The Cross: A Tract for the Times

"The Cross: A Tract for the Times" by J. C. Ryle is a religious text that digs into why the cross is super important for Christians, especially back in Victorian times. It's all about getting people to really think hard about what Christ's crucifixion means and how it saves them. Ryle says that to have real faith, you've got to get how the cross makes things right. Ryle points to the Apostle Paul, explaining how Paul was only proud of Christ's cross, not anything else he did or any religious rules he followed, and then Ryle goes on to clarify all those things. He talks about how Paul didn't count things like being from a certain country, doing good deeds, knowing a lot, or being active in church as what saved him; instead, he trusted only in what Christ did when He sacrificed Himself, teaching Christian readers to do the same. Ryle wants people to see the cross as the biggest sign ever of God's love, showing how bad sin is and how complete salvation is through Christ. Ryle really pushes for a faith that revolves around the cross, arguing that it's key to understanding Christianity and living a life that's hopeful, confident, and holy.