“The logic of the Bible says: Act according to God's "will of command," not according to his "will of decree." God's "will of decree" is whatever comes to pass. "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15). God's "will of decree" ordained that his Son be betrayed (Luke 22:22), ridiculed (Isaiah 53:3), mocked (Luke 18:32), flogged (Matthew 20:19), forsaken (Matthew 26:31), pierced (John 19:37), and killed (Mark 9:31). But the Bible teaches us plainly that we should not betray, ridicule, mock, flog, forsake, pierce, or kill innocent people. That is God's "will of command." We do not look at the death of Jesus, clearly willed by God, and conclude that killing Jesus is good and that we should join the mockers.”

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About John Piper

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.

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