Book Review: What is Saving Faith? by John Piper

What is Saving Faith? Seems like a simple question yet for some Christians it tends to be more confusing which is sad. Some would say saving faith is trusting in Christ alone to save you from your sins. Others would say trust in Christ and do other things to secure your salvation.

The Bible is clear that saving faith comes from Christ we can do nothing to earn it nor add to it to make it more secure. Christians can trust in Christ for their salvation. John Piper believes that saving faith is not just trusting in Christ, it is also treasuring Christ, which he explains in his book, What is Saving Faith?

As I read this book, I am aware that Piper has had some confusing material comes out over the years that sounds like Piper believes we can be right with God through Christ by faith alone but cannot get into heaven by faith alone. This is ironic because one of the chapters of the book addresses why he is not a Roman Catholic which they believe you have to continue to do good deeds and not be in some mortal sin before you die to gain access into heaven. 

Piper addresses that he is taking the Lordship Salvation issue to whole new level. Lordship Salvation is basically if you are Christian who believes Jesus is Lord and your faith is backed by what you do which is Biblical (see James 2:14-26 and the entire book of 1 John). What Piper is suggesting is our faith needs to be affectional. We need to see Christ as our absolute treasure that communicates, we really love Christ. 

Piper's approach almost sounds if you are not an emotional person, you may not be a Christian. This is borderline legalism. I remember hearing a pastor say he would not hire anyone if he cannot ask the question, "When was the last time the gospel brought you to tears?" There is nothing wrong with being emotional preaching the gospel, but to question one's calling or even salvation because they are not emotional is faith plus works. 

Piper does write about how there is surpassing worth in knowing Christ and that we have a message of proclaiming His value. This is something we can all agree on. Paul said his all of his accomplishments of the flesh are rubbish compared to knowing Christ as Lord. We are also to evangelize. My issue with Piper's book is that it sounds like if we are not seeing Christ as treasure and not affectional in our faith, we may not be saved even though we have faith in Christ. Last time I checked, if we confess with our mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raise Him from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9). 

If you desire to read this book, do it with extreme caution. 

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.