“Those who save texts demanding a cross for ‘the deeper
life’ have cheated their hearers in evangelism. Without a cross there is no
following Christ! And without following Christ there is no life at all! An
impression has been given that many enter life through a wide gate of believing
in Jesus. Then a few go through the narrow gate of the cross for deeper
spiritual service. On the contrary, the broad way without self-denial leads to
destruction. All who are saved have entered the fraternity of the cross.”
- The Shadow of the Cross, p. 22
I have been reading this book, The Shadow of the Cross,
lately for my personal devotion, and being challenged by the life of the cross,
and the life of joy, hope, and abundance that comes through living such a
life. Before I make any of my own
comments though, I’d encourage you if you want to go deeper in your walk with
God to read this book. Through
looking at the passages on discipleship and the cross, Walther Chantry describes
a life in Christ as one of self-denial, taking up our cross, and following him.
As I read it, I feel that more of me is being chipped away so that I might
become more and more like Him.
