The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Arminian Atonement of John Piper

"OceanOf[Conditional?]Grace"

Salvation is NOT conditioned on faith, or repentance, or anything else from men. It is conditioned upon Christ's perfect, impeccable, finished work of offering upon the cross, through which He grants both repentance and forgiveness of sins to His people: Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins (Ac.5:31). It is written, that the very name Jesus {Jehovah Salvation} was to be given Him, because He shall save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:21)

Piper, either in fear of his Arminian "brethren" or, because he is utterly confused himself (in neither case he should be a teacher in God's church), makes heretical statements, to the effect that Christ died for all men, head for head, but his death which is sufficient for all, becomes efficient for one if one believes. If Christ's oblation be sufficient for all, yet it should not in the end save all, then, it is NOT sufficient to save ANY unless something is added to it.

But Christ has not provided a hypothetical potentiality of salvation, through an universal, albeit conditional basis of some "redemption-minus-one" offer, but has, indeed, provided a PERFECT, ETERNAL salvation for all His people. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (He.10:14).

As Pilgrim has pointed out, Piper is notorious for making heretical statements. "Living by Faith in the Future grace" is an altogether heretical concept, based on a works-and-grace-in-return mentality. The basis for a holy living of the redeemed / obedience to the covenant commandments is NOT an expectation to obtain a "future grace" by your works of obedience. The basis for the holy life of obedience is GRATITUDE for what God HATH done for me in Christ! Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
(1Jn.4:10,11)

Renat