The Supremacy of God in Missions - Let the Nations Be Glad!

Piper is a very interesting writer and if you are a Reformed Baptist, I'm sure you have enjoyed his writings. More broadly speaking, I'm sure that if you have been even remotely involved in church ministry, you have either heard of him in some capacity, read his books, or both. This book, dealing with missions, was an interesting read for me. I was required to complete a critical analysis paper on the missiological and theological implications in this book, set forth for the fulfillment of Christian missions. This was completed for my World Missions course at Dallas Theological Seminary; this obviously is not the paper, only a few notes.

The Great:

Piper's book, 'Let the Nations Be Glad!' excels in a few areas throughout the book. Its strength is found in his passion for Christ and its love of God. I also found Piper's views on prayer, suffering, and even 'worship as the fuel of missions' very refreshing and encouraging. His treatment of the question of eternal, conscious torment in hell for unbelievers was excellent as he primarily engages with the Annihilationism of Anglican Evangelical John R.W. Stott. I also enjoyed his brief explanation of the 'essence of missions and worship' towards the end of the book. In these areas, Piper is excellent.

Piper, being a "7-pt." Calvinist (as he describes himself to be), truly is an interesting one at that. He is one of the most passionate people you can read and I believe that is why so many people enjoy his writing, even if his writing style is relatively weak at times and his writings reflect the particular views of a Reformed Baptist (though it's been accurately questioned how faithful he truly is to Reformed Theology, and Protestant distinctives at that). I believe his overall passionate approach is thoroughly engaging to the reader which makes for quick read of his work.

The Concerned:

Piper's desire is to pursue missions for the 'entire world', yet His entire world is seen as 'the Elect'. His 7-pt. Reformed theology is devastating at times and truly problematic to many areas of theology (especially Soteriology/Missiology). He has so many assumptions already formulated that his best motivating point on missions (essentially to 'the elect' alone) is that we should be incredibly motivated to bring this message to them, so that those already elect 'will come' (though we never truly know who they are until the end). I honestly find this central principle difficult to be motivating, unless you are coming from a theological system where that is essentially the best motivation.

I find his presuppositions of these motivations to be problematic. I understand that this work is one of missional practicality to some extent, but it must also be rooted in exegesis. On this point you will find little done, only page after page of scripture meant to back his beliefs. Unless you've already concluded your beliefs, this type of proof-texting does little to convince. Some will react and say - 'No, but His greatest motivation is God's glory!' Yes, but it's God's glory by the 'ingathering of the Elect'; so thus, the best motivation seen here is in bringing the message of salvation to 'the elect'. Thus, God's glory is seen strictly within the framework of soteriology.

Concerning God's glory being most revealed in man's redemption: I find this statement much less problematic then the first concerning his understanding of 'the elect', but it still remains an issue because God's glory is more concerned here with 'Man's salvation' than His own personal glory through rulership in the Son. I see the greatest purpose in scripture as 'God revealing His glory' through the Rule of His Son, Jesus Christ, on Earth and Eternity.

This view sees God's Glory as less concerned with the Redemption of Mankind and more concerned about His personal rulership in the Millennial Kingdom and the Eternal State. Am I saying that God is not concerned about people's salvation? No, not at all. God is extremely concerned about everyone coming to a saving knowledge of Him, but what seems to be of greater concern in God's glory is the Rulership of His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord, and the faithful redeemed ruling with Him over the New Heavens and New Earth for all of eternity.

Clearly, this is a much smaller disagreement here, but still, I disagree. It's God's glory through the rule of the Son in the outworking of His Universal Kingdom, not essentially God's glory bracketed through the Redemption of man. Both of these are interrelated in many facets, but the promises/covenants are powerfully connected to the rule of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. We simply benefit from these in our redemption, which is clearly subservient to the purpose of God's Glory, best understood in the eternal rule of Christ as King over the Kingdom of God. The rule of the Son is certainly primary to the concern and expression of Piper both theologically and missiologically. If asked these specific questions, Piper may respond favorably to some of this, but because of his theological views (seen through his writings), I doubt he would frame it as such. However, even though I disagree here, these are areas of smaller concern within view of the whole.

The Questionable & Very Concerned:

When it comes to telling the elect 'The Gospel' message, Piper sets forth no less than 10 different messages that are apparently 'The Gospel' throughout this book. I find it hard to be motivated to 'bring the message to the elect' when I'm confused on what the message(s) is/are. Piper is so unclear at times I actually question if he understands what the Gospel message/response is. I do not say this pejoratively, I say it very concerned. Throughout his book, if you're looking for a central Gospel message/response, you will not find one. It is very blurry here, to put it kindly.

I do find that Piper deals with the minor tensions in His missiological convictions well ('to all peoples', not just 'nations', he dialogues this in beautiful detail and has an excellent word study on this in the book). However, as stated before, he does not interact with his major theological assumptions, such as Election to Salvation/Reprobation ('in the same manner'), Predestination within the Person of God and His Decree, Hypothetical and Effective Call, Limited Atonement, Perseverance of the Saints, etc. All these assumptions cannot merely be overlooked and passed by as one discusses missions. This is clearly too much to overlook for the undiscerned reader.

In conclusion, if you already know about these issues concerning Piper its a good read because its filled with passion for God, for us to become less, and for Him to be ultimately lifted up in our lives. However, I would not recommend this book for undiscerned readers. I say this because the lack of discussion concerning his theological assumptions are so minimal, one could easily be lead to believe this is the position all evangelicals agree on for theology and its missiological implications, when it certainly is not.

Am I saying that Piper is absolutely wrong? No. What I am saying is that since we serve a missional God, a God always on mission, it should be important to explain what is foundational for our belief in doing them. Piper can hold to his own views, that's fine, but he must explain and exegete the scriptures as well when coming to these types of views. These are very important points which he should clarify, since the majority reading this book will not understand the foundational theological conclusions he's already come to. I would read his deeper theological books, with a bible in hand, before I begin reading his books on missions. I would think this is the best way to approach an accurate evaluation of someone's work (not just Piper) in comparison to the bible.

So, before reading a more practical book like this, I would first read his most theological book on these issues: 'The Justification of God', his exposition of Romans 9. This is a very academic book, so if it's too much, try a few of his others, such as 'The Future of Justification', a bit easier to read. I would then read a few other books such as 'Future Grace', 'Counted Righteous in Christ', and his classic, 'Desiring God'. I think these books paint a clearer picture of where he's coming from. However, while doing this I would read from other works outside his own convictions on these same issues. A couple are 'Chosen But Free' (by Dr. Norman Geisler), 'The Other Side of Calvinism' (by Dr. Laurence Vance), 'The Dark Side of Calvinism' (by George Bryson), 'God's Strategy in Human History' by Roger Forster, 'Election and Predestination' by Samuel Fisk, and 'Beyond Arminianism and Calvinism: An Inductive Mediate Theology of Salvation' (by C. Gordon Olson). The last book has an extensive section on these implications for the area of missions, as Dr. Olson was a professor of missions for over 30 years and worked in Islamic countries for nearly a decade. Let Christ Be Praised.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)

As an academician, theologian, and pastor, John Piper is uniquely equipped to address the themes he discusses. With wisdom, zeal, and scholarly acumen, Piper pleads with his readers to do biblical missions from a motive of delight in God's passion for His own glory. The book has both strengths and weaknesses, though in my judgment the former outweigh the latter.

STRENGTHS

Piper's book has a number of strengths. Among other things, it is scholarly, theological, sermonic, and practical. While reading this volume, it was obvious to me that a great deal of scholarly sweat went into its creation. The various sections include carefully woven arguments based on Scripture and deductive reasoning. Many portions of the book contain a number of fairly thorough word studies of relevant biblical terms in the original languages. One important example of this is his explanation of the Greek and Hebrew words for "nation." Piper debunks the now fading notion that the term refers to political boundaries, explaining that it means "people group" or "clan." He pays careful attention to biblical grammar, syntax, and context in his discussions, setting a good example of careful scholarship. I am grateful that this semi-academic work has found its way into the hands of so many laypeople. Perhaps it will challenge the Church to think carefully and intentionally on exactly what the Bible says about missions.

The book is not only scholarly. It is also intensely and densely theological. On almost every page, Piper consistently sounds the ultimate theme of Scripture. God's chief end is to glorify Himself and to enjoy Himself forever. Piper charges his readers to pursue God's glory along with God by doing missions with this "Godward" motive. He does not shrink from declaring God's sovereignty over all creation and uncompromisingly proclaims the biblical truth that God will save those whom He chose to save from eternity. Piper is right that the doctrine of unconditional election is the missionary's great hope. Missions cannot fail because election cannot fail. But, with appropriate balance Piper also forcefully asserts the responsibility of human beings. As Christians, we are responsible to go, give, tell, pray, and live with a "wartime" ethic to advance the kingdom of Christ.

If, as Lloyd-Jones says, a sermon is "theology on fire," then Piper's book is certainly a sermon. Frequently and in the midst of fairly thoughtful discussion, Piper breaks out into "preaching," exhorting his readers to heed the imperatives of Scripture. As I was reading the book and as God's truth impacted my soul, I noticed on more than one occasion that my palms were sweating and my heart was pounding. Piper is an excellent communicator and his book is filled with short, pithy, and sometimes shocking statements that are meant to convey rich theological truth.

Let The Nations Be Glad is immensely practical. Piper never "soft-peddles" the truth; rather, he extends a courageous and passionate plea to the Church to do what God's Word tells us to do in regard to missions. He urges us to pray with fervency, linking prayer to the glory of God, and showing that by praying, Christians magnify God's greatness and ability to answer prayer. He rebukes the American idol of "retirement" and presses us to abandon it and to use our extra time and money for missions. Piper implores his readers not to fall captive to the western ideals of ease, peace, and comfort. This is no time for spiritual sluggishness and lethargy, but for intensity, fervency, and action. God's glory and human happiness are at stake.

WEAKNESSES

It is hard to find weaknesses in a book as helpful as this one. However, I think two deserve some attention. The book lacks a Christ-centered perspective on justification and patience. First, Piper does not emphasize justification. Throughout its pages, Piper's volume defends the exclusivity of Christ, exalts His kingship and glory, but it never links the doctrine of justification by Christ and missions. Piper shows that the cross enables sanctification through suffering for Christ in missions, but what about the power of the cross to justify? Does not justification (forgiveness and the righteousness of Christ) have a role in motivating the missionary endeavor? Is not justification the theological and practical ground of sanctification (suffering, pursuing God's glory, delighting in the pleasures at God's right hand)? How are Christians to deal with their lack of missionary desire and be encouraged to press on in missions? I believe the answer to that question is partly found in the doctrine of justification. The Bible says, "the love of Christ constrains us" (2 Cor 5:14). Scripture is clear that those who are forgiven much, love much, and therefore obey much (Lk 7:47; John 14:15). Those who are gripped by the love of God in the cross of Christ will want to obey Him in missions. I think Piper's book would have been stronger had the glory of God in justification received more attention.

The second weakness is difficult to communicate. Piper seems to have little patience for the weak and the broken. He addresses their weakness by entreating them to be strong, and to be captivated by God's glory, and he is right to do so. But I think more is needed. What about those who come away from his book feeling crushed and depressed by their lack of love for God and the lost? They need to hear that God accepts them because of Christ's righteousness, not their own. It is true that American Christianity seldom struggles with this, but an imbalance is not corrected with another imbalance. The love and patience of Christ in the gospel propels us to obey the law, and had Piper presented this full perspective, I think the book would have been stronger.

Pipers book is an absolutely seminal book when it comes to understanding the heart of God in missions. Missions exists because worship does not. God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him.

I definately agree on the excellence of this book. Piper is obviously a man after God's heart, and listens when His father speaks. Piper gives a rather untraditional, yet much needed view of "missions." The idea that missions is for the glory of God, and NOT because the missionary has a love for a certain people or country, makes this view functional. It is a blatant and biblical answer to the high degree of missionary attrition as seen in today's sending organizations. Following this model, and heeding to the other exhortations regarding prayer and suffering set forth in this book will allow worship to resound and God to be glorified. It is a must read!

This is, indeed, one of the greatest books on missions. It offers a fresh perspective on missions offering that when non-believers witness true worship of the living God, they will be won over. It's easy to read for the general parishoner, and theologically deep enough for the seminarian. I highly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in learning about missions.

The Bible, of course! John Piper will stun you with page after page of God-honoring biblical exegesis. His keen mind is only surpassed by his passionate love of God and His Word. The Lord will be worshipped by people from every nation (tongue, tribe, and people group). By the way, the most loving thing I can say about the Bode's review is, "Do you want the opinion of someone who has no idea how wonderful, Holy, and gracious God is, or do you want the truth from a Christian who agrees that our purpose in life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever?" Do you want a book that will reveal God's heart for the nations, directly from Scripture? Buy this book...Chapter One alone is worth it! To God be the Glory!

The many reviews have already highlighted the excellence of the book. I add one perspective that emerges from the "people groups" idea. It is more than a coincidence that "people groups" appears in key passages in the Scriptures; it is inherent in the plan of God, as revealed to Abraham (Genesis 22:18), in the Great Commission entrusted by Christ to the apostles, and finally, the completion of the plan as revealed to John, where he sees peoples from all nations assembled before the throne of God (Revelations 7:9). The book therefore makes evident the global nature of God's plan, and should be a guide (particularly to church leaders) to re-direct resources from narrow and wasteful political and seeker-friendly activities to the critical task of the Church, seeking His glory and worship among the nations.

John Piper's book on missions attempts to establish God's desire to glorify Himself by reaching all [elect] peoples. Biblically speaking though, God in fact glorifies Himself in ALL that He does. There is an important difference between the man-centric and God-centric views of glorification and as such, Piper starts off with a faulty premise based on reductive error. If the reader is discerning enough to be aware of this weakness, then Piper's book may be an OK intro to missions. However, the reader should also note that Piper's call to missions is one based on "duty" to God alone, and not one of God's love for ALL sinners as many verses like John 3:16 clearly state.

Under the New Covenant, the New Testament reveals that the Law of Christ is fulfilled in love and any attempt to evangelize from a sense of duty alone will be unimpassioned and doomed to failure (e.g. 1 Jn 4; Rom. 13:10). Take it from a missionary who has worked for over 15 years in Europe and Africa; Piper's oft quoted catch phrases like "worship is the fuel of missions" won't keep you afloat--during the tough times that is where a genuine love for God and ALL sinners will be your heart's motivation to serve Him and to witness to others.

Unfortunately, Piper's book on missions and others like J.I. Packer's "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God" don't reveal how a practicing Calvinist can sincerely share the gospel of God's love with ALL sinners using verses as they are plainly written in the Bible.

Finally, as Piper is a self-proclaimed 7-point Calvinist (no typo, it's even on his website), and a champion of reprobation (double predestination), I can't recommend his other books either. The singular theme of all Piper's books boil down to a Theologism based on popular Calvinism. By this I mean that throughout all of Piper's writings, only one of God's attributes--His sovereignty or glory, is acknowledged, thus minimizing the unified and harmonious perfection of them all.

For a meatier and more theologically balanced view of missions please check out What in the World is God Doing: The Essentials of Global Missions: An Introductory Guide by C Gordon Olson.

Great book on God's supremecy in world missions! The book captures a glimpse of the greatness of God and His heart for the world! "Missions exist because worship doesn't." John Piper is and will always be one of my favorite speaker/teachers and his books provide spiritual meat for your daily diet! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS, regardless if you are a missionary to the Dani people of Papua New Guinea or to your cubicle/school/wherever. REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU ARE, READ THIS! Be challenged and be encouraged! I also recommend with this John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life".

God used this book, to change my perspective on missions. Missions is not the cheif end of man, The worship and glory of God is the cheif end of man. We live like we're adding people to our list, when really God is using us as his tools, to gather the nations together.

I was really impressed by the quick delivery of this product and the great condition of the book. I ordered it on 12/13 for my father for Christmas and wasn't sure if it would arrive in time. The package arrived in time, with days to spare. He has enjoyed the book and is planning on using it as a devotional for a study at church.

I would recommend the book.

Great book on God's supremecy in world missions! The book captures a glimpse of the greatness of God and His heart for the world! "Missions exist because worship doesn't." John Piper is and will always be one of my favorite speaker/teachers and his books provide spiritual meat for your daily diet! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS, regardless if you are a missionary to the Dani people of Papua New Guinea or to your cubicle/school/wherever. REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU ARE, READ THIS! Be challenged and be encouraged! I also recommend with this John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life".

In Piper's usual thorough writing style, John Piper raises the bar on the task of the missionary looking to serve God overseas or at home. The reader will find his treatise on the motive of missions refreshing and fearful at the same time. Even if you are only considering mission service, this book MUST be on your bookshelf.

Especially favored is his introduction and attempt to set fire to the rear-end's of people to serve God more faithfully. He humbles you by telling you your God is too small, and then ignites you to serve God with the right motive.

Piper's books are never for the faint of heart, take time to read it, absorb it, and live it. All of Piper's books are Rock-Solid and deep unto deep.

God used this book, to change my perspective on missions. Missions is not the cheif end of man, The worship and glory of God is the cheif end of man. We live like we're adding people to our list, when really God is using us as his tools, to gather the nations together.

I was really impressed by the quick delivery of this product and the great condition of the book. I ordered it on 12/13 for my father for Christmas and wasn't sure if it would arrive in time. The package arrived in time, with days to spare. He has enjoyed the book and is planning on using it as a devotional for a study at church.

I would recommend the book.

This was my first time purchasing an item from the store and I was completely satisfied with my purchase. I received the book with-in a few days, including a holiday and weekend for shipping. The book was in great shape and I got it for a good price. I would use this provider again!!

I know how important the notion that God does everything for His own glory is to Piper and his ilk, but I don't buy that idea about God's character, which makes this book just about impossible to get behind, since Piper keeps coming back to that point over and over. The book has some inspiring moments that should motivate people toward at least giving the missionary world a hard look, but the heavily Calvinist theology that undergirds it was a turn-off for me. Piper's a fine writer, however.

Admittedly, i am the beneficiary of Piper's preaching and writing-particularly "Desiring God". I think that this excellent, important work regarding missions should be on every Christian's book shelf.

Briefly Piper (and others) want to write books about evangelism and missions. Fine. But in the books they use words like "salvation is at stake" and the "urgency of our mission" (120, 159, 165). This is a bit hypocritical for Calvinists.
As an absolutist, he is hypocritical to say (p. 62)"God's ultimate goal will come only through prayer....and he will be engaged to do it through prayer."

Man's prayer engages God? This is not Piper's Calvinism.

Page 63 has a heading "Prayer releases the power of the Gospel." Woah. No prayer, no power....Piper is putting man in control?

Still in the context of human prayer, (p.64) he says, "If the proclamation of the word aborts the purposes of God fail." "That purpose wont happen without prayer." (66)
He makes a hero out of Mueller (69) for praying for 19 years for several people to be saved. What if it is not God's Calvinistic will that those people be saved? You are praying against God's, eternal, deterministic will. How can he laud such a thing (as a Calvinist)?
He later (93ff) tells many stories of people who preach randomly that "Christ died for you that you might find forgiveness." How can he appreciate such a sermon since the persons preaching don't know (according to Piper) if Christ DID actually die for them

One last thought. On page 188, Piper quotes Jonah 3:10 saying, "God repented of the evil he said he would do to them, And he did not do it."
Over 40 times in the OT is says that God changed his mind (the two passages where it says he does not change his mind refer specifically to lying). But Piper cannot have a God who changes his mind. Another inconsistency in the book. I am disappointed