Every page in his book "The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus" reveals John Cross's desire as a writer for the Scripture to be set forth as the final authority. Of the three hundred plus pages there are only a thimbleful that do not have a Scripture reference. In most cases, you will find numerous Bible passages per page ¾ all explained in context. 

If you are like most individuals, picking up the Bible and starting at the beginning can be an overwhelming task. Usually by the time you get as far as Exodus or Leviticus you are using your reading stretch as a replacement for a sleeping pill ¾ we put the Bible down in frustration because we are failing to "put it all together." On the front cover of the book it states, "A Clear and Simple Explanation of the World's Best Seller." Mr. Cross sets forth that, "If you are a typical reader, by the time you have finished this book, the Bible will make remarkable sense…My job is to help you understand it clearly." Mr. Cross did a praiseworthy job of fulfilling his purpose statement. There is one unfolding story or theme that is deliberately set forth throughout the book: looking forward in the Old Testament to the promised Saviour, Deliverer, or Messiah; and looking back in the New Testament to Jesus Christ the Saviour, Deliverer and Messiah. This unfolding story is surveyed simply and without unnecessary theological jargon. 

Chapter one is an introduction to the Bible, The Book of Books. Chapters 2-9 serve as an explanation of the Old Testament. Chapters ten through thirteen recount the story of Jesus from His coming to His death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Chapter fourteen is classic. It brings you back to the very beginning of the book where two men were walking from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus. (You can read about this story in Luke 24:13-49.) On the road a Stranger met and joined them. The Stranger explained the Scriptures in a way that made incredible sense. This explanation is the content of chapters two through thirteen. Chapter fourteen resumes the conversation between the Stranger and the two men. By this time you know that the stranger is Jesus Christ ¾ The Messiah ¾ The promised Saviour. 

Jesus tells the two men the theme of the Bible: He talked about himself, "He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself." He explained to them the most important subject in the Bible ¾ the work He did on the cross. Jesus said, "Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" Chapter fourteen goes on to explain why it was necessary for Him to die. The author takes you back through the highlights of the entire book. 

We see from the law and the prophets that sin demands death and that man cannot escape death apart from God's mercy and grace. The chapter shows very clearly how man cannot gain God's approval by his outward appearances (Adam and Eve), his own ideas (the way of Cain), his religion (the Tower of Babel), by him obeying the Ten Commandments (the Israelites), or by his good works (the Pharisees). Man deserves to die. The author brings out that a substitute dies in man's place. It clearly demonstrates that (according to page 289) "Jesus died for our sin paying the eternal consequences; Jesus died in our place, taking those consequences upon Himself. He is our substitute." At this point in the book the reader could respond like the Philippian jailer, "What must I do to be saved?" Chapter fifteen answers that question ¾ simply believe or as stated on page 293, "Will you recognize and believe, in Jesus as your own personal Saviour ¾ the one who has paid your sin-debt?"

The Scriptures are exalted. The theme ¾ Jesus Christ ¾ is set forth. One commented on this book; "A remarkable presentation of a glorious God, the awfulness of sin, and the wonders of the Gospel ¾ all told as a narrative. No arm-twisting, profoundly logical, effective, sensitive." It was an exciting book to read. I highly recommend it for any believer who wants to know the "big picture" of the Bible. I also would encourage believers in the Lord to use this book as an evangelistic tool in winning the lost to Christ. If they have an open heart, God will use this book to help them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

I pray that this book, by God's grace, will get into the hands of many people in the years to come. I know that the Duluth Bible Church has purchased around a thousand copies in the last year and a half. I am ordering several copies for our church as well. ¢