Basic Christianity

by John Stott

Publisher:

Inter-Varsity

, 2008

“If Jesus was not God in human flesh, Christianity is exploded,” writes John Stott. “We are left with just another religion with some beautiful ideas and noble ethics; its unique distinction has gone.”

"Who is Jesus Christ? If he is not who he said he was, and if he did not do what he said he had come to do, the whole superstructure of Christianity crumbles in ruin. Is it plausible that Jesus was truly divine? And what would that mean for us?"

John Stott’s clear, classic book examines the historical facts on which Christianity stands. Here is a sound, sensible guide for all who seek an intellectually satisfying explanation of the Christian faith.

Key Features

• Exposes the very heart of Christianity
• Demonstrates that Christ was a historical figure and its implications
• Provides wisdom about the essentials of Christiany

Contents

• Foreword
• Preface to the fiftieth-anniversary edition
• Introduction
• 1. The right approach

PART ONE: WHO CHRIST IS

• 2. The claims of Christ
• 3. The character of Christ
• 4. The resurrection of Christ

PART TWO: WHAT WE NEED

• 5. The fact and nature of sin
• 6. The consequences of sin

PART THREE: WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE

• 7. The death of Christ
• 8. The salvation of Christ

PART FOUR: HOW TO RESPOND

• 9. Counting the cost
• 10. Reaching a decision
• 11. Being a Christian
• Appendix: The impact of Basic Christianity

Top Highlights

“So, in order to follow Christ we have to deny ourselves, to crucify ourselves, to lose ourselves. The full, inescapable demand of Jesus Christ is now revealed in full. He does not call us to a sloppy half-heartedness, but to a vigorous, absolute commitment. He calls us to make him our Lord.” (Pages 145–146)

“Christianity is a religion of salvation, and the fact is that there is nothing in any of the non-Christian religions to compare with this message of a God who loved, and came after, and died for, a world of lost sinners.” (Page 23)

“Christ’s third indirect claim is to teach the truth.” (Page 42)

“Christ’s fourth indirect claim is to judge the world” (Page 44)

“The Bible reveals a God who, long before it even occurs to men and women to turn to him, while they are still lost in darkness and sunk in sin, takes the initiative, rises from his throne, lays aside his glory, and stoops to seek until he finds them.” (Pages 17–18)

For fifty years Basic Christianity has exposed the backbone of the Christian faith. Its uncompromising clarity, intelligent logic and easy application make this one of the most enduring of Christian classics. In a time of ambiguity and confusion I can think of no other book I would rather recommend. Every evangelist should consider Basic Christianity a masterclass in communicating the gospel. This book is a must-read for those who are seeking God, those wishing to refresh their own faith, or those who hope to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

—William Van Der Hart, evangelist and pastor

Lucid, clear and compelling. After Mere Christianity, perhaps no other book has helped more people come to faith. I’m thrilled that this classic has been appropriately shaped and refreshed for a modern audience without losing any of its timeless charm and persuasive brilliance. Having led and organized university missions for over twenty-five years I was sobered to be reminded of what a debt we all owe to this book and its author. ‘Christ is Christianity’ and no other book exemplifies a Christ-centered apologetic more simply and clearly.

—Richard Cunningham, director, UCCF: The Christian Unions

This was the classic forerunner of strong, balanced evangelistic books, and I am delighted it is being republished fifty years later. It led many to faith then, and it will again.

—Michael Green, theologian, Anglican priest, and apologist

John Stott’s books have helped millions around the world to a better understanding of the Christian faith. I, for one, am extremely grateful for the way in which he explains complex and difficult issues with great clarity, insight and wisdom. Basic Christianity has become a classic of our time.

—Nicky Gumbel, vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton

Product Details

• Title: Basic Christianity
• Author: John Stott
• Edition: New edition
• Publisher: Inter-Varsity
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 192
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Theology, doctrinal; Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781844749089, 1844749088
• Resource ID: LLS:BSCCHRSTNTY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:21:21Z

About John Stott

John Stott CBE (1921 – 2011) was a Christian leader and Anglican clergyman who is noted as a leader of the worldwide evangelical movement. He is famous as one of the principal authors of the Lausanne Covenant in 1974. John Stott was ordained into the ministry of the Church of England in 1945 and has served the same church ever since. He was assistant pastor of All Souls for 5 years, the senior pastor (Rector) for 25, and Rector Emeritus since 1975. During the last quarter century he had been set free (under the auspices of the Langham Partnership) to travel the world, especially for ministry to pastors and students. He has been a Chaplain to the Queen since 1959. He was President of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.