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Providence
New from Best-Selling Author John Piper
From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty.” Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world.
Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God’s providence—from Genesis to Revelation—to discover the allencompassing reality of God’s purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God’s mission in this world.
From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty.” Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world.
Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God’s providence—from Genesis to Revelation—to discover the allencompassing reality of God’s purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God’s mission in this world.
793 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
938 people are currently reading
2679 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,591 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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August 16, 2025
2020 was a year of pain, suffering, and anguish. COVID-19 impacted countless lives, crushed the economy, overwhelmed our health care system, and influenced the presidential election. By mid-December, the virus claimed over 300,000 lives in the United States alone. We were told what is classified as "essential" and what is not deemed "essential." Stay home-stay orders, social distancing, wearing masks became a normal part of daily lives.
The lockdowns had a devastating effect on thousands of people. Businesses were permanently closed, many churches stood at a stand-still, and hopelessness ruled in many hearts. One report suggested that suicide rates among young adults skyrocketed due to the pandemic.
In the midst of this crushing heartache, John Piper released his newest book, Providence. I received an advance copy and began diligently reading this massive book, weighing in at over 700 pages.
Dr. Piper lures in readers with a four-fold invitation:
An invitation into a biblical world of counterintuitive wonders.
An invitation to penetrate through words into reality. While the term “providence” is not found in Scripture, the reality of providence occurs on every page of the Bible.
An invitation into a God-entranced world.
An invitation to know God in a more intimate way.
Once readers become aware of the theological terrain that lies ahead, the 700 pages to follow are much less daunting.
The book is arranged in three parts. Part one explores a definition and a difficulty. The difficulty wrestles with the notion of divine self-exaltation. Piper discusses the typical negative creaturely response to a God who finds pleasure in exalting himself. The author demonstrates that anyone who resists the idea of a self-exalting God has fallen prey to a sinister mindset. Indeed, “The idea that God is unattractive to us because he acts for his own glory cloaks a deeper resistance: he is unattractive because he is God.”
Part two focuses on the ultimate goal of providence. Three areas are discussed which include:
God’s ultimate goal in providence before creation and in creation.
The ultimate goal of providence in the history of Israel.
The ultimate goal of providence in the design and enactment of the New Covenant
The great benefit of part two is delighting in the big picture of God’s providence. From before creation, to the cross, and the final glorification of the elect, we find God orchestrating every detail for his glory and for our good. As Piper writes, “God is supremely committed to the display of his glory for the admiration and enjoyment of all who will have it as their supreme treasure.”
Part three reveals the nature and extent of providence. The author skillfully demonstrates how God’s providence reigns over all things including the weather, world leaders, circumstances, and the demonic realm. Piper shows how God’s providence superintends over sin and triumphs in conversion.
In the end, Piper gloriously describes the final achievement of providence in the return of Christ, the glorification of his elect, and his reign on the New Earth. He writes, "The great goal of providence is the shining forth of the glory of God in the holiness and happiness of his people through Jesus Christ."
My own experience as I neared the end of Providence was a keen sense of disappointment that the book was drawing to a close. Frankly, Providence helped me maintain a God-centered perspective, even in the midst of a tumultuous year.
Providence is a theological tour de force. It is heart-warming, mind-riveting, and soul-shaping. My hope is that Piper’s great accomplishment, dare I say his magnum opus, will have a similar impact on thousands of people around the world. There is no question that John Piper’s Providence will be one of the most read and treasured books of 2021.
The lockdowns had a devastating effect on thousands of people. Businesses were permanently closed, many churches stood at a stand-still, and hopelessness ruled in many hearts. One report suggested that suicide rates among young adults skyrocketed due to the pandemic.
In the midst of this crushing heartache, John Piper released his newest book, Providence. I received an advance copy and began diligently reading this massive book, weighing in at over 700 pages.
Dr. Piper lures in readers with a four-fold invitation:
An invitation into a biblical world of counterintuitive wonders.
An invitation to penetrate through words into reality. While the term “providence” is not found in Scripture, the reality of providence occurs on every page of the Bible.
An invitation into a God-entranced world.
An invitation to know God in a more intimate way.
Once readers become aware of the theological terrain that lies ahead, the 700 pages to follow are much less daunting.
The book is arranged in three parts. Part one explores a definition and a difficulty. The difficulty wrestles with the notion of divine self-exaltation. Piper discusses the typical negative creaturely response to a God who finds pleasure in exalting himself. The author demonstrates that anyone who resists the idea of a self-exalting God has fallen prey to a sinister mindset. Indeed, “The idea that God is unattractive to us because he acts for his own glory cloaks a deeper resistance: he is unattractive because he is God.”
Part two focuses on the ultimate goal of providence. Three areas are discussed which include:
God’s ultimate goal in providence before creation and in creation.
The ultimate goal of providence in the history of Israel.
The ultimate goal of providence in the design and enactment of the New Covenant
The great benefit of part two is delighting in the big picture of God’s providence. From before creation, to the cross, and the final glorification of the elect, we find God orchestrating every detail for his glory and for our good. As Piper writes, “God is supremely committed to the display of his glory for the admiration and enjoyment of all who will have it as their supreme treasure.”
Part three reveals the nature and extent of providence. The author skillfully demonstrates how God’s providence reigns over all things including the weather, world leaders, circumstances, and the demonic realm. Piper shows how God’s providence superintends over sin and triumphs in conversion.
In the end, Piper gloriously describes the final achievement of providence in the return of Christ, the glorification of his elect, and his reign on the New Earth. He writes, "The great goal of providence is the shining forth of the glory of God in the holiness and happiness of his people through Jesus Christ."
My own experience as I neared the end of Providence was a keen sense of disappointment that the book was drawing to a close. Frankly, Providence helped me maintain a God-centered perspective, even in the midst of a tumultuous year.
Providence is a theological tour de force. It is heart-warming, mind-riveting, and soul-shaping. My hope is that Piper’s great accomplishment, dare I say his magnum opus, will have a similar impact on thousands of people around the world. There is no question that John Piper’s Providence will be one of the most read and treasured books of 2021.
Read
July 19, 2021I read this with my dad over a period of several months. For reference, my dad and I are more closely associated with Premillennial Dispensationalism and Arminianism. So, as expected, we came into conflict with Piper's Calvinist-rooted beliefs on some points. As a small example, I believe that the faith is open to everyone and not just an elect, and I believe that God draws us up to a point where we then have to make a decision out of free will. But I am also the type of person who is OK with theological (and other types of) conflict. I have no need for others to bend to my beliefs, etc. And I can respect and give due and open attention to someone who doesn't share my views. In fact, the latter is what makes me enjoy reading so much! In any case, reading these 700pp that cover the entire scope of life and all of its big questions (one's belief in God or the lack thereof determines nearly everything about one's views), and all the scope of a Christian life, I realized once again how divisive theology can be, even among believers (perhaps especially among believers). In some cases, the apparent contradictions or conflicts stem from whose perspective we look at things. For example, a situation may be a determinism from God's point of view AND free will from ours, so our apparent division could be a difference in the lens we're using and not the object of our inspection. In the end, this was an excellent, cogent, enthusiastic meditation of what the Bible really says about the nature and extent of God's providence. There were exponentially more gems than areas of disagreement or reservation. Over the years I have learned an incredible amount about the Bible and its interpretations from Piper. If you choose one book from his voluminous repertoire, make it this one.
March 20, 2021
I’m not quite sure where to begin with this book. Piper builds from a concept that ultimately God is for God, therefore all of his workings are for his own glory. From this premise Piper moves to argue that the salvation of his people is the benefactor of God glorifying Himself. In defense of this he argues that in order for God to ensure this desire He must work providentially in all things. To defend this argument Piper first starts by working through the Scriptures to show that there is no doubt that God works all things together. This aspect of the book flows like a Biblical Theology text. From there Piper goes on to work through specific scenarios that God is providential in. These topics range from sin to salvation. What makes this book different from others of its ilk is that Piper never sets out to explain how God is providential over all things, but rather explains that He is providential over all things. While this book is very theological rich, Piper makes it evident in each chapter that the providence of God is to lead us to worship Him. I could not help but led to worship multiple times throughout reading this book. Personally this book was incredibly helpful in answering questions I had about God’s workings in the Old Testament. From a more seminarian level I believe that this book answers to those who accuse Piper of teaching a works based justification. A well done and accessible book, and I am so thankful for it.
July 18, 2023
This book gave me such a deeper understanding of the cohesiveness of scripture, and the nature of God in general. It was a comfort to my soul. I started reading several months ago when I was fighting some anxiety and what a means of grace it was to take my thoughts off of myself and on to the wonderful providence of God. I love that it was really rich teaching but also easy to read and understand.
July 11, 2023
I think this is John Piper's finest book. No one will be surprised that Piper argues for a model of meticulous providence - what he often calls God's all-pervasive providence. But if critics read charitably they will find far more nuance and appeal to mystery than is often attributed to Piper. All readers will rejoice in his relentless appeal to Scripture. Rarely does he resort to philosophical argumentation (though that would have been fine with me). I also do not remember reading the word "Calvinism" even once. Though some will disagree with Piper's conclusions and understanding of providence, what cannot be questioned is that this is a book that relentlessly seeks the glory of God while trying to bring profound and robust comfort and hope to God's people.
July 11, 2023
John Piper has a long legacy ahead, including some infamy in certain circles. But this work should last: it's far too Biblically thorough to fade quickly.
December 16, 2023
It’s taken a year and half but I finally did it lol. Highly recommend this book because although some parts were slow they were necessary to understand more fully some of the tenderest chapters I’ve read out of any book.
February 7, 2021
John Piper has described this 750-page book as his magnum opus, and it's easy to see why. It ties together so many themes that Piper has stressed throughout his ministry, all in support of the strongest possible defense of the Lord's sovereign control over every atom in the universe, without ever falling over into fatalism/hypercalvinism. Piper names his book after providence rather than sovereignty because he sees providence as "sovereignty applied," if you will--God's planning of all things, including evil, for the greatest magnification of his glory.
This is not a philosophical defense of the Augustinian position. Others have done great work on that plain, such as Spiegel and Christensen. Rather, this is a biblical defense, and a thorough one at that. It is well worth the effort to make one's way through this book. It is long but better overly dense. It sings with delight in God and his provident oversight of all that occurs. It is worthy of the Sovereign it magnifies.
This is not a philosophical defense of the Augustinian position. Others have done great work on that plain, such as Spiegel and Christensen. Rather, this is a biblical defense, and a thorough one at that. It is well worth the effort to make one's way through this book. It is long but better overly dense. It sings with delight in God and his provident oversight of all that occurs. It is worthy of the Sovereign it magnifies.
November 25, 2021
I have finished the behemoth. I cannot rate this book any higher. It's depth and breadth are insane. The second part on God's goals of providence throughout the biblical narrative was real cool. The third part of how this providence works out in everything was insanely good and definitely my favourite part (and takes up the largest amount of the book), but man it was so good to see how God is in control of all these things. Especially loved the sections on Satan & Demons, Life & Death, Sin, Conversion, and Christian Living. The stuff on end times & the future and kings & nations was great too. Took me a while, but I've been sick the last 2 days so managed to pump the last 50 odd pages. Highly reccomend this book to all. God is in control and he wills what he wills.
February 23, 2025
"I aim to gather from the Scriptures some very old kindling of truth, pile it up in plain view, and put a match to it. This is not because I want to consume it, but because I want to release its incendiary properties for the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God's mission in this world."
December 27, 2023
This was an absolutely fantastic journey through both the goal, and extent, of God’s providence. Piper’s tome is a rich monumental study of the biblical doctrine, and stands beside some of his best work. This study doesn’t merely treat the concept as a whole, but also delves deeply into all the differing aspects and controversy surrounding the doctrine. It is also every bit as rich devotionally as it is rigorous mentally.
[Having said this, the audio narrator was so horrendous, that I needed to switch over to the basic Siri phone voice for the last 70% of the book. He not only dropped syllables and words (particularly at the end of sentences), but he also didn’t speak in a very professional (or understandable) way. He would speak each sentence very dramatically, and in a way that seemed to disconnect sentences from each other and made them each their own dramatic statement. It was extremely hard to follow and connect sentences together to get the whole message. It was almost like listening to hundreds of individual statements. It would have been nice if Piper had stuck to his previous book’s excellent narrator, Michael Kramer.]
[Having said this, the audio narrator was so horrendous, that I needed to switch over to the basic Siri phone voice for the last 70% of the book. He not only dropped syllables and words (particularly at the end of sentences), but he also didn’t speak in a very professional (or understandable) way. He would speak each sentence very dramatically, and in a way that seemed to disconnect sentences from each other and made them each their own dramatic statement. It was extremely hard to follow and connect sentences together to get the whole message. It was almost like listening to hundreds of individual statements. It would have been nice if Piper had stuck to his previous book’s excellent narrator, Michael Kramer.]
July 2, 2023
4.6 Stars
"Providence" by John Piper is a magisterial theological tome extolling the glorious doctrine of God's providence. Piper's book has three sections, (1) defining providence, (2) the ultimate goal of providence, and (3) the nature and extent of providence. Piper's goal in his book is not only to explain God's providence Biblically but to show it’s beauty and glory.
After reading this book I have realized more and more that Piper is more of a poet and preacher than a teacher. Much of my theology I've learned from Piper but as I read this book, I found myself encountering many of Piper's usual themes and illustrations which irked me just a little bit. In reading this book you'll encounter many of Piper's usual "Piperisms": extended explanations and illustrations, multi-adjective phrases, a defense of Christian Hedonism, etc.
But the farther I read into this book the more and more I began to appreciate Piper’s writing. Piper's book is much longer than it needs to be and that is because John Piper is concerned with the reader not only knowing God's providence but loving it and rejoicing in it. Piper strenuously uses Biblical logic, descriptive illustrations and stories, and a ton of adjectives to help us see the beauty of God's providence. And, oh, how through this book I began to see more of God's glorious and good providence and to love it even more!
As well, through this book, I realized that God's all-pervasive providence is the bedrock of Piper's theology. The providence of God is the foundational truth of most of Piper's books (Desiring God, Future Grace, This Momentary Marriage, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, etc.). And this showed me that the wonderful truths about God in the Scripture are supported by His providence. God not only governs all things but tenderly and loving "provides" for all things. He is great and He is good, the sustaining of all creation and the accomplisher of all redemption. We can hope, rest and trust in God because of his all-pervasive providence and have hope that he who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.
This is a wonderful book, those familiar with Piper will find a ton of things that they have heard before, but that does not prevent them from being any more glorious. I love Piper and am so thankful for His ministry of preaching, teaching, and writing. This book has helped me to see the beauty of God's providence and to desire to love and enjoy God more.
"Providence" by John Piper is a magisterial theological tome extolling the glorious doctrine of God's providence. Piper's book has three sections, (1) defining providence, (2) the ultimate goal of providence, and (3) the nature and extent of providence. Piper's goal in his book is not only to explain God's providence Biblically but to show it’s beauty and glory.
After reading this book I have realized more and more that Piper is more of a poet and preacher than a teacher. Much of my theology I've learned from Piper but as I read this book, I found myself encountering many of Piper's usual themes and illustrations which irked me just a little bit. In reading this book you'll encounter many of Piper's usual "Piperisms": extended explanations and illustrations, multi-adjective phrases, a defense of Christian Hedonism, etc.
But the farther I read into this book the more and more I began to appreciate Piper’s writing. Piper's book is much longer than it needs to be and that is because John Piper is concerned with the reader not only knowing God's providence but loving it and rejoicing in it. Piper strenuously uses Biblical logic, descriptive illustrations and stories, and a ton of adjectives to help us see the beauty of God's providence. And, oh, how through this book I began to see more of God's glorious and good providence and to love it even more!
As well, through this book, I realized that God's all-pervasive providence is the bedrock of Piper's theology. The providence of God is the foundational truth of most of Piper's books (Desiring God, Future Grace, This Momentary Marriage, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, etc.). And this showed me that the wonderful truths about God in the Scripture are supported by His providence. God not only governs all things but tenderly and loving "provides" for all things. He is great and He is good, the sustaining of all creation and the accomplisher of all redemption. We can hope, rest and trust in God because of his all-pervasive providence and have hope that he who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.
This is a wonderful book, those familiar with Piper will find a ton of things that they have heard before, but that does not prevent them from being any more glorious. I love Piper and am so thankful for His ministry of preaching, teaching, and writing. This book has helped me to see the beauty of God's providence and to desire to love and enjoy God more.
July 15, 2023
Friends, you will find no deeper, more joyful, more awe-inspiring insight into the providence of God than this. This is John Piper's magnum opus. May your heart swell as you begin to comprehend with joy the providence of God over all things. Let us run further up and further in to this beautiful, biblical reality in which we live. No other theological book has grown my personal love for and worship of Jesus Christ more than this one; it is likely no other book ever will.
August 24, 2024
Providence by John Piper is a sweeping review of the doctrine of Providence in the Bible. I enjoyed Piper’s approach of bringing out the truth of what Scripture says about God’s providence rather than starting with a theological argument and then finding passages that support that argument. Piper was willing to admit that parts of Gods providence are mysterious, and instead of offering heady logical arguments or complex explanations for seeming paradoxes, he simply offered the passages of Scripture that spoke on such truths. It was refreshing to be presented with the truth that humans aren’t all-wise and that it is possible that there are portions of Gods characteristics and ways that are simply incomprehensible for us. That doesn’t mean we should immediately cry false; instead, we should read our Bibles and take as true what the very word of God says about God, even if, at times, it doesn’t make sense to us.
Infused throughout the book was John Piper’s trademark emphasis on delighting in God and finding our ultimate joy in Him: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”. Providence offers us the opportunity to praise God and have secure hope that everything in life is within His control and ultimately for our good as Christians. Therefore, even in sorrow we can rejoice because we know that the Lord is with us. All of history is in His hand. We are secure in our faith because it is supplied not by our fallible human agency, but from God’s perfect, steadfast love and grace. All of history points to Gods perfect record of making good on His promises. He is sovereign over everything and He will surely bring us home to Him. Amen.
Infused throughout the book was John Piper’s trademark emphasis on delighting in God and finding our ultimate joy in Him: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”. Providence offers us the opportunity to praise God and have secure hope that everything in life is within His control and ultimately for our good as Christians. Therefore, even in sorrow we can rejoice because we know that the Lord is with us. All of history is in His hand. We are secure in our faith because it is supplied not by our fallible human agency, but from God’s perfect, steadfast love and grace. All of history points to Gods perfect record of making good on His promises. He is sovereign over everything and He will surely bring us home to Him. Amen.
October 31, 2025
Piper's greatest hits in one volume. His magnum opus no doubt. Great for a systematic look at the Bible through the lens of the doctrine of providence. A lovely index to use when you're preaching on the topic. Piper shows his theological chops and exegetical chops as always with an end toward the glory of God and the satisfaction of all the nations in God.
Great quotes:
"Begrudging obedience does not make God look great. Or to say it another way: 'Serve the Lord with gladness!" (Psalm 100:2) is a summary of the law" (115-116).
"Being bored with God demeans his beauty" (637).
"God's doing his will in us is not a replacement for our doing it, but a gift of our doing it" (642).
"When we are enabled to love Christ with the very love of the Father, the presence of Christ in us will be experienced in a profoundly new way" (680).
"Everything is light and funny because God is a lightweight" (699).
"If I may bear witness from fifty years of ministering the word of God to many suffering people, here is what I would say. For every one person whom I have heard or seen forsaking the truth of God's all-pervasive providence because of suffering–or more often, because of the suffering and death of a loved one–I have seen ten others bear witness that the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty, in and over their suffering and loss, saved their faith–and some have said, their sanity" (704-5).
"The all-embracing, all-pervasive, invincible providence of God found in the Bible is theologically more comprehensive, and experientially more comforting and more fruitful, than its denial" (706).
Great quotes:
"Begrudging obedience does not make God look great. Or to say it another way: 'Serve the Lord with gladness!" (Psalm 100:2) is a summary of the law" (115-116).
"Being bored with God demeans his beauty" (637).
"God's doing his will in us is not a replacement for our doing it, but a gift of our doing it" (642).
"When we are enabled to love Christ with the very love of the Father, the presence of Christ in us will be experienced in a profoundly new way" (680).
"Everything is light and funny because God is a lightweight" (699).
"If I may bear witness from fifty years of ministering the word of God to many suffering people, here is what I would say. For every one person whom I have heard or seen forsaking the truth of God's all-pervasive providence because of suffering–or more often, because of the suffering and death of a loved one–I have seen ten others bear witness that the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty, in and over their suffering and loss, saved their faith–and some have said, their sanity" (704-5).
"The all-embracing, all-pervasive, invincible providence of God found in the Bible is theologically more comprehensive, and experientially more comforting and more fruitful, than its denial" (706).
December 4, 2022
I’m really glad I stuck with this. The intro was wonderful and then i felt it got a bit redundant/meandering. But the further into it I got the more I loved it. The chapter on bitter providences, specifically sharing thoughts/words from the funerals & family members of missionaries that were killed serving the Lord was incredibly moving and convicting. I also loved how he made the case of infant/unborn babies being in heaven, he argued that scripturally and better than I had heard before.
This book is definitely God glorifying and Christ centered. A must read for a culture full of rotten man centered theology. Pipers zeal and love for the Lord is such beautiful thing. 4.5/5 stars.
This book is definitely God glorifying and Christ centered. A must read for a culture full of rotten man centered theology. Pipers zeal and love for the Lord is such beautiful thing. 4.5/5 stars.
February 10, 2021
What do we believe about how God acts in the world?
It's a deep question, that calls into question what we believe about who God is, and his work in us, and around us.
The world we live in right now seems complicated. We have probably wondered what God could possibly be doing in all the chaos that we feel and that we see. When everything seems like it's out of control, our thoughts race and our minds run in circles. Do we pause and wonder who it is we know God to be?
In our responses to the pandemic we've had to wrestle with this. The global impact is vast, on our health, our finances, and our relationships. Is it so vast that it has been out of God's sovereign hand?
"For by him all things we created, in heaven nd on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:16-17).
The upcoming release by John Piper, entitled “Providence” is a study through scripture, revealing evidence of God’s purposeful acts over creation and through history, helping us to understand how he has acted in the past, and how he continues to act in our present.
This volume is 750 pages, divided in 3 parts: to define providence, to reveal the goal of providence, and to describe the nature and extent of providence. It provides a biblical support and explanation and application and celebration for this concept of providence. He writes, “the focus of this book is on God’s sovereignty considered not simply as powerful but as purposeful.”
Defining Providence
He writes that, “providence has come to mean ‘the act of purposefully providing for, or sustaining and governing the world.” We learn that God acts intentionally. He “does not simply see as a passive bystander. As God, he is never merely an observer. He is not a passive observer of the world – and not a passive predictor of the future. Wherever God is looking, God is acting.”
Revealing the Goal of Providence
He then takes us on a journey through scripture, to examine the biblical witness about how God has already acted for his purposes in providence.
We see that, “the ultimate goal of God in initiating the entire plan of salvation before creation was that he would be praised for the glory of his grace.” Through creation, the exodus, the law, the conquest of Canaan, the monarchy, the exile and finally the new covenant, how God’s purposes have been revealed, for him to be seen and worshiped as glorious, and that he would become the greatest treasure of his people, who would be supremely satisfied in him.
“Therefore the ultimate goal of God’s providence is to glorify his grace in beautifying, by the blood of his Son, and undeserving bride, who enjoys and reflects his beauty above everything.”
Describing the Nature & Extent of Providence
After we’ve understood the definition of providence, and seen God’s acts of providence through scripture, he then moves to describe how God continues to act in the world, over nature, Satan, the nations, life and death, sin, coming to Christ, and our Christian living. God’s purposes for the world are not seen as limited, but all-encompassing and extravagant.
This section discusses a lot of hard topics, like suffering, sin, and predestination. There may be areas that you disagree with, or that are challenging to understand. We can know and believe that God is continuing to act in our lives, transforming us more into the likeness of Jesus, to make our “faith visible as the public display of the beauty and worth of Christ.”
As we see and understand the extent of God’s purposes in the world and in us, we respond with trust, hope and celebration. For he is acting for his glory and for our good.
Conclusion
The providence of God, how he moves and acts in the world today, is a mystery at times. In our specific circumstances, we can’t know exactly what he is doing, but we can know that he has taken into account all the million ways that a situation is affecting everything around us, and that he’s got us.
The providence of God bids us to hold tightly to the truth about who he is; that we believe he is the God of the universe, that he is sovereign over all things and is acting in all things. As we love and follow Jesus, we learn to trust in a God who sustains and governs the world, and come to him with child-like faith, surrendering our own will to his.
In the circumstances of the world around us, when we feel like things are out of control, the doctrine of God’s providence is helpful for us to think on. So, if you are interested in seeing and savoring God's purposes, in a thorough volume, this is it. It’s one I will come back to and reflect on.
*I received a copy of this book as part of the Crossway Blog Review program, in exchange for an honest review. First posted on the blog: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/se...
It's a deep question, that calls into question what we believe about who God is, and his work in us, and around us.
The world we live in right now seems complicated. We have probably wondered what God could possibly be doing in all the chaos that we feel and that we see. When everything seems like it's out of control, our thoughts race and our minds run in circles. Do we pause and wonder who it is we know God to be?
In our responses to the pandemic we've had to wrestle with this. The global impact is vast, on our health, our finances, and our relationships. Is it so vast that it has been out of God's sovereign hand?
"For by him all things we created, in heaven nd on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:16-17).
The upcoming release by John Piper, entitled “Providence” is a study through scripture, revealing evidence of God’s purposeful acts over creation and through history, helping us to understand how he has acted in the past, and how he continues to act in our present.
This volume is 750 pages, divided in 3 parts: to define providence, to reveal the goal of providence, and to describe the nature and extent of providence. It provides a biblical support and explanation and application and celebration for this concept of providence. He writes, “the focus of this book is on God’s sovereignty considered not simply as powerful but as purposeful.”
Defining Providence
He writes that, “providence has come to mean ‘the act of purposefully providing for, or sustaining and governing the world.” We learn that God acts intentionally. He “does not simply see as a passive bystander. As God, he is never merely an observer. He is not a passive observer of the world – and not a passive predictor of the future. Wherever God is looking, God is acting.”
Revealing the Goal of Providence
He then takes us on a journey through scripture, to examine the biblical witness about how God has already acted for his purposes in providence.
We see that, “the ultimate goal of God in initiating the entire plan of salvation before creation was that he would be praised for the glory of his grace.” Through creation, the exodus, the law, the conquest of Canaan, the monarchy, the exile and finally the new covenant, how God’s purposes have been revealed, for him to be seen and worshiped as glorious, and that he would become the greatest treasure of his people, who would be supremely satisfied in him.
“Therefore the ultimate goal of God’s providence is to glorify his grace in beautifying, by the blood of his Son, and undeserving bride, who enjoys and reflects his beauty above everything.”
Describing the Nature & Extent of Providence
After we’ve understood the definition of providence, and seen God’s acts of providence through scripture, he then moves to describe how God continues to act in the world, over nature, Satan, the nations, life and death, sin, coming to Christ, and our Christian living. God’s purposes for the world are not seen as limited, but all-encompassing and extravagant.
This section discusses a lot of hard topics, like suffering, sin, and predestination. There may be areas that you disagree with, or that are challenging to understand. We can know and believe that God is continuing to act in our lives, transforming us more into the likeness of Jesus, to make our “faith visible as the public display of the beauty and worth of Christ.”
As we see and understand the extent of God’s purposes in the world and in us, we respond with trust, hope and celebration. For he is acting for his glory and for our good.
Conclusion
The providence of God, how he moves and acts in the world today, is a mystery at times. In our specific circumstances, we can’t know exactly what he is doing, but we can know that he has taken into account all the million ways that a situation is affecting everything around us, and that he’s got us.
The providence of God bids us to hold tightly to the truth about who he is; that we believe he is the God of the universe, that he is sovereign over all things and is acting in all things. As we love and follow Jesus, we learn to trust in a God who sustains and governs the world, and come to him with child-like faith, surrendering our own will to his.
In the circumstances of the world around us, when we feel like things are out of control, the doctrine of God’s providence is helpful for us to think on. So, if you are interested in seeing and savoring God's purposes, in a thorough volume, this is it. It’s one I will come back to and reflect on.
*I received a copy of this book as part of the Crossway Blog Review program, in exchange for an honest review. First posted on the blog: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/se...
May 29, 2025
ANXIETY & WORRY
I know personally and witness many people, even Christians, struggling with anxiety and worry not only due to what is happening in the world, but also in regard to the details of their lives. I am prone to this at times. Knowing what I believe about God and praying help reorient me to truth regardless of my circumstances.
God is sovereign over all of history, past, present and future, and in His kindness will providentially keep me to the very end. It is not my work. It is His. The burden really is light amidst the trials and tribulations of this world.
If you are unsure what you believe about God’s sovereignty, then Providence by John Piper is a wonderful scriptural exegesis of His plan and purpose that is well worth your time. Believing what the Bible teaches about God’s providential care will change how you live your walk of faith. Reading it was a blessing. I am so thankful to God for gifting men like John Piper with a faithful teaching ministry.
I know personally and witness many people, even Christians, struggling with anxiety and worry not only due to what is happening in the world, but also in regard to the details of their lives. I am prone to this at times. Knowing what I believe about God and praying help reorient me to truth regardless of my circumstances.
God is sovereign over all of history, past, present and future, and in His kindness will providentially keep me to the very end. It is not my work. It is His. The burden really is light amidst the trials and tribulations of this world.
If you are unsure what you believe about God’s sovereignty, then Providence by John Piper is a wonderful scriptural exegesis of His plan and purpose that is well worth your time. Believing what the Bible teaches about God’s providential care will change how you live your walk of faith. Reading it was a blessing. I am so thankful to God for gifting men like John Piper with a faithful teaching ministry.
April 4, 2021
Review forthcoming. For now, one word: Magisterial.
July 14, 2025
Certainly Piper’s magnum opus.
In typical Piper fashion, he meticulously leaves no page unturned when examining what the Scriptures have to say about God’s Providence over all things, and how ultimately we are most happy and God most glorified in these truths.
The man “bleeds Bible.” I pray this will be a wonderful and accessible resource for years to come.
In typical Piper fashion, he meticulously leaves no page unturned when examining what the Scriptures have to say about God’s Providence over all things, and how ultimately we are most happy and God most glorified in these truths.
The man “bleeds Bible.” I pray this will be a wonderful and accessible resource for years to come.
October 8, 2021
The scope and length of this book prevents me from writing much of a review other than to say that Piper has exploded and greatly expanded my view of his intimate care of and for his world and people. This book is masterful and left me in awe of my Lord and his world, as well as the lengths he went to in order to secure our salvation. Don’t let the length of this tome stop you—read it!
December 30, 2022
Doctrinally rich and pastorally instructive. Highly recommend!
November 9, 2024
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is also one of the most important books that I have read. I recommend this book to every Christian. I even recommend this book to every non-Christian. Everyone who will read it, searching for truth, will benefit.
It is over 700 pages. I can not give even a brief summary of such a book. I will say that he does not speculate; everything that he affirms he affirms using Scripture. This book is saturated with the Scriptures. I do plan to reread major portions of it over the coming days and years.
It is over 700 pages. I can not give even a brief summary of such a book. I will say that he does not speculate; everything that he affirms he affirms using Scripture. This book is saturated with the Scriptures. I do plan to reread major portions of it over the coming days and years.
December 22, 2023
It’s been called a masterpiece, and I wholeheartedly agree with that word choice. Life changing, stunning, evocative, formative, brilliant. Every page ultimately drew me closer to my Savior, and bore witness to Piper’s love for the Lord.
May 12, 2023
This is when we need an option for six stars.
August 1, 2021
I’m a guy who likes short books.
But I’m also someone trying to understand the reality of the Lord’s hand in and on and working through everything. Since childhood, I’ve marveled. In the last 10 years, layers have been peeled back—Im still in wonder, and learning.
This book positively pierced me, helped me, spurred me on in the Truth we proclaim here in Uganda and wherever the Lord leads.
And I appreciated greatly the honesty with which Piper approaches the “how,” we so often ask. Where the Bible is silent, we cannot form our own answers. Let us give thanks and move forward and delight and worship the living God for all that He has revealed, and trust Him in what has been kept hidden.
Apart from the Bible or an engineering handbook, this is the longest text I’ve read through—and I intend to do so again.
My heart was helped, and perhaps in some ways healed. As we wrestle through a pandemic as a society, and brokenness of all sorts, the Lord is in no way absent. He is there, and He is not silent.
As we strive to disciple and reach out here in a small town not far from South Sudan, I’ve seen the Lord—in His grace and kindness—use a lockdown which has brought harm to so many communities and families, also bring 13 young Dinka brothers into our home for Bible study and growth together, 3X a week.
As we wrestle through the reality of our broken bodies in marriage, our broken minds as we fight against temptation and sin, and my quick and unnecessary anger when I spill a tall glass of water on my new book—the Lord is teaching me, and Piper helped me grasp at the reality of our Providential God.
My Spirit can be at ease in ways it was not. Much anxiety wiped. Much fear reduced and removed, as I recall that my duty and delight is found in fearing God alone. He is above all. Christ is working in all things, and is mediating for us, His people. The Spirit dwells in us. Nothing is wasted. God is good.
I’m also slowly becoming less afraid to open other good, God-honoring, soul-invigorating BIG books. Though I doubt their conscientiousness to the help of white-space on a page will compare with this publisher.
Ever grateful.
#letmeintroduceyou
#JESUSisLORD
But I’m also someone trying to understand the reality of the Lord’s hand in and on and working through everything. Since childhood, I’ve marveled. In the last 10 years, layers have been peeled back—Im still in wonder, and learning.
This book positively pierced me, helped me, spurred me on in the Truth we proclaim here in Uganda and wherever the Lord leads.
And I appreciated greatly the honesty with which Piper approaches the “how,” we so often ask. Where the Bible is silent, we cannot form our own answers. Let us give thanks and move forward and delight and worship the living God for all that He has revealed, and trust Him in what has been kept hidden.
Apart from the Bible or an engineering handbook, this is the longest text I’ve read through—and I intend to do so again.
My heart was helped, and perhaps in some ways healed. As we wrestle through a pandemic as a society, and brokenness of all sorts, the Lord is in no way absent. He is there, and He is not silent.
As we strive to disciple and reach out here in a small town not far from South Sudan, I’ve seen the Lord—in His grace and kindness—use a lockdown which has brought harm to so many communities and families, also bring 13 young Dinka brothers into our home for Bible study and growth together, 3X a week.
As we wrestle through the reality of our broken bodies in marriage, our broken minds as we fight against temptation and sin, and my quick and unnecessary anger when I spill a tall glass of water on my new book—the Lord is teaching me, and Piper helped me grasp at the reality of our Providential God.
My Spirit can be at ease in ways it was not. Much anxiety wiped. Much fear reduced and removed, as I recall that my duty and delight is found in fearing God alone. He is above all. Christ is working in all things, and is mediating for us, His people. The Spirit dwells in us. Nothing is wasted. God is good.
I’m also slowly becoming less afraid to open other good, God-honoring, soul-invigorating BIG books. Though I doubt their conscientiousness to the help of white-space on a page will compare with this publisher.
Ever grateful.
#letmeintroduceyou
#JESUSisLORD
April 6, 2022
I have a very full heart after finishing Pastor John Piper's magnum opus on the purposeful sovereignty of God today. There were moments that I had to stop and worship. My understanding of the greatness and grandeur of God has been deepened, for sure, though the realization that we've only scratched the surface is clear. Reading this has also helped put to death a little more of my fear of man, because I belong to this Almighty King of the universe, so there is no reason I should ever fear to speak his truth and to stand on his side. Perhaps the best way I can express my appreciation for the glimpse of God's glory that I have seen in this work is to quote Pastor John from page 694:
"I stand back from the breathtaking panorama of God's glory in the Bible and lift my hands in silence, groping for words that do not feel pitiful before this majesty. He is great beyond our comprehension... God has shown us more of himself, and more of his ways, than we will ever exhaust in this world... He has not been sparing in the revelation of his splendors... let us spend a lifetime singing of what he has revealed."
And I echo his three word "amen" on his final page:
"Our Lord, come!"
"I stand back from the breathtaking panorama of God's glory in the Bible and lift my hands in silence, groping for words that do not feel pitiful before this majesty. He is great beyond our comprehension... God has shown us more of himself, and more of his ways, than we will ever exhaust in this world... He has not been sparing in the revelation of his splendors... let us spend a lifetime singing of what he has revealed."
And I echo his three word "amen" on his final page:
"Our Lord, come!"
April 20, 2024
Distill all of Piper's theology into one book and this is what you get. This is his magnum opus. This is Desiring God perfected. I'm astounded by how much this book ministered to me during a rough season of my life.
Noteworthy were his tracing of the covenants, his careful treatment of paradox, and his cohesive reasoning towards the final goal of providence. Piper gave such a precise voice to biblical persuasions that I have held for years concerning God's sovereignty over evil and sin, and have been frightened to express for fear of opening myself to heterodoxy. He engages such concepts with both humility and eagerness, all while preserving the mystery surrounding these "secret things (Deuteronomy 29:29)."
Do you wrestle, in any way, with God's active "seeing to it" of all things? Challenge yourself to this book. You will not be disappointed. 1st time read. 5/5.
Noteworthy were his tracing of the covenants, his careful treatment of paradox, and his cohesive reasoning towards the final goal of providence. Piper gave such a precise voice to biblical persuasions that I have held for years concerning God's sovereignty over evil and sin, and have been frightened to express for fear of opening myself to heterodoxy. He engages such concepts with both humility and eagerness, all while preserving the mystery surrounding these "secret things (Deuteronomy 29:29)."
Do you wrestle, in any way, with God's active "seeing to it" of all things? Challenge yourself to this book. You will not be disappointed. 1st time read. 5/5.
March 20, 2021
A marvelous book. No surprises for anyone who has read much Piper, but here it is all in one place. Remarkably easy to read for a 700 pg book, the length includes many biblical quotations and clear explanations. The short chapters are grouped 2 or 3 at a time into "sections" which in turn are grouped into "parts," so there are a lot of chunks one can move through. That to say, there's no reason any reader couldn't handle this. Less of an "aha" kind of book and more one that groups the cumulative testimony of Scripture in such a way that its conclusions seem inevitable. Highly recommended! (btw PDF can be had free from Desiring God)
April 28, 2021
This book is a cumulative case for not only God’s sovereignty over all things, but His good and meaningful and purposeful providence over all things. The massive biblical evidence presented by Piper will no doubt hit you like a freight train. I imagine that some will crumble under the weight of it. But for the majority of Christians, my sense is that you will be freed to soar under the wings of the good and beautiful providence of God!
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