What do you think?
Rate this book
Because of the Christ on Calvary
Our covenant relationship with Christ allows for a fullness of hope! That hope is what Easter is all about. In a world that is increasingly apathetic about God and religion, Easter matters more than ever. Brad writes, "People can call it spring break if they want, but Easter will eternally be about the Christ on Calvary." Because of the Christ on Calvary, we can know that the creation, Fall, and Atonement are all part of an eternal plan for our progress and joy. Because of Him, we understand that no matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us. Enhance your celebration of Easter by learning from witnesses on two continents and across multiple dispensations. Unite your faith with disciples worldwide and rejoice in the goodness and grace of the King on the cross, the Christ on Calvary.
160 pages, Audiobook
Published March 2, 2020
23 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading this as part of my Easter studies this week. It can be read any time of year though as a good reminder of the things Christ makes possible for each of us.
May 2, 2020
What Brad Wilcox does well as an author, is lay things out in straight-forward, easy to understand terms - all the while giving enough prods to get you thinking.
I loved this small book, and the topics presented.
I loved this small book, and the topics presented.
March 24, 2020
This book is not what I expected. I thought it would be about the last week of Christ's life on earth. It was but not in the way I was hoping. Yet there were so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom in it that it is exactly what I hoped. How does that even make any sense? I have to ponder his thoughts on the Infinite Atonement for a long time to truly understand what he was saying. It is amazing.
June 5, 2020
Lots of stories of faith and emotions, but some really nice faith promoting ones with good doctrinal exploration. One of the better ones from the author.
June 18, 2025
Good words from Brother Wilcox, as always.
July 14, 2020
I loved the simple way Brad Wilcox presents his testimony and the reminders of all that Christ did for us. This book is full of love, hope, and joy.
March 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. So many good insights and things to think about this Easter season.
March 4, 2023
This year for lent I wanted to go one step beyond giving up something and fill that void with preparation for Easter by studying Christ more deeply. I loved this book so much. It gave me great places to focus my study and my gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it does for me daily and eternally.
April 14, 2020
A nice book to read before Easter, or anytime, and remember the hope and many blessings we have thanks to Jesus Christ.
October 8, 2023
Overall enjoyable with relatable stories connecting to the gospel and how Christ can fit in all aspects of life. Sometimes can feel a little rambling or stretching a example to fit point.
March 9, 2020
Marketed as an Easter-themed book, which it isn't. Series of essays on gospel topics, most of which are very good, but they don't fit into any one theme (other than, well, "Christ.")
Good, uplifting stuff.
Good, uplifting stuff.
March 11, 2020
Brad Wilcox is one of my favorite authors. And this book is one of my new favorites. This was centered on the theme of Easter, but I think it’s one I’ll read all year long. So meaningful and uplifting. Thank you SO much for taking the time to write this Brother Wilcox!!!❤️
May 4, 2025
A wonderful little book that I started the week of Easter.
Favorites:
--No matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us.
--God is a creator, but He did not create our eternal essences. We coexisted with God.
--There is sentiment among many in the world that we are the spirit creations of God, just as a building is the creation of its architect or a painting the creation of the painter ... [Yet] can a mere creation ever become like its creator? Can a building ever become an architect? A painting a painter? No, but we can become like God because our spirits were "begotten and born," as President Joseph F. Smith taught, "of heavenly parents."
--God's creations do not need to stand as evidence of His distance from us, but can instead witness of His ability to be close to us.
--Surely a God who possesses the knowledge and power to create the world has whatever it takes to be able to love and care for each child who inhabits it.
--In the garden, Adam and Eve could repent, but they could not be refined. They could be forgiven, but not perfected.
--Satan did not know the mind of God, but he surely knew the plan of salvation.
--Christ's atonement came at the crossroads of history so we could choose to progress, but none of that matters until we meet His another crossroads -- the crossroads of our individual lives.
--Similarly, there are children of God on other worlds who know about us, although we do not know about them They must learn about our world because this is where Christ performed the Atonement, which also covers them.
--These people discover their "higher power" asks nothing, but offers nothing. In contrast, Heavenly Father asks much, but offers everything.
--I am a child, not a creation.
--It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely.
--Let us never forget the us found in Jesus, the I found in Christ, and the me found in Atonement.
--Jesus knew cognitively what He must do, but not experientially.
--Our heavenly Father is more liberal in His views, and boundless in His mercies and blessings, than we are ready to believe or receive.
--I am thankful to belong to a church with a heaven that is larger than its hell. I am happy to worship a successful Savior who will take us as far as we are willing to go.
--The grand council in heaven was probably a series of meetings that could have lasted thousands of years. The idea that we were spirits roaming around who then held one meeting and had one vote is too simplified. We were taught for centuries. Those who became the devil and his angels did not become that way through a vote, but a life-style. You don't become 'perdition' through one bad vote. In the same way, you do not become celestial through one good vote. We will choose the glory of our resurrected bodies and thus our kingdoms of glory by our lifestyles.
--Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead, although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father.
--As the time of repentance is procrastinated, the ability to repent grows weaker; neglect of opportunity in holy things develops inability. --James E. Talmage
--We go to church to help us get our acts together.
--The Atonement is fundamentally a doctrine of human development, not a doctrine that simply erases black marks.
--Repentance is not getting back to perfect, since non of us started there. Repentance is growing toward perfection. It is not a punishment for slipping from perfection, but progress in that direction.
--There is a very real sense ... in which the Savior's entire life was a part of His atoning labor.
--There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I every confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. -- Elder Bednar
--We may desire to stay as we are and avoid change because it is easier, but God is more interested in our growth than our comfort.
--Although it is true that no unclean thing can dwell permanently with God, God can choose to dwell temporarily with unclean things, and His influence gives us the courage to try and the strength to improve.
--True integrity is aligning our beliefs and behavior with truth.
--As children grow, the fruits of childhood fantasies like the tooth fairy fade, while the fruits of faith in God expand, multiply, and grow ever sweeter.
--First, his family believed him. Second, there is no sequel to the Book of Mormon. Third, Joseph delegated authority. Fourth, Joseph Smith's revelations were never self-serving. Finally, Joseph Smith died for what he believed. They would not dedicate their lives to a fairy tale.
--Those who leave still deal with the struggles and challenges of life, but they are choosing to do it in the hardest way possible; without God, Christ, and the gospel.
--Some people say they do not like organized religion. Do the same people complain about organized airports? Most people would probably be quite upset if they tried to catch a flight in an airport where everyone believed and did whatever he or she felt like and no rules were established or enforced. To reject organized airports would be downright dangerous. Couldn't the same be said about rejecting organized religion?
--Organized religion helps us combine mountaintop ideals with down-to-earth realities and gives us a place to practice the spirituality we preach.
--The gospel is the Good News that provides us the tools to cope with the mistakes, the heartaches, the disappointments we can expect to experience here.
--Do you see flaws in your country? Do you know things about your country's history that do not sit well with you? Of course, I said. Then where are your suitcases? Why aren't you leaving? How can you in good conscious stay in a country that has flaws?
--Experience is a good teacher, but she send in terrific bills.
Favorites:
--No matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us.
--God is a creator, but He did not create our eternal essences. We coexisted with God.
--There is sentiment among many in the world that we are the spirit creations of God, just as a building is the creation of its architect or a painting the creation of the painter ... [Yet] can a mere creation ever become like its creator? Can a building ever become an architect? A painting a painter? No, but we can become like God because our spirits were "begotten and born," as President Joseph F. Smith taught, "of heavenly parents."
--God's creations do not need to stand as evidence of His distance from us, but can instead witness of His ability to be close to us.
--Surely a God who possesses the knowledge and power to create the world has whatever it takes to be able to love and care for each child who inhabits it.
--In the garden, Adam and Eve could repent, but they could not be refined. They could be forgiven, but not perfected.
--Satan did not know the mind of God, but he surely knew the plan of salvation.
--Christ's atonement came at the crossroads of history so we could choose to progress, but none of that matters until we meet His another crossroads -- the crossroads of our individual lives.
--Similarly, there are children of God on other worlds who know about us, although we do not know about them They must learn about our world because this is where Christ performed the Atonement, which also covers them.
--These people discover their "higher power" asks nothing, but offers nothing. In contrast, Heavenly Father asks much, but offers everything.
--I am a child, not a creation.
--It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely.
--Let us never forget the us found in Jesus, the I found in Christ, and the me found in Atonement.
--Jesus knew cognitively what He must do, but not experientially.
--Our heavenly Father is more liberal in His views, and boundless in His mercies and blessings, than we are ready to believe or receive.
--I am thankful to belong to a church with a heaven that is larger than its hell. I am happy to worship a successful Savior who will take us as far as we are willing to go.
--The grand council in heaven was probably a series of meetings that could have lasted thousands of years. The idea that we were spirits roaming around who then held one meeting and had one vote is too simplified. We were taught for centuries. Those who became the devil and his angels did not become that way through a vote, but a life-style. You don't become 'perdition' through one bad vote. In the same way, you do not become celestial through one good vote. We will choose the glory of our resurrected bodies and thus our kingdoms of glory by our lifestyles.
--Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead, although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father.
--As the time of repentance is procrastinated, the ability to repent grows weaker; neglect of opportunity in holy things develops inability. --James E. Talmage
--We go to church to help us get our acts together.
--The Atonement is fundamentally a doctrine of human development, not a doctrine that simply erases black marks.
--Repentance is not getting back to perfect, since non of us started there. Repentance is growing toward perfection. It is not a punishment for slipping from perfection, but progress in that direction.
--There is a very real sense ... in which the Savior's entire life was a part of His atoning labor.
--There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I every confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. -- Elder Bednar
--We may desire to stay as we are and avoid change because it is easier, but God is more interested in our growth than our comfort.
--Although it is true that no unclean thing can dwell permanently with God, God can choose to dwell temporarily with unclean things, and His influence gives us the courage to try and the strength to improve.
--True integrity is aligning our beliefs and behavior with truth.
--As children grow, the fruits of childhood fantasies like the tooth fairy fade, while the fruits of faith in God expand, multiply, and grow ever sweeter.
--First, his family believed him. Second, there is no sequel to the Book of Mormon. Third, Joseph delegated authority. Fourth, Joseph Smith's revelations were never self-serving. Finally, Joseph Smith died for what he believed. They would not dedicate their lives to a fairy tale.
--Those who leave still deal with the struggles and challenges of life, but they are choosing to do it in the hardest way possible; without God, Christ, and the gospel.
--Some people say they do not like organized religion. Do the same people complain about organized airports? Most people would probably be quite upset if they tried to catch a flight in an airport where everyone believed and did whatever he or she felt like and no rules were established or enforced. To reject organized airports would be downright dangerous. Couldn't the same be said about rejecting organized religion?
--Organized religion helps us combine mountaintop ideals with down-to-earth realities and gives us a place to practice the spirituality we preach.
--The gospel is the Good News that provides us the tools to cope with the mistakes, the heartaches, the disappointments we can expect to experience here.
--Do you see flaws in your country? Do you know things about your country's history that do not sit well with you? Of course, I said. Then where are your suitcases? Why aren't you leaving? How can you in good conscious stay in a country that has flaws?
--Experience is a good teacher, but she send in terrific bills.
June 10, 2020
Brad Wilcox has a gift! He is so good at explaining things in a way that can be internalized and understood. For example he talked about a youth group that went on an ESCAPE ROOM activity. The leaders thought the youth would enjoy it. But the youth just sat there and didn't even try. "When the leaders reminded them that the time was running out, one of the members on a team said, "They'll just let us out when the times up anyway." Is getting out the only goal? The point of the room and of life is not just to get out but to engage in the experience and help each other on the way. It is to build relationships and be a little better and smarter than when we entered." I also loved the story shared of his friend who had leukemia and the life lessons from that, including what her brothers and Our ELDER Brother did for us.
"It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely. Because the Atonement was intimate I can trust He loves me whole heartedly because He knows me so perfectly. Because of the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary ALL children of God are blessed. Because of the intimate and personal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary EACH child of God is blessed. Let us never forget the US found in Jesus. The I found in Christ and the ME found in Atonement."
I loved Wilcox's description of his families Week celebration of Easter. With Palm Sunday, Cleansing Monday, Parable Tuesday, Betrayal Wednesday, Last Supper Thursday, Good Friday, Salvation Saturday and Easter, or Resurrection Sunday." He talked about his daughter's book that mentions ways families can enjoy this week with several activities. One of the activities was in making a cross. Wilcox goes on to explain that his daughter received a letter telling her that making a cross is not something their family would be doing, as the living Christ is what we as Latter-day Saints worship. I loved how Brad gently explains that the cross is something that IS important to us. I loved this quote that he used of Terryl and Fiona Givens: "In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ bore the brunt of the Atonement in solitude, without earthly witnesses. The final manifestation of Christ's absolute love, however, had to be a public sacrifice, that the perfect offering might be witnessed and therefore engulf us and transform us."
Here are some other quotes that I loved from the book: When talking about 5 scriptures he used to dislike but now I love, Wilcox notes the scripture talking about the Father leaving Christ. He said he couldn't understand why in Christ's suffering He would do that. Then he shares this from Elder Holland: "He had to feel what it was like to die, not only physically, but spiritually." That perspective let Wilcox see that God's withdraw was necessary. God trusted Christ completely. Enough to withdraw. He had confidence that the Savior would do what He knew he had to do.
In the chapter THE TALE OF TWO TOMBS Wilcox refers to King Tut's tomb and also to Christ's tomb I loved the following concept, no one chooses a glory on a whim or in a moment. This decision will be made much like our initial choice to follow Christ in the premortal existence. I loved this quote from Robert J. Matthews "The grand council in heaven was probably a series of meetings that could have lasted thousands of years. The idea that we were spirits roaming around who held one meeting and had one vote is too simplified. We were taught for centuries. Those who became the devil and his angels did not become that way through a vote, but through a lifestyle. You don't become Perdition through one bad vote." In the same way, you do not become Celestial through one good vote. We will choose the glory of our resurrected bodies and thus our kingdoms of glory by our lifestyles.
In the chapter DISAPPOINTED WITH GOD I loved the quote by Sir Isaac Theodore Rubin, "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Earth life is not a vacation but a school where we are learning to become more like the Lord. Elder Maxwell wrote, "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!'
"It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely. Because the Atonement was intimate I can trust He loves me whole heartedly because He knows me so perfectly. Because of the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary ALL children of God are blessed. Because of the intimate and personal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary EACH child of God is blessed. Let us never forget the US found in Jesus. The I found in Christ and the ME found in Atonement."
I loved Wilcox's description of his families Week celebration of Easter. With Palm Sunday, Cleansing Monday, Parable Tuesday, Betrayal Wednesday, Last Supper Thursday, Good Friday, Salvation Saturday and Easter, or Resurrection Sunday." He talked about his daughter's book that mentions ways families can enjoy this week with several activities. One of the activities was in making a cross. Wilcox goes on to explain that his daughter received a letter telling her that making a cross is not something their family would be doing, as the living Christ is what we as Latter-day Saints worship. I loved how Brad gently explains that the cross is something that IS important to us. I loved this quote that he used of Terryl and Fiona Givens: "In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ bore the brunt of the Atonement in solitude, without earthly witnesses. The final manifestation of Christ's absolute love, however, had to be a public sacrifice, that the perfect offering might be witnessed and therefore engulf us and transform us."
Here are some other quotes that I loved from the book: When talking about 5 scriptures he used to dislike but now I love, Wilcox notes the scripture talking about the Father leaving Christ. He said he couldn't understand why in Christ's suffering He would do that. Then he shares this from Elder Holland: "He had to feel what it was like to die, not only physically, but spiritually." That perspective let Wilcox see that God's withdraw was necessary. God trusted Christ completely. Enough to withdraw. He had confidence that the Savior would do what He knew he had to do.
In the chapter THE TALE OF TWO TOMBS Wilcox refers to King Tut's tomb and also to Christ's tomb I loved the following concept, no one chooses a glory on a whim or in a moment. This decision will be made much like our initial choice to follow Christ in the premortal existence. I loved this quote from Robert J. Matthews "The grand council in heaven was probably a series of meetings that could have lasted thousands of years. The idea that we were spirits roaming around who held one meeting and had one vote is too simplified. We were taught for centuries. Those who became the devil and his angels did not become that way through a vote, but through a lifestyle. You don't become Perdition through one bad vote." In the same way, you do not become Celestial through one good vote. We will choose the glory of our resurrected bodies and thus our kingdoms of glory by our lifestyles.
In the chapter DISAPPOINTED WITH GOD I loved the quote by Sir Isaac Theodore Rubin, "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Earth life is not a vacation but a school where we are learning to become more like the Lord. Elder Maxwell wrote, "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!'
March 30, 2024
Beautiful Easter read with plenty of meat for thought. Brad Wilcox helps us reflect on many of the profound blessings we have access to and enjoy “Because of the Christ on Calvary.” I appreciated the short chapters, perfect length to read one right before bed every night leading up to Easter.
Quotes:
In the Americas, Christ invited the multitudes to come forth “one by one”, blessed their children “one by one”, and touched and spoke to His disciples “one by one”. These actions were reminiscent of how He atoned for them—and us—one by one.
Perhaps one of the lessons Jesus was teaching by cleaning the temple was that He has the ability to cleanse us. He can help us rid ourselves of sin and hypocrisy.
“[Christ is] not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save us in our imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He’s not embarrassed by us, angry at us, or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and our grief.” - Chieko Okazaki
Sacred privileges and blessings that are ours because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ: resurrection, repentance, consolation and healing, and transformation.
“The Atonement is fundamentally a doctrine of human development, not a doctrine that simply erases black marks.” - Marie K. Hafen
“True repentance is not about shame. It is about becoming. . . . One of the great reasons why we wanted so desperately to come to this earth [was] to learn the lessons of failing and of feeling the blessings, peace, and refining influence of repentance and the miracle of forgiveness.” - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Research shows that those who reported understanding and experiencing grace had lower levels of depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. (BYU study)
The word redeem means to buy back, to free from captivity, or to restore. However, it also means to change for the better. When we redeem a coupon at a store, we exchange a piece of paper for something of greater value. In a similar way, Christ can exchange the worst in us for the best in Him.
Without the worrying there is no faith, and without faith there is no growth.
There has to be room for doubt and belief in order to make discipleship a choice. Only then does God know where our hearts are.
Along with prophets throughout every dispensation, temples are witnesses of Easter. As Paul reasoned, if Jesus did not rise again and there is no life after death, why would we do vicarious ordinances for the departed? (1 Corinthians 15:29)
“To snatch us completely out of life’s unfairness and injustices . . . would negate the very reason we came to earth, which is to master the traits of godliness even while under intense pressure. His grace allows us to be healed from and sanctified by that pressure without being crushed by it.” - Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen
Quotes:
In the Americas, Christ invited the multitudes to come forth “one by one”, blessed their children “one by one”, and touched and spoke to His disciples “one by one”. These actions were reminiscent of how He atoned for them—and us—one by one.
Perhaps one of the lessons Jesus was teaching by cleaning the temple was that He has the ability to cleanse us. He can help us rid ourselves of sin and hypocrisy.
“[Christ is] not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save us in our imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He’s not embarrassed by us, angry at us, or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and our grief.” - Chieko Okazaki
Sacred privileges and blessings that are ours because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ: resurrection, repentance, consolation and healing, and transformation.
“The Atonement is fundamentally a doctrine of human development, not a doctrine that simply erases black marks.” - Marie K. Hafen
“True repentance is not about shame. It is about becoming. . . . One of the great reasons why we wanted so desperately to come to this earth [was] to learn the lessons of failing and of feeling the blessings, peace, and refining influence of repentance and the miracle of forgiveness.” - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Research shows that those who reported understanding and experiencing grace had lower levels of depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. (BYU study)
The word redeem means to buy back, to free from captivity, or to restore. However, it also means to change for the better. When we redeem a coupon at a store, we exchange a piece of paper for something of greater value. In a similar way, Christ can exchange the worst in us for the best in Him.
Without the worrying there is no faith, and without faith there is no growth.
There has to be room for doubt and belief in order to make discipleship a choice. Only then does God know where our hearts are.
Along with prophets throughout every dispensation, temples are witnesses of Easter. As Paul reasoned, if Jesus did not rise again and there is no life after death, why would we do vicarious ordinances for the departed? (1 Corinthians 15:29)
“To snatch us completely out of life’s unfairness and injustices . . . would negate the very reason we came to earth, which is to master the traits of godliness even while under intense pressure. His grace allows us to be healed from and sanctified by that pressure without being crushed by it.” - Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen
April 1, 2025
Ok, hear me out: I don’t write book reviews, but I would feel guilty if I didn’t write one on this book. I took a religion class taught by Brad last year and am currently taking a class by John Hilton III. This book resonates with me because I know these two great men personally, and I think it’s super cool that Brad cites John several times in his book. The book is full of so many great nuggets of wisdom, and I can feel God speaking to me as I read it. If you want to feel closer to God, then you should read this book.
In the book, Brad draws readers into a more profound understanding of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and its far-reaching implications for personal redemption, growth, and the eternal nature of God's love. He invites us to see the Atonement of Jesus Christ not as a distant or abstract concept but as an intimately infinite, personal, and transformative act. Brad teaches how Christ's sacrifice bridges the gap between divine perfection and human imperfection, offering healing, forgiveness, and grace. He shows readers that because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are never beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy.
One of my favorite excerpts from the book is: “Truly, there is ‘no other name’ through which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Nevertheless, people continue to look elsewhere (see Jacob 4:14). Some people leave the Church because they feel like too much is expected of them. They may attend other Christian churches for a while, but often leave those as well because it seems intolerant to believe that all people have to accept Jesus. Finally, they settle on believing in a higher power. No callings. No commandments. No intolerance. The only problem is that there is no happiness or peace either, not really. Christian author C. S. Lewis wrote, ‘God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.’ These people discover their ‘higher power’ asks nothing but offers nothing. In contrast, Heavenly Father asks much but offers everything.”
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Atonement and what Christ truly did on the cross, Because of Christ on Calvary is a beautiful and uplifting read. It not only explains the doctrine but also invites readers to feel the personal impact of Christ's sacrifice in their own lives. I highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed.
In the book, Brad draws readers into a more profound understanding of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and its far-reaching implications for personal redemption, growth, and the eternal nature of God's love. He invites us to see the Atonement of Jesus Christ not as a distant or abstract concept but as an intimately infinite, personal, and transformative act. Brad teaches how Christ's sacrifice bridges the gap between divine perfection and human imperfection, offering healing, forgiveness, and grace. He shows readers that because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are never beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy.
One of my favorite excerpts from the book is: “Truly, there is ‘no other name’ through which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Nevertheless, people continue to look elsewhere (see Jacob 4:14). Some people leave the Church because they feel like too much is expected of them. They may attend other Christian churches for a while, but often leave those as well because it seems intolerant to believe that all people have to accept Jesus. Finally, they settle on believing in a higher power. No callings. No commandments. No intolerance. The only problem is that there is no happiness or peace either, not really. Christian author C. S. Lewis wrote, ‘God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.’ These people discover their ‘higher power’ asks nothing but offers nothing. In contrast, Heavenly Father asks much but offers everything.”
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Atonement and what Christ truly did on the cross, Because of Christ on Calvary is a beautiful and uplifting read. It not only explains the doctrine but also invites readers to feel the personal impact of Christ's sacrifice in their own lives. I highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed.
December 15, 2020
This is a beautiful profound book! I love the stories Brad Wilcox shares and his profound gospel insights.
He shared a story of a friend who had leukemia and her brothers came running to help give her the bone marrow she needed. He shared this beautiful quote about the personal nature of the Atonement as Christ runs to our aid, "It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely. Because the Atonement was intimate I can trust He loves me whole heartedly because He knows me so perfectly. Because of the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary ALL children of God are blessed. Because of the intimate and personal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary EACH child of God is blessed. Let us never forget the US found in Jesus. The I found in Christ and the ME found in Atonement."
In the chapter entitled “Disappointed with God,” Brad Wilcox shared a quote by Sir Isaac Theodore Rubin, "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Earth life is not a vacation but a school where we are learning to become more like the Lord. Elder Maxwell wrote, "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!’"
He shared a story of a friend who had leukemia and her brothers came running to help give her the bone marrow she needed. He shared this beautiful quote about the personal nature of the Atonement as Christ runs to our aid, "It is impossible to love someone deeply without knowing him or her completely. Because the Atonement was intimate I can trust He loves me whole heartedly because He knows me so perfectly. Because of the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary ALL children of God are blessed. Because of the intimate and personal sacrifice of the Christ on Calvary EACH child of God is blessed. Let us never forget the US found in Jesus. The I found in Christ and the ME found in Atonement."
In the chapter entitled “Disappointed with God,” Brad Wilcox shared a quote by Sir Isaac Theodore Rubin, "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Earth life is not a vacation but a school where we are learning to become more like the Lord. Elder Maxwell wrote, "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!’"
May 18, 2020
Though this is a book I believe meant to help us appreciate the why's of Easter, I thought the messages were timely for what is happening in the world right now as well. One particular chapter with insight into why bad things happen to good people, and just why bad things happen in general, was a perspective changer for me. He quotes another author who poses the question:
"Is God unfair? Why doesn't he consistently punish evil people and reward good people? Why do awful things happen to people good and bad, with no discernible pattern?"
Wilcox adds, "Sometimes we confuse God with Santa. We picture Him dishing out coal or candy depending on whether we have been naughty or nice. Greater understanding comes when we see God as He truly is--a loving Father who is teaching us and, as we turn to Him, making all things work together for out good."
He continues by quoting Elder Maxwell: "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences, which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!"
If we see affliction as an opportunity to progress further along the path while being carried by God, it could change how we see the current world pandemic.
Great read, highly recommended.
"Is God unfair? Why doesn't he consistently punish evil people and reward good people? Why do awful things happen to people good and bad, with no discernible pattern?"
Wilcox adds, "Sometimes we confuse God with Santa. We picture Him dishing out coal or candy depending on whether we have been naughty or nice. Greater understanding comes when we see God as He truly is--a loving Father who is teaching us and, as we turn to Him, making all things work together for out good."
He continues by quoting Elder Maxwell: "How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences, which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!"
If we see affliction as an opportunity to progress further along the path while being carried by God, it could change how we see the current world pandemic.
Great read, highly recommended.
April 18, 2025
This is an inspiring, uplifting short book about Christ and the true meaning of Easter. I really enjoyed reading this book, especially leading up to Easter season this year. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Because of the Christ on Calvary, we understand that no matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us. We can hold on to faith and receive the divine assistance we need to repent and become better. Because of Christ, spirituality and religion matter. Worship and discipleship matter. Truth matters. We matter - all because of the Christ on Calvary."
"Christ was there at the crossroads of the Creation and the Fall so we could choose to progress. Christ's Atonement came at the crossroads of history so we could choose to progress, but none of that matters until we meet Him at another crossroads - the crossroads of our individual lives."
"Because the Atonement was intimate, I can trust He loves me wholeheartedly because He knows me so perfectly."
"Let us never forget the 'us' in Jesus, the 'I' found in Christ, and the 'me' found in Atonement."
"I am thankful to belong to a church with a heaven that is larger than its hell. I am happy to worship a successful Savior who will take us as far as we are willing to go."
"Because of the Christ on Calvary, we understand that no matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us. We can hold on to faith and receive the divine assistance we need to repent and become better. Because of Christ, spirituality and religion matter. Worship and discipleship matter. Truth matters. We matter - all because of the Christ on Calvary."
"Christ was there at the crossroads of the Creation and the Fall so we could choose to progress. Christ's Atonement came at the crossroads of history so we could choose to progress, but none of that matters until we meet Him at another crossroads - the crossroads of our individual lives."
"Because the Atonement was intimate, I can trust He loves me wholeheartedly because He knows me so perfectly."
"Let us never forget the 'us' in Jesus, the 'I' found in Christ, and the 'me' found in Atonement."
"I am thankful to belong to a church with a heaven that is larger than its hell. I am happy to worship a successful Savior who will take us as far as we are willing to go."
May 13, 2021
Brad Wilcox has a good command of the scriptures and knows how to communicate well with youth. In this book, like his others, he shares personal examples from his life and extracts relevant gospel messages gleaned from those experiences - many are relatable to everyone, some are relatable to a few, but I think everyone will enjoy this book.
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
May 9, 2022
It is the softbound book I read. This was a small but powerful book with many examples of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how to apply the teachings and examples He gave us. Quoting from the back cover, it says "Our covenant relationship with Christ allows for a fullness of hope! That hope is the message of Easter, and in a world that is increasingly apathetic about God and religion, Easter matters more than ever. Brad writes, 'People can call it spring break if they want, but Easter will eternally be about Christ on Calvary.' Because of the Christ on Calvary, we can know that the Creation, the Fall, and His Atonement are all part of an eternal plan for our progress and joy. Because of Him, we understand that no matter how many people give up on God, He never gives up on us."
April 23, 2023
This book by Brad Wilcox is a great read around Easter time, but in truth it is a great read for anytime of the year. The lessons taught in this book is applicable any time of the year. Yes Easter is referenced throughout the book, but it is because of what Christ did on Calvary that made it possible for all of us to continue to strive to become a better person and that is an every day thing.
If you want a read that will help you understand why Easter is such an important holiday to celebrate, then pick up this book. If you want to know what Christ did on Calvary and how it affects you, you then pick up this book.
The examples Brad Wilcox shares helps brings these concepts to life. I highly recommend this book for all to read.
If you want a read that will help you understand why Easter is such an important holiday to celebrate, then pick up this book. If you want to know what Christ did on Calvary and how it affects you, you then pick up this book.
The examples Brad Wilcox shares helps brings these concepts to life. I highly recommend this book for all to read.
August 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Brother Wilcox has such a special way of teaching—his talks are always engaging, and this book was no different. He presents his testimony in such a simple, sincere, and powerful way that it truly touched my heart.
This book is full of love, hope, and joy. It’s a beautiful reminder of all that Christ did for us through His Atonement. Wilcox doesn’t just explain the doctrine—he helps you feel it. The way he talks about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross made it feel deeply personal and incredibly meaningful.
For anyone wanting to better understand the Savior’s love and what the Atonement really means for us, Because of the Christ on Calvary is a must-read. Uplifting, inspiring, and full of truth. I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed.
This book is full of love, hope, and joy. It’s a beautiful reminder of all that Christ did for us through His Atonement. Wilcox doesn’t just explain the doctrine—he helps you feel it. The way he talks about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross made it feel deeply personal and incredibly meaningful.
For anyone wanting to better understand the Savior’s love and what the Atonement really means for us, Because of the Christ on Calvary is a must-read. Uplifting, inspiring, and full of truth. I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed.
April 13, 2020
This was the perfect book to listen to building up to Easter! With that being said, the two main topics that stood out to me were not related directly to Easter. It had some great insights on some temple symbols, the other thing was a quote about how the Easter bunny and Santa actually can help kids believe in God. After just having a conversation with a friend about that, it really stood out to me at this time. Those were the two main takeaway's but mostly the rest of the book just reaffirmed things I already knew and just worded it in a different way. He also had some really great personal experiences in there, not just from his life, but from some others. Definitely recommend.
June 9, 2020
I read this book in the middle of riots in the street around the whole country. Talk about a juxtaposition! But riots aside, this book is a beautiful lesson on why Christ is important in our lives no matter what is happening in the world because Christ is important for us personally. It’s important for our personal spiritual welfare and for the personal relationships we have with the people we love. Brad Wilcox is a great writer of everything atonement related and this book is no exception. Great book.
Read
March 18, 2021I am reading Brother Brad Wilcox's book Because of the Christ on Calvary.
I stopped reading when I came across page 29, where Brother Wilcox says that we honor the cross, as well as gethsemane and the tomb. I am a convert to the church, and to my understanding, these are places. We honor what took place there!
I have seen people of other churches even kiss the cross! Would it be the same if it had a been a gun that was used to take the life of our Savior? Would we want to honor it by wearing it around our necks? Readers, what do you think?
I stopped reading when I came across page 29, where Brother Wilcox says that we honor the cross, as well as gethsemane and the tomb. I am a convert to the church, and to my understanding, these are places. We honor what took place there!
I have seen people of other churches even kiss the cross! Would it be the same if it had a been a gun that was used to take the life of our Savior? Would we want to honor it by wearing it around our necks? Readers, what do you think?
March 23, 2021
Loved this book!!! I love Brad Wilcox. Some love him, some don't, but I happen to be a fan. I especially loved reading this book right before the Easter season - it put my mind in a good place to think about and contemplate the immeasurable blessings of what Christ did for us on Calvary. Some concepts were presented to me in a new way, so I understood them better; other concepts I feel like I already understand very well.
Wilcox's style is great for youth and adults - I think my teens would really love and appreciate this book and the writing style.
Wilcox's style is great for youth and adults - I think my teens would really love and appreciate this book and the writing style.
March 17, 2022
This would make a great addition to an annual Easter reading tradition. I read it in addition to two others I'm currently reading during Lent. A friend of a different religion and I are sharing passages from our devotional studies throughout Lent, and this is one of the books I chose to study.
Brad Wilcox has a great way of teaching what he understands to readers and listeners. He's is passionate about his subjects and makes them relatable in a way that inspires readers to examine their own faith and beliefs and work to strengthen them while contemplating Gospel topics.
Brad Wilcox has a great way of teaching what he understands to readers and listeners. He's is passionate about his subjects and makes them relatable in a way that inspires readers to examine their own faith and beliefs and work to strengthen them while contemplating Gospel topics.
May 10, 2023
This is a wonderful and insightful book about the true meaning of Easter. The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives hope to all and offers everyone the healing power of forgiveness, peace, and hope. I read the author's book on the birth of Christ and its meaning and loved it also. This may be a small book, but it is very powerful. Brad Wilcox is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He presented encouragement and information I had not thought about before. Very inspiring.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
December 13, 2023
This was an interesting survey of some of the topics and issues that people face with religion in general and the restored gospel in particular. There are some novel ideas that Brad Wilcox offers that help address some of those issues. The book as a whole, however, does not seem cohesive. Perhaps it is due to a false expectation I had but most of the chapters did not address the "because" of Christ; and even fewer even mentioned Easter. It is not really an Easter book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews