Evangelical Leader John Stott has Passed Away

On my book shelf sits one of the most important books about the crucifixion ever written, John Stott‘s The Cross of Christ. Few Christians in the 20th century were as able to probe into the depths of Jesus’ love as Stott.

Several years ago I was meeting Mark Dever on Southern Seminary’s campus to chat. As we looked at books in the bookstore and talked about my classes that semester, Mark said he’d buy me Stott’s book on preaching, Between Two Worlds, for my preaching class. (Mark would often buy former church interns a book here and there.)

When I think about the influence of those two books I think of how the cross must be loved and it must be preached. That is the lesson John Stott taught me.

Stott passed away July 27, and with him the passing of some of evangelicalism’s best defining characteristics (see historian David Bebbington’s quadrangle). . .

• Biblicism – a particular regard that the Bible contains all spiritual truth for life and godliness. Stott wrote biblical commentaries and grounded his theology in the historic Protestant belief of sola Scriptura.
• Crucicentrism – a focus that Jesus died an atoning death in the place of sinners on the cross. Stott’s book, The Cross of Christ, vividly displays his theological rigor and love for what Jesus did for sinners on the cross.
• Conversionism – the belief that human beings need to be converted to the Christian faith for salvation. Stott’s book, Basic Christianity, is one of the best introductions to the necessity of conversion that you could give to a non-Christian or a new believer.
• Activism - the belief that the gospelneeds to be expressed in society, particularly in caring for others needs. Stott visited and financially supported those in poverty, especially those in third-world countries.

John R. W. Stott

A fitting summary of his life and ministry can be read here. The New York Times article is here.

His website is John Stott Ministries. Also, see the John Stott Memorial.