Attraction of the cross - Spring - XII - Chapter 13 (The religion of the cross)

Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 13 (The religion of the cross, in distinction from religions that are false and spurious).

My summary
The object of the present chapter is to exhibit some of the prominent and distinctive features of the religion of the cross in comparison to other religions.

Thus Spring teaches us that the religion of the cross is:
(i) the religion of principle in distinction from the religion of impulse;
(ii) a spiritual religion in opposition to a religion of forms;
(iii) a self-denying religion and not a selfish and self-indulgent religion;
(iv) heavenward religion and not earthward;
(v) a practical religion in opposition to the abstractions of theory;
(vi) full of Christ.

What grabbed me
I liked the last point best: 'Another characteristic of the religion of the Cross is, it is full of Christ. Christ is associated with all its duties and all its hopes. Christ is its centre. Christ is its living Head, and it lives not, any more than an amputated limb, when severed from Christ. Only as its roots strike downward, and clasp this Tree of Life, does it bear fruit. " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." The Christian is nothing, has nothing, can do nothing, without Christ. It is a bastard Christianity that owns not Christ as its parent. It is an ignorant Christianity that looks not to Christ as its Teacher, and that follows not his teaching. It is an unpardoned Christianity that looks not to Christ as its Priest. It is an impure Christianity that is not washed in the blood of the Lamb. It is a disloyal Christianity that does not recognize Jesus Christ as its King, and that hesitates to obey where he commands. It is a wayward Christianity that looks not to Christ as its example, and that does not follow where he leads the Way. The knowledge of the Christianity is the "knowledge of Christ." The love of the Christian is " the love of Christ.'* All his graces find their element at the Cross, Christ crucified is his glory and joy.'

There are many religions that speak positively of Christ, but they are not full of him.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 14 (The cross the test of character).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.