Future Grace, Revised Edition: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God

Like all of John Piper books it is theology sense though very readable. I highly recommend it to any serious study of the Bible.

Long time fan of Piper’s work but this one is brilliant. Obviously the Holy Spirit has empowered this man to help people find the truths. Read this book slowly and carefully. If you don’t get a piece, stop and pray for clarity. Their is true gold in understanding what Piper has to say here.

First and foremost, I entirely agree with Piper’s thesis that God is calling us not to solely look at bygone (past) grace, but to look forward to future grace. This is Biblical truth. However, my main contention with the book is his way of explaining it. I just finished Knowing God by JI Packer so the deepness of the subject matter did not bother me, but there were three issues I had:1. It is written like he is defending a PhD thesis. The drudgery of reading his point-by-point defense of future grace is wearying. Also, he uses the term “future grace” so often that it becomes highly distracting.2. The logic and prose were confusing. I read medical journals regularly so I am no stranger to high-level reading, but I would find myself reading the same section over and over. Sentences did not flow smoothly and weren’t always clear. I presume the audience was intended to be Christians hoping to strengthen their faith and not scholars, but the lexicon and flow seemed to favor the latter.3. It was overly long. He went through great pains to prove points which is admirable and strengthens his main point, but does not make for an enjoyable read.So why did I rate it 4 stars? Partially because I couldn’t do a 3.5. But mostly because the nuggets of practical truth I pulled out are life-changing. Ideas like justifying faith is the same as sanctifying faith were put forth and — notwithstanding my above criticism — clearly proven. His poem about eternity and heaven have changed how I view the afterlife. This book is clearly God-ordained and anointed. I would recommend it but with the above caveats.

Another compelling book from John Piper. With scriptural precision he unfolds his argument that the thing that enables us to persevere as Christians is primarily faith in future grace rather than gratitude for past grace. He doesn't minimize the importance of past grace. Rather, he asserts that past grace, extremely important as it is, leads us to embrace the promises of future grace, which enables us to persevere in the faith and conquer sin, among other important things.

Outstanding book. I recommend it for any Christian, or Bible student, looking to improve their understanding of Grace, God, and our relationship to Him. Old School religion used to use "guilt trip" type techniques for better obedience to God, it's not about that....that isn't who He is. He is Love, and obedience comes from Love toward God, since He loved us first. You can't force yourself to be obedient and still think you have freedom in GRACE (GOD's RIGHTEOUSNESS AT CHRIST's EXPENSE) when it starts to come back and bite you, and you want to "blame" God or yourself for not being able to comply. It comes with time, practice, and love. When it is "right" it becomes effortless, natural, trust in God's grace. And loving obedience becomes natural, like a child. see Luke 18:17

as a Christian of 28 years, I find it hard to find Bible studies that don't tell me what I already know. I'm not saying I'm a wellspring of wisdom...I'm just saying that I think there's a lack of depth out there in the world of Bible study books.Future Grace opened up whole new realms of realization to me. Grace for example. we've all heard the definition of grace, right? Its 'unmerited favor'. This book teaches grace to be so much more than that. read it and find out!also it clears up some theological conundrums that have had me chasing my tail for years. (eternal security being the main one).Piper has a gift. He really knows how to explain things you've always wanted to grasp but haven't quite been able to. And its theologically sound as far as I am qualified to say it is. the Holy Spirit didn't cause me to wanna slam it shut at any point (which he does often with other books)so! go for it! its a great book.

The depths of how faith, obedience and works come together throughout the OT & NT are explored and exalted in Christ, then so helpfully displayed in action with a practical chapter interspersed throughout the book. The OT scriptures especially have come more alive through Future Grace, specifically how can the OT saints love the law so much when it could never bring life? And how could God require obedience in the OT (and NT!) yet at the same time, give undeserved kindness & mercy? How does this knowledge help me fight anxiety & despondency & bitterness & lust?It's a slightly tough read, but SO SO worth it. Pray that God would open the depths of His truth through this book! Knowing God deeper and seeing God for who He really is - it's worth the work!

Deep and thought provoking. The books thesis is, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." Piper does a good job of laying out what that means and how to live it. If you read the book, I recommend reading it in its entirety, don't stop because you disagree with something along the way. I almost did and I would have missed the blessing by not listening to Piper's entire message. You can see Piper's love for God throughout the pages and his strong desire to share what God has revealed to him with other Christians, so that they might be most satisfied in God’s glory. A great read for the Christian desiring to love the Lord with all their heart!

Good quality, just as expected!

A great theological teaching about faith in God's grace for a life that has daily struggles and wants to live in the will of the Lord

It is hard to imagine two things: a Christian arriving at these conclusions without a lot of counsel from other thinkers and authors, and a more succinct explanation of what it means to live the Christian life.

A substantive and staple resource.

Great book. I am enjoying reading it.