For centuries, Christians have pondered the Seven Last Words of Christ, those sacred phrases spoken from the Cross that reveal the heart of the Gospel. Yet too often, they are treated solely as objects of theological study. In this powerful new work, Casey J. Chalk not only explains the theological meaning of these words but explains that they represent far more: They are a framework for living a saintly life and dying a holy death.

With insights drawn from Scripture, Church Fathers, medieval theologians, and great literary minds, Chalk describes how the Church has traditionally understood Christ’s final utterances, and he reveals how each of them imparts a vital lesson for daily discipleship — showing us how to forgive, endure suffering, give of ourselves in love, and thirst for souls as Christ did.