Providence (John Piper)

Providence

From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty.”  Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world.

Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God’s providence—from Genesis to Revelation—to discover the all-encompassing reality of God’s purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive providence: the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God’s mission in this world.

Endorsements

“In what is perhaps his most important book so far, John Piper demonstrates with great cogency and exegetical skill that God’s providence ‘is his purposeful sovereignty in which he will be completely successful in the achievement of his ultimate goal for the universe.’ This book will enlarge your vision of God and thereby strengthen your faith.”
D. A. Carson, author of many books including The Gagging of God

“John Piper, with his characteristic clarity and focus on the biblical text, shows us the pervasiveness of God’s providence in the Scriptures. Piper lingers over the biblical text, and we see in text after text that God rules over all of reality, from the smallest atom to horrific disasters. As we have come to expect from Piper, he turns our eyes to the infinite greatness and beauty of God, while reminding us that God’s providence constitutes amazing good news for those of us who know Jesus Christ.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“There are many books by John Piper that I would recommend to believers because of the depth and freshness of thought in his writings. Providence will rank among the highest on the list. The breadth of God’s providence that is covered here is breathtaking. Piper leaves no stone unturned! Read it and see for yourself. This is a landmark work!”
Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia

Table of Contents

Introduction: Four Invitations

A Definition and a Difficulty
1: What Is Divine Providence?
2: Is Divine Self-Exaltation Good News?

Part 1: The Ultimate Goal of Providence
Section 1: The Ultimate Goal of Providence before Creation and in Creation
3: Before Creation
4: The Act of Creation

Section 2: The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the History of Israel
5: Overview: From Abraham to the Age to Come
6: The Exodus Unfolds
7: Remembering the Exodus
8: The Law, the Wilderness, and the Conquest of Canaan
9: The Time of the Judges and the Days of the Monarchy
10: The Protection, Destruction, and Restoration of Jerusalem

Section 3: The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the Design and Enactment of the New Covenant
11: The Designs of the New Covenant
12: Christ’s Foundational Act in Establishing the New Covenant
13: The Entrance of Sin into Creation and the Glory of the Gospel
14: The Glory of Christ in the Glorification of His People

Part 2: The Nature and Extent of Providence

Section 1: Setting the Stage
15: Knowing the Providence of the God Who Is

Section 2: Providence over Nature
16: The Loss and Recovery of a Theater of Wonders
17: Earth, Water, Wind, Plants, Animals

Section 3: Providence over Satan and Demons
18: Satan and Demons
19: The Ongoing Existence of Satan

Section 4: Providence over Kings and Nations
20: Israel’s Divine King Is King of the Nations
21: Human Kingship and the King of Kings
22: To Know and Rejoice That the Most High Rules

Section 5: Providence over Life and Death
23: A Bath of Truth and the Gift of Birth
24: “The Lord Has Taken Away; Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”
25: We Are Immortal till Our Work Is Done

Section 6: Providence over Sin
26: Natural Human Willing and Action
27: Things We Know and Do Not Need to Know
28: Joseph: God’s Good Meaning in a Sinful Act
29: Israel Hated, Pharaoh Hardened, God Exalted, Helpless Saved
30: Broken Families
31: Deception and Dullness of Heart
32: “Though He Cause Grief, He Will Have Compassion”
33: A Wickedness God Especially Abhorred

Section 7: Providence over Conversion
34: Our Condition before Conversion
35: Three Biblical Pictures of How God Brings People to Faith
36: Saving Faith as the Gift of Providence
37: Driven Back to the Precious Roots of Election

Section 8: Providence over Christian Living
38: Forgiveness, Justification, and Obedience
39: God’s Command-and-Warning Strategy
40: “Those Whom He Called . . . He Glorified”
41: Blood-Bought Zeal for Good Works
42: “Working in Us That Which Is Pleasing in His Sight”
43: Killing Sin and Creating Love by Faith

Section 9: The Final Achievement of Providence
44: The Triumph of Missions and the Coming of Christ
45: New Bodies, New World, Never-Ending Gladness in God

Conclusion: Seeing and Savoring the Providence of God