In Last Words of Christ, the descriptive image of light and darkness in Mark's Gospel exposes an interpretive key. That key opens a new look into the Messiah's final thoughts; it also discloses the Bible's literary construction.
Last Words of Christ is comprised of seven sections divided into two major parts. This structure parallels the cross' contour in which Jesus' seven words are spoken in two time periods: morning's light and afternoon's darkness.
By locating Jesus' last words in biblical history--not just isolating them on Calvary's cross--they are heard as a fulfillment of Old Testament portraits. More so, the wisdom of reading the Bible as inspired literature is affirmed. In traversing this biblical history-to-crucifixion interplay, the epic story of Scripture emerges, revealing the wonder and grandeur of the cross.
Endorsers are saying:
A masterful job of unpacking the theological implications of Christ's final words ... brings to life the most magnificent story of Scripture (Rob Seims, South Puget Sound Region, Associate Regional Director, Young Life)
Seldom has the age-old struggle of good vs. evil, light against darkness been so evident .... a biblical tour de force. (Tim Teusink, M.D., M.A. (Bioethics), international ministries with SIM, France)
A stimulating look at Christ's Seven Last Words.... rich with theological meaning and contextual insight ... I read it with fascination. (Dr. Keith Carpenter, KCC Senior Pastor)
[With] high regard for Scripture as God-breathed, Clausen ... reminds us to read [Scripture] as literature ... to convey deeper, symbolic meaning as well. (Mr. Lynn C. Conver, Linguist/Translator and Editor, Wycliffe Bible Translators and SIL International)
About the Author: Wallace Clausen grew up in Seattle and resides in the Pacific Northwest. Its jeweled landscape, resplendent with Mt. Rainier as its crowning glory, drew him to an abiding respect for nature. He and his wife enjoy traveling the nation's parks and scenic areas. A graduate of Seattle Pacific University, Wallace completed a master's program at Western Oregon University. His 39-year career as an educator spanned Oregon and Washington, with the last 26 years consisting of serving as principal in three school districts. He is a recipient of the ESPAW Distinguished Principal Award. Wallace has served in various church leadership positions, most recently serving as chair in outreach and service. He enjoys supporting his wife's coordinator role of providing lunches for homeless women. When not writing, the couple treasures time with their four grandchildren, two each from their son and daughter.
