This article is a summary from the following episode: Our Thoughts on John Piper and Falling Away
Introduction: Why We’re Talking About This
Recently, a video clip from the Coram Deo conference featuring John Piper sparked conversation online, specifically around his comments about the possibility of falling away from the living God. In his talk, Piper emphasized the need to preach the warning that believers can fall away. His message was clear: we must take this seriously, and we must not shy away from telling people that they can lose their way.
As is often the case with discussions around assurance, justification, and sanctification, Theocast was brought into the conversation. We received numerous questions from our community asking for our thoughts on Piper’s statements. So, we decided to address this directly—not to stir controversy, but to provide clarity and encouragement to weary believers. Our goal here, as always, is to point you to the sufficiency of Christ and to help you rest in the finished work of Jesus.
Respect for John Piper and the Need for Clarity
Before diving into our concerns, it’s important to say this: We respect John Piper. God has used him in significant ways in many lives, including our own. However, we also believe it’s crucial to address the theological implications of his comments because they touch on vital issues like assurance, the sufficiency of Christ, and what it means to live in peace with God.
Piper’s comments introduced a tension between the sovereign grace of God and the believer’s security. Essentially, he stated that believers could fall away from the living God and that pastors should preach this warning without hesitation. He added that, of course, if you’re elect, you won’t fall away—but in the same breath, he said, “I, John Piper, can fall away from the living God.” This juxtaposition leaves the hearer with more questions than answers.
The Issue with Biblicism
One of the major issues at play here is what we call biblicism—an approach to scripture that emphasizes isolated proof texts without considering the broader theological context. Biblicism often presents biblical truths as if they are in conflict with one another when, in reality, they harmonize when rightly understood. In this case, Piper appears to pit the doctrine of perseverance against warning passages, suggesting they coexist in tension rather than coherence.
Biblicism often insists on a raw, unfiltered reading of the text without theological reflection. This can lead to an unintended consequence: creating fear and doubt in sincere believers who are already prone to introspection.
What Does Scripture Really Say?
Let’s consider what the Bible says about falling away. The book of Hebrews, which Piper referenced, certainly warns against falling away. However, these warnings are directed at those who may have been part of the covenant community externally but never truly trusted Christ internally. In other words, these are warnings to those who participate in the life of the church without genuine faith.
In Hebrews, the writer is addressing people who are tempted to abandon Christ and return to the old covenant. These warnings are not aimed at believers who are genuinely resting in Jesus but are meant to caution those who are reverting to legalism and self-righteousness.
Similarly, the New Testament emphasizes the security of those who are truly in Christ:
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John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
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Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
The message is clear: If you are in Christ, you are safe. No amount of sin, struggle, or weakness can separate you from the love of God.
The Consequence of Law-Gospel Confusion
The heart of the problem with Piper’s statement lies in collapsing law and gospel. The law says, “Do this and live.” The gospel says, “Christ has done it for you.” When these are confused, we end up with a message that sounds like, “Yes, you’re justified by faith, but your final standing before God depends on your continued faithfulness.” This is where Piper’s concept of “final justification” comes into play—a doctrine we find problematic because it undermines the assurance the gospel provides.
When Piper says that a professing believer can fall away, he inadvertently places the burden back on the individual to maintain their salvation. This mindset can create a lifelong struggle with doubt, as believers constantly examine themselves to ensure they haven’t “made shipwreck of their faith.”
Assurance Comes from Christ, Not Introspection
We understand the instinct to warn against complacency. But true sanctification and growth in holiness come from looking to Christ, not ourselves. When Piper says, “You can fall away from the living God,” he leaves believers with a sense of uncertainty rather than the comfort that comes from the gospel. The Bible’s answer to fear and doubt is to point us to Christ, not to our performance.
Piper’s own comments from a panel discussion reveal this tension. He stated, “Introspection is a dead-end road.” We agree wholeheartedly. But the very theology he promotes inevitably leads to introspection, as believers constantly wonder whether they are truly treasuring Christ enough.
The Pastoral Problem
As pastors, we encounter people burdened by this very fear. They ask, “How do I know if I’m elect?” Our response is simple: Are you trusting Christ for your righteousness and salvation? If so, you belong to him. Assurance doesn’t come from examining our works or our feelings; it comes from the objective work of Christ.
Paul’s letters repeatedly encourage believers to rest in the finished work of Jesus, to rejoice in the certainty that our salvation is secure because it is rooted in Christ’s faithfulness, not ours.
Why Assurance Matters
Our concern is not just theological—it’s pastoral. Messages like Piper’s can easily foster fear and confusion, leaving believers feeling like they are on shifting sand. In contrast, the gospel tells us that we are safe because Jesus holds us fast. There is no comfort in being told that our assurance is dependent on our ongoing performance. But there is profound comfort in knowing that our salvation was accomplished, secured, and will be completed by Christ.
Final Thoughts: Let the Gospel Ring Clear
We respect John Piper, but we believe his approach to warning passages undermines the full assurance that scripture offers to believers. Instead of keeping people in a perpetual state of uncertainty, let’s proclaim the sufficiency of Christ without reservation.
Our hope for you, weary pilgrim, is that you rest in the reality that Jesus is enough. When doubt creeps in, don’t look within—look to the cross. Christ’s finished work is your only assurance, and in him, you are secure.
