Book by Walter Chantry

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

I remember reading through Today’s Gospel when we read it for flocks. It was a short book that reoriented the typical view of the evangel, the Gospel. Throughout the less than 100 pages, pastor Walter Chantry engaged himself into the Lordship Salvation controversy, summarizing and explaining the text of Scripture that dealt with the rich young ruler. It was hard-hitting, and convicting, causing me to be more aware of how I tell the message of Christ to those who haven’t heard it before. It was the first book I read that dealt with what message we are called to proclaim from the very words of Christ Himself.

Since that book had a profound effect on my life, I was pleased to discover that Chantry had written other books. Weighing in at only 73 pages, The Shadow of the Cross is focused on the theme of self-denial, and how it is to be a daily aspect of the Christian life. Throughout the seven chapters, Chantry is not afraid to write statements that could be seen by outsiders as overemphasizing or grossly exaggerating the picture of self-denial. Starting with the text of 2 Corinthians 5:13-15, pastor Chantry begins the book in this way:

Self-denial is a practice which lies very near to the heart of true religion. Without its exercise there can be no conversion to Christ. Qualities most basic to a Christian frame of heart—notably humility and meekness—would dissolve without its active expression. Self-denial awaits the sons of God as they enter upon their private devotions. It stands at the threshold of witnessing and other service to our holy Lord. It is a most painful element in each struggle after holiness. Denial of self is the key to the solution of numerous practical questions which perplex the sober-minded believer of today. A right understanding of this basic biblical demand would silence a host of errors regarding evangelism, sanctification, and practical living. (p.7, emphasis mine)

Chantry then spends the rest of the book explaining the biblical view of self-denial in a way that supports this opening paragraph. False views of many vital aspects of Christianity are addressed and answered with a biblical mindset that is decidedly contrary to the view of the world:

Nothing leads to self-repudiation so much as spiritual meditation on the corruption and wickedness of your heart. If your soul has grasped human depravity you have been forced to deny yourself…While man’s self-esteem is crushed, his esteem for the Lord God of hosts is established. God’s glory and grace strike and captivate the heart. (p.9, emphasis mine)

Self-denial really means a denial of yourself, causing your wants and desires to be directed, not at yourself, but at others, for others, out of a spiritual desire to please Christ above yourself.

This is the mindset that a Christian must have, since it is the way one becomes a Christian:

There must be self-effacement, self-repudiation, self-denial even to become a disciple [a student] of Jesus Christ. (19)

Some who call themselves ‘Christian’ in fact have never taken up their crosses. Being ignorant of the experience of self-execution, of self-denial, they are of necessity strangers to Christ. (20)

Jesus’ figure of bearing a cross is an elaboration of his demand for self-denial. Bearing a cross is every Christian’s daily, conscious selection of those options which will please Christ, pain self, and aim at putting self to death. (25, author’s emphasis)

Chantry points to the text of Scripture that addresses the life of one of Christ’s disciples, Luke 9:23-24:

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The call to deny yourself is a commitment Christ demands, and to take up your cross (which is another way of expressing self-denial) is to be done daily. This is the basis for any true and lasting joy that can be experienced on this earth:

Mention of self-denial is essential if we are to be faithful to any who are attracted to the benefits associated with trusting the Lord Jesus. Danger lurks for those who do not carefully count the costs of forsaking this present world to follow him. (31)

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that he ‘for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.’ (32)

Peter had left all to follow Jesus…he received a peace which the world cannot give [John 14:27]. Peace with a reconciled God, peace concerning the future, and peace flowing from the assured presence of the Son of God, filled his soul. (34)

Often our Lord grants manifold more in kind (Luke 18:29-30)…How many have found fellowship in the assembly of the redeemed more intimate and gratifying than a home lost for Christ’s sake. (34)

What our Lord and Savior is calling us to is a life devoid of selfishness. In doing so, our lives should be completely filled with new desires that will please Him, and bring us joy, not only in the afterlife, but also in the present life. This is the life that Christ calls us to live, and it is one that will radically change you if you answer that call.

Chantry discusses various aspects of our lives to illustrate the radical nature of such self-denail: Christian liberty, marriage, ministry, and prayer. Each chapter is written in such a way that the key points are applicable to any Christian. For example, he chapter on marriage has some gems even for singles, and the chapter on ministry is applicable for non-pastors as well.

I highly recommend this short work by Walter Chantry. Read it, and pray God will really make Himself known to you in such a way that your life grows in self-denial rather than self-esteem. It is the way of the cross, and it is the only life worth living.