The Shadow of the Cross: Studies in Self-Denial

by Walter J. Chantry

This book restores to its central place the teaching of Christ about taking up the cross, and living for him rather than ourselves.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Devotional

80 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1981

About the author

Walter J. Chantry was born in 1938 at Norristown, Pennsylvania, raised in the Presbyterian Church; graduated B.A. in History from Dickinson College, Carlisle in 1960, and a B.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1963, from which time he has been pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Carlisle. He is married with three children.

Rev. Walter J. Chantry served as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pa., for thirty-nine years. Following that he edited The Banner of Truth magazine for almost seven years.

Reviews

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional teaching on the biblical truth of self-denial. Its a teaching I believe and Im not a calvinst even though Walter Chantry gives the impression its only a calvinist teaching, he is right to say christians should resurrect the biblical teaching on self-denial from its unjust obscurity.So if you can get a hold of this little gem, read it and perhaps prayerfully reread it, I know I will.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound little work.

I especially enjoyed the incisive observations in the chapters on marriage and on prayer, as well as that of the pastoral ministry. I only partially agreed with the chapter on Christian Liberty, but it was good on the whole. Highly recommended.

[Josh Starnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly convicting and eye-opening. There seems to be a lack of this type of straight forward teaching today, especially on the topic of self-denial. The chapters on Christian liberty, marriage, and prayer were the standouts for me—particularly the one on prayer.

“Bearing a cross is every Christian’s daily, conscious selection of those options which will please Christ, pain self, and aim at putting self to death.”

“At each stage of growth, more self-denial is required, more painful blows to self, more reckless decision to serve the Lord Christ with consequent abandon of one’s own life.”

“Self-centered Christian is a term of impossible contradiction.”

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

self-denial is perhaps one of the easiest fundamentals to neglect (based on my experience). easily convicted me and exposed my lack of growth in this area. it’s why im grateful for this book. loved the chapters on self-denial as foundational in the christian life, self-denial in marriage, and the last chapter on prayer. a short book with multiple peaks worth climbing for.

[Nathanael Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly an enjoyable and challenging read. This is an important subject for the consideration of all Christians, and Chantry very well guides the reader through it’s importance and the means by which it is accomplished. This book has been very helpful, and I am very flad to have read it.

[Andrew Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is the best one I’ve read in a while. I highly commend it to anyone who longs for a better sight of his/her own sin. I’ll definitely be coming back to it. It’s a good reminder that there is no Christianity without the cross that Christ bore on my behalf. Through his death, I live. I’ve been freed from the need to claw for life in this world, but freed to live fully unto him who for our sakes has died and has risen again. May God help me to follow my Lord by daily denying myself, taking up my own cross, and going after him.

[Danielw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Chantrys work on David. It was a very good book but it didn’t prepare me for this book as Chantry writes on the need for self denial which is something that is rarely heard preached about and even less applied. Chantry takes us through several facets of the Christian life and shows us what self denial looks like in them. It’s a short but powerful book and my respect and appreciation for Mr. Chantry grew ten fold in reading this book. Excellent!

[David Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s incredible that this book costs so little to purchase yet contains information worth many masses of wealth! Self denial is crucial in the life of the true believer and this book has helped me see more clearly how I should go about practicing it. Lord, help me to pray, truly, from the heart, “He must increase and I must decrease.”

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This is an important doctrine most Christians forget or have never pondered, or their churches may never preach or teach upon. Every chapter has a eloquent summary, why it's necessary, and some application pertaining to and from the individual, to marriage, to the church. I learned a bit, definitely recommend

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book put out by Banner of Truth is a heavy hitter for its size. Good and helpful reminders on the merits of denying our self, as Christ Himself did. This is something I struggle with so this was a good kick in the pants.

[Matthew Prydden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerfully convicting. As this deals with a subject matter that seems to be so neglected today I would label this little book, in my humble opinion, as an absolute 'must read'.

[Shannon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that packs a huge punch! We read this as a family. Each chapter tackles a different subject. Wonderful book.

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a book club

[Brad Vandenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was transformational. Highly recommended.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last chapter on prayer is worth the read alone.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book hits hard truth right into your gullet. Or you’re not saved 🫨

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most compelling and convicting book that I have read next to the Bible and to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship." Chantry guides the reader through a series of reflections on scriptures about the carrying of the Christian's cross. His meditations are honest, penetrating, and at times painful for the flesh to hear. However, he also uses the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to encourage readers to seek Christ's grace and strength to be the self-denying disciples that Jesus calls them to be. Where Chantry shares the convicting message that Christians frequently fail to "carry the cross" as they ought, he effectively brings the gospel centered solution that Christ can empower them to do so.

[Brad Ormonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I look at my life one thing that I always have had to learn from the experiences I have, is that I need to deny myself more and more, everyday. This book gives a great deal of emphasis on self-denial in every major area of our life. Everyone can admit to needing to deny self every day and this book helps realize our need for Christ on a daily basis. It is the continual process of being emptied of self and filled with the Spirit of Christ. Great book and easy read!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but challenging and thought-provoking book. A clear and concise demonstration of how the Cross relates to self-denial in the christian's everyday life. Food for thought may occur after reading.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Leila McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.