How does Piper call one chapter the greatest in the Bible (Ethan asks)… He is probably 75 and has been a student, scholar, preacher and teacher of the Word for decades upon decades. His written works (books and essays and daily devotionals) are probably some of the most numerous of those in history for biblical theology. I would imagine that if a chapter somehow was ripped out of the Bible and that page flitted down the street to be picked up somehow by an unbeliever, it would contain all the information about God, Christ and His sacrifice to change that person’s heart from stone into a heart of flesh; saved for Eternity; held forever in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Piper’s opinion, that page would be best served by the page containing Romans 8. That’s how.
Let me ask... If a friend or someone you are speaking with asks you "Did Jesus die for me?" What could you say to them but "i don't know... only if you are elect of God". ??? Think about it. Seems like deception of our dear Lord Jesus... To make an offer that could never be taken no matter how badly someone wanted it... If they weren't Elect. I'm sorry...i think this system is faulty.
I don’t think you understand reformed theology. God isn’t dangling salvation to people and then yanking it away. Jesus says in John 6:37 “All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and him that cometh to me I shall in no wise cast out.” The problem is man doesn’t WANT God. He is not morally neutral but actually loves his sin. If you read up on all the passages in Romans 3 and Romans 8 where Paul talks about our natural hostility toward God I think you’ll get a different perspective. Jesus Himself refers to our inability in John 6, John 8 and John 10. I hope you’ll check those out
You have a problem then, not with Piper's system...not really his, but with the way God has placed the doctrine of election throughout the entirety of His Word. The Bible holds out both/and, that is, God's election and man's decision. "Did Jesus die for me?" The answer is "Yes," if you believe. We do not know who the elect are. We preach Christ to all. Charles Spurgeon said that we cannot lift up the coat tails of men and see an "X" on their back. The Gospel must be heralded to all. Try not to erase the tension that the Bible maintains between God's Sovereign election and man's will. Jesus and the Apostles do not avoid or erase "Election" but uphold it as do they for each to "come," "believe," "repent," and "trust." Both, the divine aspect and the human action, are present and involved in salvation. And yet, man cannot save himself nor is he able.
Also, you still have to deal with Romans 8 and the reality of predestination, election, and calling. You should not dismiss it because you do not like what God is saying about His chosen/elect people in Jesus Christ.
No, we will not say to them "are you elect?" Because as Christians, it is not our job to ask that question. Our job is to tell the good news. Period. The elect is not in our department, it's in God's department. Our job is to simply let people know HOW to get saved, but the actual salvation of those people is God's part
Really helpful. When John Piper speaks on Romans 8 it's always a joy to listen.
How does Piper call one chapter the greatest in the Bible (Ethan asks)…
He is probably 75 and has been a student, scholar, preacher and teacher of the Word for decades upon decades. His written works (books and essays and daily devotionals) are probably some of the most numerous of those in history for biblical theology. I would imagine that if a chapter somehow was ripped out of the Bible and that page flitted down the street to be picked up somehow by an unbeliever, it would contain all the information about God, Christ and His sacrifice to change that person’s heart from stone into a heart of flesh; saved for Eternity; held forever in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Piper’s opinion, that page would be best served by the page containing Romans 8.
That’s how.
Thank you Jesus
You are a true man of GOD. Thank you for your analogy. This is my favorite chapter in the bible also. Thank God. Amen
Well done
I study relentlessly
I look at how others study
Your system is unique
Cool
Always some criticism to the men of God in comments. Pastor I have learned so much from you thank you so much and God bless you.
It felt so strange to go backwards through a text...
Very helpful - thank you
Let me ask... If a friend or someone you are speaking with asks you "Did Jesus die for me?" What could you say to them but "i don't know... only if you are elect of God". ??? Think about it. Seems like deception of our dear Lord Jesus... To make an offer that could never be taken no matter how badly someone wanted it... If they weren't Elect. I'm sorry...i think this system is faulty.
I don’t think you understand reformed theology. God isn’t dangling salvation to people and then yanking it away. Jesus says in John 6:37 “All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and him that cometh to me I shall in no wise cast out.”
The problem is man doesn’t WANT God. He is not morally neutral but actually loves his sin. If you read up on all the passages in Romans 3 and Romans 8 where Paul talks about our natural hostility toward God I think you’ll get a different perspective. Jesus Himself refers to our inability in John 6, John 8 and John 10. I hope you’ll check those out
You have a problem then, not with Piper's system...not really his, but with the way God has placed the doctrine of election throughout the entirety of His Word. The Bible holds out both/and, that is, God's election and man's decision. "Did Jesus die for me?" The answer is "Yes," if you believe. We do not know who the elect are. We preach Christ to all. Charles Spurgeon said that we cannot lift up the coat tails of men and see an "X" on their back. The Gospel must be heralded to all. Try not to erase the tension that the Bible maintains between God's Sovereign election and man's will. Jesus and the Apostles do not avoid or erase "Election" but uphold it as do they for each to "come," "believe," "repent," and "trust." Both, the divine aspect and the human action, are present and involved in salvation. And yet, man cannot save himself nor is he able.
Also, you still have to deal with Romans 8 and the reality of predestination, election, and calling. You should not dismiss it because you do not like what God is saying about His chosen/elect people in Jesus Christ.
You would answer “ Yes, Jesus died for you “ and then evangelize the Gospel to them.
No, we will not say to them "are you elect?"
Because as Christians, it is not our job to ask that question. Our job is to tell the good news. Period. The elect is not in our department, it's in God's department. Our job is to simply let people know HOW to get saved, but the actual salvation of those people is God's part