The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are an interconnected priority for the church (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). French theologian John Calvin wrote that when we speak of the benefits we receive from Christ’s resurrection we are implying the crucifixion of Christ—and the other way around.* The two themes are interconnected.

And a new book has brought together writings on the resurrection of Christ in light of the death of Christ. The book is designed for the Easter season (which is quickly approaching), but the cross and the resurrection are worthy of our attention year round.

Edited by Nancy Guthrie, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter (Crossway, 2009) is a collection of 25 contemplative readings from various authors.

The chapters are short, averaging less than six pages each, and are mostly pulled from previously published material. Their scope and diversity is evident from a glance at the titles:

1. True Contemplation of the Cross (Martin Luther)
2. He Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem (John Piper)
3. An Innocent Man Crushed by God (Alistair Begg)
4. The Cup (C.J. Mahaney)
5. Gethsemane (R. Kent Hughes)
6. Betrayed, Denied, Deserted (J. Ligon Duncan III)
7. Then Did They Spit in His Face (Charles Spurgeon)
8. The Silence of the Lamb (Adrian Rogers)
9. The Sufferings of Christ (J.C. Ryle)
10. Father, Forgive Them (John MacArthur)
11. With Loud Cries and Tears (John Owen)
12. That He Might Destroy the Works of the Devil (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
13. I Am Thirsty (Joseph “Skip” Ryan)
14. God-Forsaken (Philip Graham Ryken)
15. Cursed (R.C. Sproul)
16. Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit (James Montgomery Boice)
17. Blood and Water (John Calvin)
18. He Descended into Hell and Ascended into Heaven (J.I. Packer)
19. A Sweet-Smelling Savor to God (Jonathan Edwards)
20. The Most Important Word in the Universe (Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.)
21. Resurrection Preview (Francis Schaeffer)
22. Peace Be unto You (Saint Augustine)
23. Knowing the Power of His Resurrection (Tim Keller)
24. Sharing His Sufferings (Joni Eareckson Tada)
25. Crucified with Christ (Stephen F. Olford)
 
In Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Guthrie has pooled a superb collection of devotional writings to focus your attention upon the cross, and simultaneously intensify your appreciation for Christ’s glorious resurrection.

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* John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, ed. John T. McNeil (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960), 1:521 (2.16.13).

HT: Ligonier