I recently finished reading Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney. Here are some quotes:

In the midst of our various responsibilities and many possible areas of service in the kingdom of God, one overarching truth should motivate all our work and effect every part of who we are: Christ died for our sins.

The gospel is not only the most important message in all of history: it is the only essential message in all of history. —Jerry Bridges

We never move on from the cross, only into a more profound understanding of the cross. —David Prior

Only when we understand God’s wrath toward sin can we realize that we need to be saved from it. Only when we hear the bad news that we’re deserving of judgment can we appreciate the good news that God, through His Son, has provided salvation and full, continuing forgiveness for our sins. Only those who are aware of God’s wrath are amazed at God’s grace.

The glory of the gospel is this: The one from whom we need to be saved is the one who has saved us. —R.C. Sproul

Divine love triumphed over divine wrath by divine self-sacrifice. —John Stott

We all carry in our pocket His very nails. —Martin Luther

And the inevitable result of preaching the gospel to yourself will be a pronounced joy, and infectious joy, a consitent joy. Like nothing else the gospel creates joy; it’s both the source and the object of our joy.

What joy the gospel gives me! I can approach the throne of God with confidence—not because I’ve done a good job at my spiritual duties, but because I’m clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Because of the gospel’s power you can be completely free of all condemnation. Not mostly free; completely free.

Here’s how to beat condemnation: Confess your sin to God… then believe in Him.

When we pray to God for His blessing, He does not examine our performance to see if we are worthy. Rather, He looks to see if we are trusting in the merit of His Son as our only hope for securing His blessing. —Jerry Bridges

Grace and Peace (and Joy)