Loading... Please wait...
By Related
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die | John Piper
This book was previously released under the title The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die. As that former title implies, the book was meant to make use of the “hype” surrounding the film The Passion of the Christ. Perhaps Piper realized—before the release of that movie—that it would actually say very little on the issue of why Jesus had to die such an awful death. His book, now under the title Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, deals with that very question by providing fifty biblical answers.
After an introduction, Piper dedicates a single, short chapter to each of his fifty reasons for the death of Christ. The chapters are short enough to be read in a devotional fashion, if the reader desires to do so, though this is not at all a standard “devotion book.” Giving the book an unexpected but fitting twist, the introduction and last chapter focus the reader on the broader issue of human suffering, claiming that the death of Christ helps to shed light on this issue. The book ends with a written prayer, a list of books on the reliability of the Bible (showing Piper’s evangelistic interest), some final notes, and another list of books from Desiring God (Piper’s ministry). Through the whole book, Piper writes equally as a pastor and theologian, treating even the most philosophical of issues with an obvious love for both man and God.
Overstating the value of this book is difficult. Few publications explain the gospel of Jesus Christ, along with other basic Christian truths, with such an equal measure of depth, clarity, brevity, and joy. If you give a lost person any book other than the Bible, make it this one, because they will see the glory of Christ as Savior marvelously presented. Newer Christians as well have every reason to read this book, for it will more fully explain what Jesus did for them and why He should be praised and loved forever because of it. As for older Christians who already know all or most of what Piper has to say, they may read his book anyway as an act of worship, for Piper’s description of Christ allows for no other response.
Sample Pages: Contents | Intro, Ch. 1
The central issue of Christ's death is not the cause, but the meaning--God's meaning. That is what this book is about. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes--in answer to the most important question that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die?
