Theological confusion can be found everywhere these days--even in those we trust to be speaking the truth. I’m not saying a person has bad motives, just bad theology.
John Piper is a well-known leader of evangelicalism and a passionate speaker who has taught and led literally millions of people. He is a man of honor and distinction. However, here is a theological statement that is very troubling, disturbing, and I would say, wrong.
“No Christian can be sure he is a true believer; Hence, there is an ongoing need to be dedicated to the Lord and deny ourselves so that we might make it.” John Piper, Ligonier National Conference, June 15-17, 2000
I hope you see the dangers in this quote. Essentially, he is saying that a Christian cannot have confidence or assurance that they are saved and have eternal life. So, there is a need to do good works to prove they are saved, and with all that, there is still the danger or potential that they “might not make it”- get to heaven.
How many good works and what type or level of good works must I do so that “I might make it?” Where is the official list, or is this simply a sliding scale of subjectivity?
When I read John 3:16, 5:24, and 10:28-29 it sounds like I can be sure and even certain that I have passed from death to life and never come into judgment.
The Apostle Paul reminds the church at Corinth and us in our own time, that “It is good that there are divisions among yourselves so that those who are approved may be made manifest” (I Cor 11:19).
It is interesting that the term “divisions” is the word from which get “heresy.” Sometimes divisions are necessary so that we can analyze each side of an issue to see what the truth is, no matter who it is who is teaching it.
We must demand the time to think and develop the habit of thought.
Serving Him with you Until He comes for us. Fred | 
