Cross-Examined - the life changing power of the death of Jesus

This is a helpful re-examination (which always follows cross-examination!) of the significance and achievements of the death of Jesus. It is a cross-examination in the sense that it covers many counter arguments and objections along the way of establishing the truth of what Christ’s death achieved. It has many helpful illustrations and is written in a style that should engage an unconvinced enquirer as well as a believer seeking more assurance and understanding of his / her faith.

The writer is the former incumbent of Christ Church Fulwood in Sheffield, the church where our own Tamar Pollard will be moving to. He's also ministered in Uganda as well as in other parts of the UK.

As the foreword says "Why was his Cross so special? Why is he remembered when thousands of others (who paid the price of crucifixion to challenge the might of Rome) have been forgotten? Why is the death of Jesus manifestly still the most famous death in history? Why do millions believe it to be a death of continuing significance and life-changing power? Why do millions still follow the man who hung on that cross and claim Him now to be the living Lord of all?"

Mark Meynell tackles the issue that the Cross is going to be a problem for everyone, whatever their philosophical or racial background (thinking of the foolishness it was to Gentiles and a stumbling block to Jews - 1 Cor 1:23). "What seemed absurd to citizens of the Roman Empire in the first century is going to seem just as ridiculous now. An obvious question quickly follows, therefore. How does anyone ever believe in it?"

He argues that the answer lies in whether or not we are able to accept God’s verdict on all human beings, particularly His charge against us that we all sin and reject his authority over us. How we respond to the Cross reveals our own underlying attitude to God.

He then proceeds to explain what makes sin so serious. It is a universal problem. The world has turned away from God. That is why, Meynell argues by way of example, the wonderful ideals of the UN are so impossible to achieve. Our inheritance of sin predisposes us towards self determination. Sin's power is such that we all want to turn away from God. The nations are united but only in their rebellion against God.

There follows chapters on the Fatal Addiction of sin, Divine Justice (leaving a world under judgement), the Promise, Execution and Blood of the Messiah with a helpful analysis of the benefits bought by Jesus' death. There is a detailed examination of the repentance and belief shown by the thief on the Cross (showing that it is not about what we have done or could ever do) and our past, present and future resurrection. He finishes with thoughts on what it means to live a Cross-shaped life and the only appropriate response, worshipping our Saviour.

It's a very worthwhile read and a book that will help seeker or saint get to grips with the most important event in history.