This book is a splendid accomplishment and deserves to be widely read and carefully studied. I will make it required reading for all the students I teach at Wycliffe Hall, as well as warmly recommending it on my travels. The preaching of the cross has always been central to the life and growth of the church. Every generation has had to grapple with the question of why, if God is love, he cannot simply forgive us. This book tackles this question head on – is the cross morally abhorrent, or is it absolutely necessary? The good news that the church has to offer is that Christ willingly and joyfully gave up himself to death on the cross, bearing a punishment that only we deserved, and so securing our salvation and fellowship with God himself forever. This is why we sing and rejoice!

Michael Ramsden, European Director, RZIM Zacharias Trust and Lecturer in Christian Apologetics, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford