Shadow of the Cross:

by Walter J. Chantry

Book Overview

The message of the Cross is the heart of the Christian gospel. The records of the life of Jesus devote more attention to it than any other part of his ministry. The rest of the New Testament... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 085151331X
• ISBN13: 9780851513317
• Release Date: February 1982
• Publisher: Banner of Truth
• Length: 79 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.7" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Self Denial? But...?

Who wants to read a book on "denying self"!? Everything in our culture urges us to esteem self. The "world" (as the Apostle John would call it) encourages us to please self, to satisfy self, live for self. When people in our self-bloated culture begin to have that uncomfortable disturbance, discontent with the reality of self... that disquiet in their spirit because they are so saturated with self-this, self-that, self-centeredness, selfishness, what do they do? Do they seek God? Ha! No, they venture on a quest to "find themselves", as if somehow they lost it. How completely antithetical to everything the "world" teaches are the words of our Lord: Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." (Matthew 16:24-28) "Self" is the most common source of the infection that sickens our soul, and our constant consumption of it, the cause of our condemnation. But the example of Christ, and the teaching of Christ and His apostles is clear. That which has true and lasting value is found not in the self-serving, self-loving nature of our flesh, but in loving and serving to others, submitting to one another in Christ; this is a gift of grace that is only available through the Spirit. But as Chantry writes: "Often the Bible describes sin as selfishness. Isaiah 53:6: 'All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way'. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 states the obvious in shocking terms: 'This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves...' That is the disgusting reality of our generation. Men are making decisions with only one consideration, 'their own selves'." (page 11) Chantry rightly defines the problem, then discusses the ONLY true solution to it, even as the Apostle Paul said to the foolish Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). It is only through the cross of Christ that we may die to self and live for others. Chantry elaborates on the meaning of the cross of Christ, as well as what it means to take up our own cross. He goes on to discuss the Christian theme of self-denial as with reflections on how it should be practiced in Christian liberty, in marriage, in ministry, and in prayer. Each of these chapters is thoughtful and t

Vitally Important Truth

This book deals with a vital but oft neglected Biblical teaching,that of self denial. Mr.Chantry conveys throughout the book the importance of the doctrine. For example on p.7 "Self denial is a practice which lies very near to the heart of true religion. Without its exercise there can be no conversion to Christ. Qualities most basic to a Christian frame of heart-notably humility and meekness-would dissolve without its active expression." The author goes on in the opening chapter to give some of the reasons why teaching on this doctrine has been neglected. It is extremely important in our day that this truth not be neglected because it delivers a deathblow to 'the' preeminent philosophy in our culture,which is,look out for number one,no one and nothing else matters but me. It is the essence of sin,not to live for the glory of God but to live only for self. An additional quote will suffice to show the great value of this little book,p.14" 'Why did Jesus Christ die? There are many sides to answering such an important question. But under the influence of the Spirit, the apostle teaches that our Lord's death was not designed to provide selfish men with eternal life while they remained abandoned to self-serving. A vital part of Christ's intention was to redirect the motivation of all whom his bloodshedding would make alive. As he struggled up Calvary's hill and bled upon it, his aim was to eradicate self-love and implant the love of God in the hearts of men. One can only increase as the other decreases." Indeed,all Christians ought to be able to say with the apostle Paul,'for me to live is(not self)Christ'. This book will be of help to all who so desire to live for the glory of God.

A Needed Call to Discipleship

Walter Chantry has done an excellent service to the church community. In a culture of lazy, self-serving spirituality, Chantry writes about the cost of discipleship. He gives no easy solution, no quick-fixes and no gimmicks; all that he lays before us is the cross of Christ and the words of our Lord to come follow Him. Although discipleship costs us everything, Chantry reminds us of the joy of this sacrifice. This book is a must read for those who are serious about their relationship with Christ and want to follow the difficult yet sweet road of communion with the Lord Jesus Christ.