Welcome to Bible Study Online!
The Biblical Revelation of the Cross
- the new online edition!
Part One: “The Biblical Revelation” ( the first edition, revised and expanded)
Part Two: “The Early Church”
READ ONLINE: Either 1) Click on image to the left to begin reading using the sidebar to select each chapter/heading; or 2) Click on image above and simply scroll down to read the whole book on one page, using internal links (to print: right click anywhere on the open page and select your own printer preferences).
Use ’control’ and either + or - to adjust text size for easy reading online.
Check the Scriptures
Ever since the time of Eusebius of Caesarea, writing in the early fourth century, various theologians have attempted to explain the cross of Christ in terms of some form of penal substitution. Indeed, in Evangelical Christianity many would argue that such a tenet is not only the teaching of Scripture, but also one of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith – one that needs to be rigorously defended against all opposition and interpreted by many to have historical, traditional and scriptural support.
Nevertheless, to many others, this ‘crowning tenet of faith’ causes unease – like viewing the woven crown of thorns thrust down upon the head of our Saviour, in mockery of His true Lordship and the justice of God. Instead of THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, Jesus is often portrayed as sin personified – one left derelict at the cross. In the place of God’s righteous judgment, we see a travesty. His murder is termed ‘God’s wrath’. Cursed by man, He is deemed to have suffered the curse of God. Though innocent, we are taught that He suffered the punishment of God, as one guilty in our place.
Sincerity of belief is not the issue, here. It is truth. How clearly we know the truth will determine how effective we are as His disciples, for Jesus is the Truth.
The aim of this book is to reveal the witness from Scripture and the Early Church concerning the atonement and how it should be understood. I have no doubt it will be challenging to many, but keep an open mind and be like the Bereans, who were praised by the Apostle Paul for zealously checking the Scriptures to see if what he said was true (Acts 17:11).
Belief in creation and evolution is also discussed in the Addenda and may be found of help with reference to the Genesis account of creation and the fall.
God bless you through your studies.
Norman McIlwain
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A share in ministry?
In publishing Part One of this book in print and now as an expanded and extensively revised online edition, 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 for dissemination, if not essential, as not everyone has access to a computer or 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. That is where readers might help. So far, I have been in a position to fund matters alone, but can do so no longer. It is now of personal necessity that I humbly make my situation known.
Perhaps I have been too independent and too proud to ask for assistance in the past. I have never wanted to peddle the Gospel and do not want to do so now. However, it is written that ‘you shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain’. I need the financial assistance to carry this work on and to the next stage. Truly the Lord acts in ways beyond all that we can imagine and it is my hope that others will be brought in to contribute to allow this ministry to expand for the building up of His Church.
Having freely received, some may feel the desire to also freely give. I feel like a man with a begging bowl in a public arena, seeking help – but not for myself. It is that I might have the means to share the more. If, however, you are not yet able to give any financial support, do not worry. The Lord bless you. Give me your prayers and share with others. If you are concerned about internet security, the system below has been tested and works well.
It also seems wrong to deny others this means of sharing in the work. 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. Another way of helping is by providing a link.
Thank you for reading.
God bless you!
Norman McIlwain,
6th February, 2013
To God be the glory. Amen.
email: nmc@ website
All rights reserved: © N.McIlwain, 2006-2013