Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die

by John Piper

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2006

With numerous misunderstandings about Jesus' death, John Piper's Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die provides clear reasons for Christ's crucifixion.

Piper uses his vast experience and knowledge of the New Testament to give his readers 50 reasons why Jesus died. These are not 50 causes or 50 thoughts about Jesus' death; instead, the reader will understand what this death has done for them and the world. In a time of messy theological reflection, Piper's clear explanation of these reasons gives the reader confidence in the person of Christ.

Through 50 concise chapters, Piper covers topics such as the basic premises of substitutionary atonement and understanding our sanctification, to unveiling the understanding of evil in the world.

Piper finishes with a prayer. In this prayer, he writes, "O Lord, open our eyes to see that you yourself, and no man, planned the death of Jesus. And from this awesome position, let us look out over the endless panorama of your merciful, hope-filled purposes." The reader will see how God graciously acts toward humanity in the crucifixion of Jesus.

What You'll Read

With numerous misunderstandings about Jesus' death, John Piper's Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die provides clear reasons for Christ's crucifixion.

Piper uses his vast experience and knowledge of the New Testament to give his readers 50 reasons why Jesus died. These are not 50 causes or 50 thoughts about Jesus' death; instead, the reader will understand what this death has done for them and the world. In a time of messy theological reflection, Piper's clear explanation of these reasons gives the reader confidence in the person of Christ.

Through 50 concise chapters, Piper covers topics such as the basic premises of substitutionary atonement and understanding our sanctification, to unveiling the understanding of evil in the world.

Piper finishes with a prayer. In this prayer, he writes, "O Lord, open our eyes to see that you yourself, and no man, planned the death of Jesus. And from this awesome position, let us look out over the endless panorama of your merciful, hope-filled purposes." The reader will see how God graciously acts toward humanity in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Contents

Top Highlights

“But we have all loved other things more. This is what sin is—dishonoring God by preferring other things over him, and acting on those preferences.” (Page 20)

“The central issue of Jesus’ death is not the cause, but the purpose—the meaning.” (Page 12)

“There is no salvation by balancing the records. There is only salvation by canceling records.” (Page 33)

“The way of the cross is the way of suffering. Christians are called to die, not kill, in order to show the world how they are loved by Christ.” (Page 14)

“Therefore, when the Bible says that Jesus ‘learned obedience through what he suffered,’ it doesn’t mean that he learned to stop disobeying. It means that with each new trial he learned in practice—and in pain—what it means to obey. When it says that he was ‘made perfect through suffering,’ it doesn’t mean that he was gradually getting rid of defects. It means that he was gradually fulfilling the perfect righteousness that he had to have in order to save us.” (Pages 24–25)

What You'll Learn

John Piper's Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die sets forth to teach the reader the importance of Christ's death on the cross. He does not present a list of theological causes but clearly articulates the 50 reasons Christ died. The reasons he offers answers to questions such as:

• How does this show God's love toward humanity?
• How does this reveal the nature of God's grace?
• How does this show the nature of evil?

The pastor, seminarian, or layperson will learn or remember the incredible truths of the crucifixion and how important it was that Christ came to die, and that this was God's will.

In his introduction, Piper notes, "I have gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons why Jesus came to die. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes. Infinitely more important than who killed Jesus is the question: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his son to die?" Understanding this central question and theme answers the many questions people wrestle with surrounding Jesus' death and provides clarity for the Christian life.

This book is an excellent addition to the reader's Logos library.

Product Details

• Title: Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die
• Author: John Piper
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2007
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Jesus Christ › Crucifixion--Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9781581347883, 158134788X
• Resource ID: LLS:50RSNSWHY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-28T20:28:14Z

About John Piper

John Piper (b. 1946) is a widely respected theologian and bestselling author who serves as founder and lead teacher at Desiring God and is chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, Piper served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He has authored more than 50 books, and more than 30 years of his preaching and writing are available free of charge at desiringGod.org. Piper resides in the Minneapolis area with his wife of 51 years, and has five children and 14 grandchildren.

Piper attended Wheaton College where he majored in literature and minored in philosophy. He completed his Bachelor of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he studied under Dr. Daniel Fuller. Piper received his Doctorate in Theology from the University of Munich and taught biblical studies for six years at Bethel College.

In 1994, Piper founded Desiring God Ministries, which provides Piper’s sermons, articles, and information on titles he has authored. One of his bestsellers, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, prompted the name of the ministry.

Several of Piper’s books have been Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Christian book award winners including What Jesus Demands from the World, Pierced by the Word, and God’s Passion for His Glory. The Crossway John Piper Collection (39 vols.) includes 39 titles from Piper, including Love Your Enemies and A Hunger for God. His preaching ministry of more than 30 years is available in the John Piper Sermon Archive (1980–2014).

Hear how Piper uses Logos for his Bible Study.