yourselves to such contemplations, as in the next use I shall present; and let not those thoughts be seldom or cursory, but settle upon them, dwell there, bathe your souls in those delights, drench your affections in those rivers of pleasures, or rather in the sea of consolation. O tie your souls in heavenly galleries, have your eyes continually set on Christ!” Isaac Ambrose
What a beautiful gospel! This was such a refreshing read to saturate my mind in the gospel! I so appreciate Paul’s desire (given by the Lord) to move the believer to set Christ as foremost in all aspects of our lives!
“We must always remember that our action is what validates our confession. If Christ and his gospel are preeminent in our heart and mind then he will certainly be preeminent in our proclamation. He will be the preeminent standard to which we conform and he will be the preeminent motivation of our life.”
“ O impress this Gospel upon my soul, till its saving virtue be diffused over every faculty! Let it not only be heard, and acknowledged, and professed, but felt! Make it 'thy power to my eternal salvation;' (Rom. 1:16) and raise me to that humble, tender gratitude, to that active, unwearied zeal in thy service, which becomes one 'to whom so much is forgiven.' (Luke 7:47) and forgiven upon such terms as these.” Philip Dodridge
“We should be encouraged to know that the more we truly comprehend the truths of the gospel, the more we will be impassioned and transformed by them. However, we should also sincerely examine ourselves to determine if our knowledge has led to transformation. True knowledge of the gospel is not measured by the number of facts we have accumulated of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but by our conformity to the Christ of the gospel.”
“A church that is fed only on commands will languish from malnutrition. Its heart will wither. Its hope will fade and its vitality will be drained. But a church fed on Christ and his gospel will go from strength to strength and from glory to glory for the people who know their God shall be strong.”
“O that I should need thus to persuade your hearts to look unto Jesus! What, is not your Jesus worthy of this? Why, then, are your thoughts no more upon him? Why are not your hearts continually with him? Why are not your strongest desires, and daily delights in, and after the Lord Will not God give you leave to approach Jesus?… Why then doth he cry, and double his cry, Behold me, behold me? Ah, vile hearts! how delightfully and unweariedly can we think of vanity? How freely and how frequently can we think of Yea, of our miseries, wrongs, sufferour pleasures, friends, labors, lusts? ings, fear? And what, is not Christ in all our thoughts?…O turn your thoughts from off all earthly vanities, and bend your souls to study Christ; habituate yourselves to such contemplations, as in the next use I shall present; and let not those thoughts be seldom or cursory, but settle upon them, dwell there, bathe your souls in those delights, drench your affections in those rivers of pleasures, or rather in the sea of consolation. O tie your souls in heavenly galleries, have your eyes continually set on Christ!” Isaac Ambrose
What a beautiful gospel! This was such a refreshing read to saturate my mind in the gospel! I so appreciate Paul’s desire (given by the Lord) to move the believer to set Christ as foremost in all aspects of our lives!
September 22, 2023
I cannot say enough good things about this book. The perspective that Washer provides, in regards to the all-encompassing, overwhelming, all-surpassing worth and beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, was particularly helpful to my own thinking about preaching. It has been a tremendous encouragement during a season when I feel as though there is so much that I want to preach that I might burst, and yet in the same moment I feel utterly unable to properly or adequately convey the incredible truths which are presented in Scripture concerning Christ.
He says, ‘Even when the preacher has spent his strength in study, poured out his soul in prayer, and exhausted himself in the pulpit, he must step down with bowed head knowing that the half, the tenth part, has not been told.’
But we are not discouraged by this fact. Rather it drives us to seek to open up these endless glories of Christ week after week to our hearers, and at the same time long for the apprehension of them - of Him - that we will only have in heaven.
Washer says in the beginning of the book, ‘Although it is impossible to stretch a line across the expanse of Christ’s infinitely glorious person, my desire has been to wear myself out in an earnest attempt to display Christ to you.’ Is there a better purpose statement for the preacher?
This book is filled with quotes from church history from godly men who understood both the struggle and the delight of these things, and from whom we would do well to learn, as Washer clearly has. Worth reading and rereading, and then reading all the books quoted throughout this one.
He says, ‘Even when the preacher has spent his strength in study, poured out his soul in prayer, and exhausted himself in the pulpit, he must step down with bowed head knowing that the half, the tenth part, has not been told.’
But we are not discouraged by this fact. Rather it drives us to seek to open up these endless glories of Christ week after week to our hearers, and at the same time long for the apprehension of them - of Him - that we will only have in heaven.
Washer says in the beginning of the book, ‘Although it is impossible to stretch a line across the expanse of Christ’s infinitely glorious person, my desire has been to wear myself out in an earnest attempt to display Christ to you.’ Is there a better purpose statement for the preacher?
This book is filled with quotes from church history from godly men who understood both the struggle and the delight of these things, and from whom we would do well to learn, as Washer clearly has. Worth reading and rereading, and then reading all the books quoted throughout this one.
October 30, 2023
I was made aware of Paul Washer by some women in my Microgroup. I can see why one lady dubbed herself a "fan girl". His humility and tone appeal to me- but his message even more so.
Page 86
"We should also seek encouragement from churches and ministers who love Christ and and His gospel. We must never succumb to Elijah's doubt, thinking that we are the only ones left who are faithful in Israel. We must remember that God will always reserve for Himself a remnant much larger than we could ever imagine (1 Kings 19:10-14). We should make every attempt to seek out a biblical church and become committed members of its fellowship. Such a Church will be known by its high view of God, its submission to the Scriptures, and its love for Christ and His gospel. Such a church will make much of Christ and count all things as rubbish (especially temporal prosperity) in comparison to Him."
Page 86
"We should also seek encouragement from churches and ministers who love Christ and and His gospel. We must never succumb to Elijah's doubt, thinking that we are the only ones left who are faithful in Israel. We must remember that God will always reserve for Himself a remnant much larger than we could ever imagine (1 Kings 19:10-14). We should make every attempt to seek out a biblical church and become committed members of its fellowship. Such a Church will be known by its high view of God, its submission to the Scriptures, and its love for Christ and His gospel. Such a church will make much of Christ and count all things as rubbish (especially temporal prosperity) in comparison to Him."
February 27, 2024
Great organization of this topic. Written for believers, but the gospel presentation is so clear and thorough that it is good for everyone. There are so many extensive quotes that they make up at least half of the text, maybe more. Those make reading less smooth and cohesive for my brain, but they're all beneficial. They show the historicity of this central, unalterable message that Christians have valued more than life throughout the ages and will continue to do so for all eternity.
June 17, 2025
I long anticipated to read this book and it was certainly worth the wait. Washer echoes countless Puritan writers with the rhetorical question of “what is more beautiful than Christ?”. This book doesn’t necessarily say anything new, like many Puritan writings, but gives oh-so-necessary reminders of Christ’s supremacy, sweetness, and completeness. If you want a book to fan the flames of your love for Christ, look no further.
P.S. Washer writes exactly how he speaks.
P.S. Washer writes exactly how he speaks.
June 17, 2024
Paul Washer is one of the gospel warriors of our generation. In this book, he drills into the preeminence of Christ and his gospel, from many different angles he makes a compelling case for this subject. Everything on this book is of utmost importance. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 starts is due to Washer’s heavy reliance on quotes (which are great by the way).
February 6, 2025
Very good book! Short read but rich in content. I've watched some of Paul Washer sermons and wonder how this book would be. It definitely did not disappoint! It's left me examining some of my own approaches and realizing how much more I could and should be looking upon Christ and His Gospel. It should light a fire in your heart to study, read and share the Gospel!
May 4, 2023
A good reminder of what we believe when we call ourselves Christians. It filled my heart and mind with joy and awe as I considered the gospel which reveals God as just and as justifier through Jesus Christ.
September 30, 2023
Didn't finish - I had about 30 pages left and feel like I understood what Washer was saying/getting at. This really wasn't written very well, and felt rushed/disorganized. The content in itself is not bad by any means - the content just felt rudimentary and it was not structured well.
May 23, 2024
If you want a book to spur your heart on to make Christ more central, and to convict and urge you that there is no greater focus for your mind and attention-- read this. I already know I should read it again.
August 31, 2024
Paul Washer, my favorite preacher, wrote this amazing book so well. It was so life giving and impactful. He touches the beauty of Christ so well and opens your eyes to many things. I plan on reading it again!
August 8, 2023
It must be impossible for the true believer to read such a work as this and not be intensely stirred up to know more of Christ crucified.
August 18, 2023
It's deep. This is a book that I will need to read and re-read multiple times in order to fully grasp everything the author beautifully conveyed.
Can't wait to re-read it!
Can't wait to re-read it!
October 10, 2023
A wonderful short composition reflecting on the ultimate subject of study. A great encouragement for any Christian to renew his primary focus upon Christ
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews