“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all thefriends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, andall the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beautiesyou ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and nohuman conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied withheaven, if Christ were not there?”

American Reformed Baptist theologian and retired pastor

John Stephen Piper is an American Reformed Baptist theologian and retired pastor. He is known for his work in New Testament studies and for his long ministry in Minneapolis. He taught biblical studies at Bethel University from 1974 to 1980, then served for 33 years as pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He is also chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his writing and teaching are shaped by theology and Scripture.