Basic Christianity by John Stott
Week 7: Part Three — The Work of Christ (The Death of Christ)
Read Part Three, Chapter 6 of Basic Christianity by John Stott. Key passages: Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Previewing Week 7 of Basic Christianity
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 10-week guide when you’re ready.
The cross stands at the very center of Christianity — but what exactly happened there? Stott's explanation of Christ's death is the heart of the entire book.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Stott argues that the death of Christ was not a martyrdom, not merely a moral example, and not an accident of history — but a substitutionary sacrifice planned from eternity. How does each of these alternative views fall short of explaining what the New Testament actually claims?
2.The concept of substitution — that Christ took the place of sinners and bore in himself the judgment they deserved — is central to Stott's account. In plain terms, what does this mean? How does Stott use Isaiah 53 ('the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all') to illuminate it?
3.Stott addresses the question of why God could not simply forgive sin without the cross — why punishment was necessary at all. His answer involves the nature of God's justice and holiness. In your own words, how would you explain why forgiveness without atonement would compromise God's character?
a.How does the cross demonstrate both God's justice and God's love simultaneously?
b.Why is a God who simply overlooks sin actually less comforting, not more?