Leon Morris (1914–2006)

The sense of living in a God-forsaken world oppresses many. Sometimes the problem is caused by the evils we do to one another; sometimes by our helplessness in the face of a natural disaster. Many wonder where God is at such times. Looking to the Cross of Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs. The author addresses futility, ignorance, loneliness, sickness & death, and selfishness.

Although this book is well structured the content is very brief in dealing with such a deep subject. Morris barely scratches the surface of each topic he takes on and I'm left wanting for more. Those who are convinced that Jesus is both God and Man will find the summary worth reading but there isn't nearly enough here to convince doubters or those unfamiliar with the subject.

Morris shows us the multifaceted nature of the cross work of Christ as described through biblical words—justification, sacrifice, propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation, to list a few. Christ’s death can be viewed through many lenses: as payment in exchange for freedom (redemption), as the turning of enemies into friends (reconciliation), or the turning away of wrath (propitiation), and more. Each perspective on this gracious act at the center of Christianity adds to our show more understanding of its significance. show less

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross is not so much a book as it is a collection of word studies. Each chapter (or, at times, two-chapter unit) provides an in-depth study of a Greek word used by the New Testament writers to describe what happened on/because of the Cross. Morris digs into the historical and literary context of the word as it is used in the NT and beyond, and he even brings in the relevant LXX and Hebrew Old Testament words and passages.

Overall, this is a great resource to use show more when studying the subject of the Cross (not to mention a great example of how a word study is done). Morris provides what I would consider to be a definitive work. My only criticism of the author is his propensity to go too deep, providing some details that I am not sure anyone would ever need to know! Otherwise, this is a great reference for sermon preparation or academic study. show less