Piping a Most Hideous Melody

Paul replies to a man that gave him John Piper's site:

Hi Larry,

It was an eventful and fruitful visit we had a few weeks ago (for which I was thankful), regarding not only the condition of Klamath Lake, but even more so the condition of the human soul. Have you had a chance yet to look at our site, www.thepathoftruth.com?

I will now give you something specific to read there, after having had a chance to look over the site you sent me, www.desiringgod.org.

What did I find? A desert, a nuclear waste desert. I see the kind of death and destruction that only man can perform. I know this seems like hyperbole to you, exaggerating something you do not even believe to be true in the first place. You have found inspiration at John’s site, a little oasis perhaps. I do know, however, that truth can be found everywhere in men’s churches and religious works, and that it is the subtle and hidden error lacing the truth in those things that kills, as when Satan tempted Eve with lies couched in godly terms.

One of the biggest and worst lies ever told in man-made Christianity, one that John Piper subscribes to and teaches, is that there is a place of interminable torment and punishment for sinners. Men think to find this doctrine in the Bible, but while it is something the carnal man would wish on others, it is surely not something God has ever said or that ever entered into His mind. He made creation as an act of His love. He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for it. We are His, bought and paid for by His blood. Would you make something in your own image, let us say conceive a son, knowing and purposing in advance that you would be consigning a sentient being, your very own flesh and blood, to torment that will never cease? What did Jesus say on the cross? “Father, burn them all in hell forever”? Or did He say, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do”? Do you think His prayer was heard and honored? Jesus said that the Father always hears Him because He does that which pleases the Father.

If you, a sinner, would not send your own child, your “creation” (it is all truly God’s, Who alone gives life) to burn in hell forever, how much less would God, Who is holy and all-powerful, by Whose power alone we are drawn to Christ, and turned away from our sins and destructive ways? If He could do this for me, and He has, through no virtue or capability whatsoever on my part, then what will stop Him from doing this for you, or for anyone else? The Scriptures say that it is His will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Who will then stop Him from accomplishing His will? Men, or devils from hell? I do not think so:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 EMTV).

“But each man in his own order....”

Piper is confused about the meaning of words, thinking that “everlasting,” for example, means “time without end.” Read the following explanation of how this is in error from Gary Amirault (a man, by the way, that we disagree with about his teaching of “universalism,” though these definitions, as defined by Scripture, are solid): The True, Scriptural Meanings of “Forever” and “Hell”

Larry, read The Good News. Do not dismiss what we show you in the Word of God because of the perverse teachings of men. There is much to be gained in believing God, according to His revelation and the true knowledge of Him. John the apostle warned about taking away from, or adding to, the prophecies of God, which He has recorded for our benefit. Know that God is just. Know also that no person can approach to Him, except He does it. Salvation is His work. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all men. That is the gospel He has given us to preach. The Word is not that He is coming to rule, but it is that He presently rules over everything, perfect in power, love, judgment, mercy, and wisdom. Blessed be His Name!

Paul Cohen

Paul also wrote to John Piper, sharing the letter above, and said to him:

John, you are not preaching the Good News, the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are preaching your own form of religious works and self-righteousness, and are calling it the Gospel of Christ. Why does it offend you to hear that Christ will reconcile all to Himself? Because what you presume to have as salvation is something you have accomplished in your own understanding and by your own power. The work of Christ testifies against your work. You are following a false Jesus of your own making and are found to be at enmity with the True. You need to repent. God wills that you repent. As surely as the light comes in the morning, the time will also come when you will see Him, and will grieve for His sake:

"Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will wail because of Him. Even so, Amen!" (Revelation 1:7 EMTV)

Paul Cohen