SEVEN WORDS TO THE CROSS Robert F Jones Christian Book Review

Seven Words to the Cross

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review
by Mary Katherine May of QualityMusicandBooks.com

Robert F. Jones (1911-1980), author
John Knox Press, 1961

It may seem odd to review a book that was published 51 years ago in 1961 and definitely out of print, yet with the internet books are available to buy that were more difficult to find in the past, and both church and public libraries may have this book available for checkout.  This book is good reading.

Seven Words to the Cross by Rev. Robert F. Jones is a publication of seven meditations delivered by Dr. Jones as part of a Lenten vesper series in the First Congregational church of Forth Worth, Texas.  The meditations are, however, not only for the season of Lent preceeding Easter.  They are worthy reading any time of the year.

My Criteria for Choosing Christian Books to Read:
The reading that I like to do for my Christian growth--after the Holy Bible, of course--is going to do one of two things, or both.  The books I appreciate reading will (1) aid in my spiritual growth and/or (2) make me think and desire to know more about what was said.  These may seem to be the same but they are not--similar, maybe, but not the same.

The book is not a large work and can, if desired, easily be read in one sitting lasting just a few hours.  Or, you might want to read a portion and think about it before moving on. 

From the dustjacket endflap:
Through these quiet, powerful meditations, Robert F. Jones makes us a part of the crowd at Calvary.  The passers-by, the soldiers, the penitent theif, the centurion--we stand with them all.  At the cross we become aware once again of the call of Christ and his profound forgiveness.

The Meditations:
1.   The  Word of Those Who Wanted Religion Without a Cross
2.   The Word That Snowed the Power of Negative Thinking
3.   The Word of Those Who Expected Religion to Be Dramatic
4.   The Word of a Man Who Got Life for a Look
5.   The Word of Those Who Failed to Recognize True Religion
6.   The Word of the Man Who Could Have Done So Much but Did So Little
7.   The Word We Speak to the Cross

Should you decided to get a copy of Seven Words to the Cross, be sure that the title has the word TO in it, that the author is Robert F. Jones (this is NOT Bob Jones as in Bob Jones University), and that it was published by John Knox Press in 1961.  There has been only one printing and it was in 1961.

Sample Excerpt from Meditation 7, page 86:
"...Jesus picked up not five stones but five scars, any one of which would have been enough to redeem the world, and with them He slew the Goliath of evil.  If He, our Leader, wore five scars, then we His soldiers must be prepared, on the great day of review when He comes to judge the living and the dead, to show Him the scars we have won in His cause and in His name.  To each of us He will say: 'Show me your hands and side.'  Woe unto us who come from Calvary with hands unscarred and white."

Copies of Seven Words to the Cross on Amazon.com.
Copies on Alibris.com