John Hilton III - Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ

I am indebted to many people who assisted me in writing this book. Lani Hilton provided helpful insights and was my best sounding board. My parents, Lee and Shawna Hilton, also gave important suggestions. Lisa Ropers sincere interest in this manuscript and guidance in its development were extremely valuable. Many others at Deseret Book contributed to this project in significant ways, including Laurel Christensen Day, Kara Nordstrom, Kristen Evans, Dave Kimball, Shara Meredith, Alison Palmer, Shauna Gibby, and Breanna Anderl. I also express gratitude to members of the Deseret Book editorial review board; their feedback helped shape this book.

Conversations with Matthew Grey prompted my studies on this topic, and many other colleagues shared their expertise by reading chapters and offering valuable insights. These include Daniel Becerra, Christopher Blythe, Carter Charles, Jason Combs, Rachel Cope, Amy Easton-Flake, Mark Ellison, Nick Frederick, Alonzo Gaskill, Fiona Givens, Carl Griffin, Casey Griffiths, Jared Jepson, Frank Judd, Henry Kosak, Shad Martin, Josh Matson, Robert Millet, Kerry Muhlestein, George Pierce, Noel Reynolds, Joshua Sears, Avram Shannon, Joseph Spencer, Katie Steed, Gaye Strathearn, Anthony Sweat, Christopher Thomas, Richard Turley, and Jordan Watkins. Im also grateful to Felicity Harley-McGowan and David Chapman, both world-renowned experts in crucifixion research, for reading and commenting on specific sections of this book.

Several research assistants, including Joshua Barringer, Sarah Cox, Megan Cutler, Emily Hyde, Colby Sinclair, Joshua Stratford, and McKenna Trussel made important contributions to this work. Their efforts were made possible by funding from BYUs Department of Ancient Scripture, Religious Education, and Religious Studies Center. Monte Shelley, Scott Esplin, Steven Harper, Beverly Yellowhorse, the Faculty Support Center staff at BYU Religious Education, and the editors, staff, and reviewers at both The Religious Educator and BYU Studies Quarterly also provided valuable assistance.

Special gratitude is due to Brad Wilcox and Michelle Wilson, each of whom read drafts of the entire book and offered many valuable suggestions. I also appreciate the following individuals, who offered feedback on one or more chapters: Jackson Abhau, Ryan Baker, Rafael Bello, T.J. Bliss, Amanda Buessecker, Ann Chumbley-Snider, Maddison Dillon, Robert Eaton, Katie Gibson, Gifford Gillette, Catherine Fratianni Guevara, Annemarie Hilton, A.J. Hortin, Michael House, Marlow Hunter, Roberta Johnson, Dave LeFevre, David Macfarlane, Cameron McEwen, Michael McKinley, Abby Mitton, Whitney Permann, Eric Perry, Scott Rasmussen, Angelica Rauenzahn, Mike Ricks, Lisa Spice, Cameron Taylor, Dallas Teshima, Lisa Texeira, Rebecca Thompson, Dennis Walker, Michelle Westcott, and Tim Wilson.

I acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit, which has consistently prompted me to study the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and blessed me with flashes of insight I would have otherwise never received. Ultimately, I give thanks to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; I hope this book in some small way glorifies them and their sacred work.

Why Learn More about the Saviors Crucifixion?

Y ou might be wondering why you should read a book that is primarily about the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After all, as Latter-day Saints, we focus on the living Christ! Among members of the restored Church, Calvary doesnt have the reputation for being the glorious or feel-good part of the Saviors Atonement. You might be worried this book will be depressing. I promise you, its not.

This book is about finding increased peace and happiness by coming closer to Jesus Christ. President Russell M. Nelson has promised, The more we know about the Saviors ministry and missionthe more we understand His doctrine and what He did for usthe more we know that He can provide the power that we need for our lives. This book is meant to help us deepen our understanding of what Jesus did for us and therefore more fully feel of his love and strength.

I love these words from Elder Ronald A. Rasband: Jesus Christ is always the answer. My hope is that these pages will help you deepen your connection with Christ and therefore your joy.

This book is divided into four parts. In the first, we will discuss the symbol of the cross and then see how the Saviors Crucifixion can help us feel more of his love. In the second part, we will explore what scriptures and Church leaders have taught about Christs sacrifice on Calvary. Next, well take an intimate look at the Saviors final day in mortality, including his six hours on the cross. Finally, we will learn how appreciating the Crucifixion can enhance the personal connection we feel with Christ and his Atonement. On our journey together, we will answer many important questions including the following:

• Is the tendency many Church members have of avoiding the cross based on an official Church doctrine, or is it more of a cultural practice? (Chapter 1)
• How can studying Christs Crucifixion increase our appreciation for his Atonement? (Chapter 2)
• What can we learn from the nail... in the sure place (Isa. 22:25) and other Old Testament scriptures that foreshadow Christs atoning sacrifice? (Chapter 3)