Cross Words: The Biblical Doctrine of the Atonement (Wells)

'This is a satisfying book about the atonement, written by a man of God who lives in the biblical text, and yet is in close touch with the real world and today's church. Who can fail to profit from a book like this?' - Stuart Olyott, Pastoral Director, Evangelical Movement of Wales

The post-modern society is so focussed on the internal life of the individual that it makes the significance of the cross a difficult concept to grasp. Even Christians are trying to find alternative ways of explaining it - some have abandoned the concept of atonement entirely.

Jesus, though, is far more than a victim. When God receives and approves the condemned Jesus he transcends the world of oppressor and victim to create a new humanity, capable of new kinds of relationships. Atonement speaks of a transition from brokenness, alienation and the death of love to a place of restoration, healing, and wholeness. A place that holds out hope for deepening friendships and mutual confidence - the exact same things the post-modern mind is lacking, and is looking for.

Table of Contents:

1. An Impossible Undertaking?
2. Scandal
3. Relations 
4. Lordship
5. Love and Justice
6. Crime and Punishment 
7. Violence
8. Shadows
9. Victor
10. Sacrifice
11. Penalty
12. Abandonment
13. Mediator
14. Peacemaker
15. The ‘Three Rs’
16. Satisfaction
17. Grace
18. No More Cross Words 

Endorsements

"Wells has performed a remarkable and necessary service for the 21st century church. Taking on all the major opponents of the doctrine of the atonement, Wells answers their objections with convincing and balanced arguments. He looks at every possible aspect of this profound doctrine... Satisfying to your mind, this is also a text that will move you to tears and to praise." - Peter Jones, Director, Christian Witness to a Pagan Planet

"Paul Wells...unwraps the various words and their meaning in this substantial treatment. Concepts such as love, Justice, Mediator, Violence, Sacrifice, and many move from the basis of the book but he also interacts with modern objections of Atonement of atonement showing a deep insight into how the atonement is relevant to post-modern culture." - Dee Cornell, CLC World, CLC

"Paul Wells faces head-on the modern (and not-so-modern) challenges to a Biblical viewpoint on the atonement. He evaluates knowledgeably and fairly the most significant denials on such crucial issues as the wrath of God, penal substitution, imputation and propitiation.... It will be an important aid for those who wish to preach effectively the Gospel" - Douglas F. Kelly, Richard Jordan Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina

"This is a satisfying book about the atonement, written by a man of God who lives in the biblical text, and yet is in close touch with the real world and today's church. Who can fail to profit from a book like this?" - Stuart Olyott, Pastoral Director, Evangelical Movement of Wales

"Paul is emerging as one of the premier evangelical theologians of our day. Cross Words is at once accessible and erudite." - William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania