Welcome to Bible Study Online!
The Biblical Revelation of the Cross
Part One and Part Two
- the new and expanded online edition!
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Introduction:
Jesus Christ came that He should ‘bear witness to the truth’ (John 18:37, NKJ). Yet, perhaps the greatest truth of all – that ‘Christ died for our sins’ (1 Cor.15:3, NKJ) – remains for many the greatest mystery.
Often, views attempting to explain why Jesus died can seem altogether disconnected from one’s own innate sense of justice and reality. Theories developed around ‘ransom’ or ‘penal substitution’ can give the impression of man groping in the dark in search of an answer, though finding none to truly satisfy. To know the truth, we have to clear away the overgrowth, the obfuscation of theological brambles and weeds, that we might stand again on the pure foundation of biblical truth and know for certain how it is that the death of One so great can be the means by which many can attain to everlasting life.
Needed also in this modern age, in the light of geological and archaeological evidence, is a reassessment of the biblical creation narrative and the historicity and scope of the flood, as these events are traditionally understood. Woefully nieve and ignorant assumptions with respect to these accounts can present stumbling blocks to faith in the minds of many who would otherwise have ears open to the gospel of Christ. Christian spirituality, science and history can indeed be reconciled. Biblical truth is not diminished, but enhanced by scientific and archaeological research.
How then can it be understood that Jesus died for our sins?
(…continue: ’Introduction‘)
Part One first published by Oak Wood Publishing House and printed by Antony Rowe Ltd in 2006, ISBN 0-9551029-0-1. Parts One and Two now available in one online edition.
*Print version now available: http://bible-study-online.org/jesus_atonement/
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‘Our view of God, as Christians, is coloured by our understanding of the crucifixion. It matters profoundly to us personally and corporately that we come to a better understanding.’
Norman McIlwain
A share in ministry
In publishing Part One of this book in print and now as an expanded edition online, together with Part Two, I have wished to follow the instruction: ‘Freely you have received, freely give’ (Mt.10v8). To those who have made private requests, the initial publication of Part One of the book was sent without any charge to the recipients and was distributed not only within the UK but also to persons requesting the book in other countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The printed version is important – if not essential – to dissemination, as not everyone has access to a computer or has the inclination to read the whole of a book online.
The online edition of the book (containing Parts One & Two) is currently made available only online through bible-study-online.org, but it is hoped that this will also receive publication in print, pending finance.
Having freely received, some may feel the desire to also freely give to this work and so contribute towards costs.
It would be wrong to deny others this opportunity – as, in effect, this is also one way of allowing others to share in this ministry. For this reason, anyone who wants to make a financial contribution can now do so online by using the secure PayPal or card facility, as shown below.
Sincere thanks is given for any contribution. Indeed, alone we can do very little.
God bless you!
Norman McIlwain
22nd February, 2010
“May God direct you in your efforts and bless you as fellow-servants in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. May ‘The Biblical Revelation of the Cross’ bless your understanding and discipleship in Christ. To God be the glory. Amen.”
The Biblical Revelation of the Cross: First published by Oak Wood Publishing House and printed by Antony Rowe Ltd in 2006, ISBN 0-9551029-0-1.
All rights reserved: © N.McIlwain, 2006-2010