Guest Author - LeeAnn Bonds
What does it mean to be saved? Saved from what? Why is it necessary? How do you get saved? What does Jesus’ death on the cross have to do with it? A few weeks ago I would have skimmed over these questions as being basic no brainers. But imagine a non-believer asking you any of those questions face to face. Do you have ready, biblical, and above all, accurate answers?
Recently my husband and I spent three intense days learning how to teach through a book, By This Name, by John Cross. The goal of the book is to explain the Gospel message to people in any culture that is ignorant about the Bible. Mr. Cross wrote it specifically to teach those whose cultures are influenced by pantheism, polytheism, atheism, animism, psychology, New Age thinking, cults of various kinds, and secularism. Perhaps you’re not sure if our North American culture fits this description. In his materials, the author quotes a 2003 study conducted in Canada about how people perceive God. Results indicated that 87% believed God was present in all of nature, 77% thought of God as an impersonal spiritual force, and 76% felt that He was present in every human being. Only 17% perceived God as a person, which is the only biblically accurate statement in the list. If you live somewhere outside of North America, perhaps you recognize your culture’s prevailing attitudes in these statistics also.
Mr. Cross’ strategy is to teach the message chronologically, beginning in Genesis. Incorporated into the first chapters are explanations of what the Bible is and who wrote it, and who God is, with descriptions of His names and attributes. Then, from “In the beginning, God…” Mr. Cross takes us through the Old Testament. In the most vivid manner I have ever experienced, he makes it clear why we all have a sin-debt hanging over our heads, what is necessary to pay it, and God’s plan to pay it Himself and thereby restore us to perfection. The core meanings of the familiar stories are explained in plain words. Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the Ark of Noah, the Tower of Babel, Abraham’s offering up of Isaac, the Israelite’s slavery in Egypt and their deliverance through the Red Sea are all tied together as increasingly detailed pictures of our need of salvation and God’s plan to provide for it.
Next the author introduces the Ten Commandments. He explains them, and shows how they fit into God’s plan to reconcile us to Himself. Detailed teaching on the desert Tabernacle and its accoutrements provide further pictures of how sacrifice and atonement work. This picture is transferred to the Temple that Solomon built. Mr. Cross describes the history of Israel’s blessings when they were obedient, and chastisement when they strayed and worshiped other gods. The abhorrence of idol worship in God’s eyes, and the dangers of syncretism are made clear throughout, as is necessary when speaking to any culture immersed in polytheism, New Age thought, etc.
Mr. Cross takes us from the exile of Israel through to the Greek world into which Jesus was born. Finally, over half-way through the book, he introduces us to the Promised Deliverer to whom virtually every event in the Old Testament points. The foundation for understanding Jesus has been thoroughly built, stone by stone. Now, as Jesus’ life and teachings are unfolded, the overarching plan that He is working through is crystal clear. His innocent life, betrayal, death and resurrection illuminate and are illuminated by the Old Testament stories and symbolism as never before. Even if you’ve been a devout Christian for many years, I assure you that you will be astounded by fresh insights into how everything fits together, how all of Scripture points to Christ our Lamb, our Redeemer.
Mr. Cross’ ministry, GoodSeed International, supplies many helps for those desiring to use his books to evangelize. In fact, you can read By This Name in its entirety online at no cost. Several other books are likewise offered, including one to teach children, and one to share with those from a Muslim background. Workbooks, audio books, videos, visual aids, and the main books in several language translations are available to purchase. I encourage you to explore the site and take advantage of the excellent tools and training available to help you understand your faith better, and to help you share it with others.
