The Prince's Poison Cup

The Prince’s Poison Cup is an illustrated children’s allegory by Dr. R.C. Sproul that presents the gospel message of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice in the form of a story a grandfather tells his granddaughter.

The book is framed by a simple domestic scene: a young girl named Ella must take bitter-tasting medicine, and her grandfather uses her reluctance as an occasion to tell a parable. In his story, a great King creates a beautiful park for his people and warns them not to drink from a forbidden fountain. When a cloaked stranger deceives them into drinking, their hearts turn to stone and they lose all love for their King. The King then sends his Son, the Prince, to drink a cup filled with the poison of the King’s wrath—an act of obedience that costs the Prince his life but transforms the poisoned water into healing for all who will receive it.

Through this allegory, Sproul introduces children to core biblical truths about creation, the fall, and redemption. The book includes a parents’ guide with discussion questions and Scripture references that connect each element of the story to its biblical counterpart. Illustrated by Justin Gerard, the book pairs vivid imagery with careful theological storytelling suited to young readers.

Key Themes

• The substitutionary nature of Christ’s sacrifice and the meaning of the “cup” He drank
• The fall of humanity through disobedience and its consequences
• The transformation of the heart through trust in Christ
• The gospel presented through allegory for children

Featured Quotes

“For a moment, He thought about turning back. But He remembered the King’s order. He had to go to the City of Man.”

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”