John P. Harrigan - The Gospel of Christ Crucified: A Theology of Suffering before Glory

Few books the student of Scripture might read in the coming days will be as challenging and thought-provoking as John Harrigans contribution you now have in hand. John treats the cross of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins in the context of an early Christian, first-century Jewish apocalyptic viewpoint. Most will perhaps find alone to be worth the price of the whole book, for rarely has there been a more courageous discussion of what the kingdom of God means in terms of the second advent and the eschatological events in that day by our Lord without simultaneously buying into supersessionism or a New Israel thesis. I would anticipate an exciting future for this book and a wide-ranging distribution, for its careful exegetical discussions are not often seen in such works.

WALTER C. KAISER JR.
President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Although this is a heavy theological book that takes on some of the most highly debated topics among biblical scholars, it is written in an easy-to-read style that any common Christian may both understand and enjoy. There are really only a few Christian books that qualify as being on my must-read list. The Gospel of Christ Crucified is truly at the very top of that list. This book has deeply influenced my own theology and understanding of the gospel unlike few others. I trust it will be an equal blessing to anyone who reads it.

JOEL RICHARDSON
New York Times best-selling author, filmmaker, and teacher

John Harrigan has written a book with deeply impacting content, inspiration, and focus on foundational truths that transform us. While I dont agree on the issue of the kingdom, and do believe that the kingdom has an already-not-yet stage, Mr. Harrigans book presses us to see that Christs return and the coming of the kingdom in fullness is really our deepest hearts desire. Our hearts are set on his death and resurrection, ascension, and second coming.

DANIEL C. JUSTER
Founder and Director, Tikkun International Ministries

John Harrigan has written something unique. The Gospel of Christ Crucified is a lucid and original work of theology, a fresh wind of scholarship that seeks to return us to a first-century Jewish apocalyptic ethos for interpreting Scripture. He defines his own view as chiliastic cruciform apocalypticism. If this seems dense, his writing style brings this whole discussion to life. It has profound implications for the worldwide church in the twenty-first century. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the theological foundations and the last days preparations of the church of Jesus Christ. Be prepared to be challenged, not just theologically but personally.

DAVID G. CASHIN
Professor of Intercultural Studies, Columbia International University

It is without hyperbole or exaggeration to say that John Harrigan has written one of the most important books of our generation. As we approach the return of the Lord and all that must come first, the message of The Gospel of Christ Crucified is lifting the chin of the global body to see our Blessed Hope more clearly to love him more deeply. It is a profound work and a gift to the church. My prayer is that what John has written would spread far and wide to stir a united Maranatha cry among the nations until heaven can receive him no more (Acts 3:21).

DALTON THOMAS
Founder and President, Frontier Alliance International

After years of theological training and mission work, God used John Harrigan to bring me much-needed clarity on the message of the Scriptures and the mission of God. John has the ability to bring both passionate focus and simplicity of vision for the overarching message of the Bible. This book is deeply committed to the message of the cross while establishing the believer in the proper Jewish apocalyptic hope of the Scriptures! It is for this reason that we use this book in our training schools in South Asia. We are excited for this second edition of The Gospel of Christ Crucified .

JACOB STONE
Founder and Director, Eduth Yeshua

The Gospel of Christ Crucified: A Theology of Suffering before Glory

Copyright 2015, 2019 by John P. Harrigan

Published by Paroikos Publishing

PO Box 11011

Fayetteville, AR 72703

Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9964955-3-0

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9964955-4-7

Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9964955-5-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout written permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations have been taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (ESV). Copyright 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible . Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible . Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NET are taken from The Holy Bible: New English Translation. The NET Bible . Copyright 2006 by Biblical Studies Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from The Holy Bible: New King James Version . Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible . Copyright 1989 by National Council of the Churches of Christ. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the 1769 Blayney Edition of the 1611 King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked AT are the authors translation. Italics in biblical quotations indicate emphasis added. Transliteration of Hebrew words follows the SBL general-purpose style. Transliteration of Greek words follows standard practice.

Cover art and design: Tyson Ranes and Studio Gearbox

Interior design and typeset: Katherine Lloyd, The DESK

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019913918

To all those who love his appearing.

Maranatha!

T his book developed out of various classes and seminars that I have taught over the years. Generally written at a popular level, the body of the book is designed for students and pastors, while the endnotes are given for further study. My prayer is that it will bring clarity to the gospel and strengthen the church in its mission to glorify God among the nations.

No particular theological tradition is represented here, though I lean toward historical scholarship. My desire is simply to recapitulate the apostolic witness faithfully. Having been raised completely outside of the church, I hold little regard for denomination or tradition. Over the years, I have found this to be both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing in that there is freedom to receive truth from various traditions without being obligated to adhere to the dogma of any one in particular. It is a curse in that most traditions demand a great loyalty to both their message and their method, which can create a lonely road for the sojourning soul. As this age quickens to its end, however, I believe such sectarianism will become increasingly irrelevant (as it presently is in many areas of the world where the church commonly experiences persecution and martyrdom).