John Piper is a well-known American pastor, theologian, and author, recognized as one of the key leaders of the “New Calvinism” movement. He served for over 30 years as the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and founded Desiring God Ministries, named after his influential book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.
๐ง๐ป Who is John Piper?
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Born: January 11, 1946
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Theological Stance: Five-Point Calvinist, Christian Hedonist
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Major Focus: God's glory, sovereign grace, joy in God, missions, and biblical preaching.
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Books: Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, Let the Nations Be Glad, and many others.
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Influence: One of the most influential voices in modern Reformed and evangelical circles, especially among younger Christians.
๐ฅ What is John Piper’s Stand on the Charismatic Movement?
John Piper has a unique position among Reformed leaders:
1. Continuationist, not Cessationist
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Piper believes that the miraculous spiritual gifts (like tongues, prophecy, healing) have not ceased and can still operate today.
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This position is called Continuationism.
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He does not believe the gifts ended with the apostles (Cessationism), like John MacArthur does.
2. Cautious and Biblical
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Piper is open to charismatic gifts, but he is also very cautious.
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He insists that all spiritual gifts must be tested by Scripture and practiced in order, as taught in 1 Corinthians 12–14.
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He has never made charismatic experience a requirement for faith or maturity.
3. Not Part of the Charismatic Movement
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Piper is not part of mainstream Pentecostalism or the more extreme forms of the Charismatic Movement.
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He warns against emotionalism, false prophecies, and disorderly worship.
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He has criticized the Word of Faith movement and prosperity gospel as unbiblical.
4. Personal Experience
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Piper has said he personally prays for the gift of tongues, and sometimes feels deep spiritual experiences in prayer.
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However, he rarely speaks in tongues and has never made it central to his public ministry.
๐งญ Summary of Piper’s View on Charismatic Movement
Aspect | John Piper's View |
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Gifts of the Spirit | Still active today (Continuationist) |
Use of Tongues | Open to it, prays for it personally |
Role of Prophecy | Valid but must be tested and biblically guided |
Charismatic Extremes | Strongly rejects emotionalism and prosperity gospel |
Worship Style | Reformed, Word-based, but open to spiritual gifts |
Relation to Charismatics | Friendly but not fully involved or identified with |
๐งก Final Thought:
John Piper holds a balanced and biblically grounded openness to the spiritual gifts. He is Reformed in doctrine and Charismatic in heart, but always calls for humility, discernment, and submission to Scripture.
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