This book is both a comprehensive response to the recent doubts raised over the doctrine of penal substitution and an effective exposition of the doctrine. The carefully precise style adopted enables the authors to address pertinent issues in sufficient detail, with detailed biblical exegesis, but briefly enough to be manageable. They demonstrate that penal substitution is both taught by the bible, has been widely accepted by the church throughout its history and is interwoven with many other key doctrines. I found this book helpful in gaining a better understanding of penal substitution and a number of other points. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any serious reader.

This is a very informative and readable explanation of penal substitution. It covers the historical and current issues in some detail without losing the non-theologically trained reader. It is a book to refer to time and again when the issues arise. The arguments are presented in language which is precise but accessible.

In Ps. 11, David asks 'When the foundations are being destroyed what shall the righteous do?' Part of the answer is 'Write books like this one!'This is a thorough, Biblically satisfying and articulate defence of the orthodox dosctrine of penal substitution. It is a demanding, though not heavy, read, and rewards patient persistence. Any one wanting to get to grips with this core doctrine will find their appetite satisfied.

A thorough overview of all the Biblical evidence is followed by a survey of key characters from history who believed it. The second part is given to refuting of objections to this truth. And John Piper's foreword is pure gold! Buy it and plunder it!

This book is a fine restatement of the core doctrine of penal substitution, which has regrettably come under fire in recent years. The authors restate the doctrine in a solid, biblically based way, and show how it ties in to many other areas of our Christian faith. This is done in a way that avoids too much 'theological college' teaching, and is instead very accessible for the lay reader. The potentially most useful section of the book is where the authors confront the challenges that have been brought to the traditional understanding of penal substitution, and show how it is possible to answer them in a thorough and biblical way. A very good book for anyone who wants to be able to explain the confidence we have that Christ has ensured there is no condemnation for those that believe.

I am greatly indebted to the authors for their thorough exposition of the Biblical doctrine of penal substitution while simultaneously comprehensively refuting the attacks made against it. Every Christian who reads this book will be better equipped to be a witness for 'the faith once delivered to the saints'.

This book provides the most thorough and up-to-date defence of the doctrine of penal substitution available today. It manages to combine scholarly rigour with clarity and pastoral sensitivity.

The issues it addresses go to the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No church leader should be without a copy -- or with an unread copy!

The book tackles an important topic quite well, but becomes somewhat monotonous.

As is said in the reviews in the book, this is on a par with The Cross of Christ by John Stott as a landmark work.

It addresses the attack on the heart of the faith once for all delivered to the saints!

This book restates the orthodox, traditional position of the Christian Church of Penal Substitution. Penal Substitution has been under attack for a number of years and, in recent years, by people such as Steve Chalke and Brian McLaren (of the Emerging Church Movement). The book is lucid, well researched, accurate and needs to be in the library of all pastors and Christian workers and Christian teachers.

A big thumbs up!

Director of Rogma International Christian Miinisteries