Providence

Introduction: Four Invitations

A Definition and a Difficulty
Chapter 1: What Is Divine Providence?
Chapter 2: Is Divine Self-Exaltation Good News?

Part 1: The Ultimate Goal of Providence
Section 1: The Ultimate Goal of Providence Before Creation and in Creation
Chapter 3: Before Creation
Chapter 4: The Act of Creation

Section 2: The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the History of Israel
Chapter 5: Overview: From Abraham to the Age to Come
Chapter 6: The Exodus Unfolds
Chapter 7: Remembering the Exodus
Chapter 8: The Law, the Wilderness, and the Conquest of Canaan
Chapter 9: The Time of the Judges and the Days of the Monarchy
Chapter 10: The Protection, Destruction, and Restoration of Jerusalem

Section 3: The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the Design and Enactment of the New Covenant
Chapter 11: The Designs of the New Covenant
Chapter 12: Christ’s Foundational Act in Establishing the New Covenant
Chapter 13: The Entrance of Sin into Creation and the Glory of the Gospel
Chapter 14: The Glory of Christ in the Glorification of His People

Part 2: The Nature and Extent of Providence
Section 1: Setting the Stage
Chapter 15: Knowing the Providence of the God Who Is

Section 2: Providence over Nature
Chapter 16: The Loss and Recovery of a Theater of Wonders
Chapter 17: Earth, Water, Wind, Plants, Animals

Section 3: Providence over Satan and Demons
Chapter 18: Satan and Demons
Chapter 19: The Ongoing Existence of Satan

Section 4: Providence over Kings and Nations
Chapter 20: Israel’s Divine King Is King of the Nations
Chapter 21: Human Kingship and the King of Kings
Chapter 22: To Know and Rejoice That the Most High Rules

Section 5: Providence over Life and Death
Chapter 23: A Bath of Truth and the Gift of Birth
Chapter 24: “The Lord Has Taken Away; Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”
Chapter 25: We Are Immortal till Our Work Is Done

Section 6: Providence over Sin
Chapter 26: Natural Human Willing and Action
Chapter 27: Things We Know and Do Not Need to Know
Chapter 28: Joseph: God’s Good Meaning in a Sinful Act
Chapter 29: Israel Hated, Pharaoh Hardened, God Exalted, Helpless Saved
Chapter 30: Broken Families
Chapter 31: Deception and Dullness of Heart
Chapter 32: “Though He Cause Grief, He Will Have Compassion”
Chapter 33: A Wickedness God Especially Abhorred

Section 7: Providence over Conversion
Chapter 34: Our Condition before Conversion
Chapter 35: Three Biblical Pictures of How God Brings People to Faith
Chapter 36: Saving Faith as the Gift of Providence
Chapter 37: Driven Back to the Precious Roots of Election

Section 8: Providence over Christian Living
Chapter 38: Forgiveness, Justification, and Obedience
Chapter 39: God’s Command-and-Warning Strategy
Chapter 40: “Those Whom He Called . . . He Glorified”
Chapter 41: Blood-Bought Zeal for Good Works
Chapter 42: “Working in Us That Which Is Pleasing in His Sight”
Chapter 43: Killing Sin and Creating Love by Faith

Section 9: The Final Achievement of Providence
Chapter 44: The Triumph of Missions and the Coming of Christ
Chapter 45: New Bodies, New World, Never-Ending Gladness in God

Conclusion: Seeing and Savoring the Providence of God

“In what is perhaps his most important book so far, John Piper demonstrates with great cogency and exegetical skill that God’s providence ‘is his purposeful sovereignty in which he will be completely successful in the achievement of his ultimate goal for the universe.’ This book will enlarge your vision of God and thereby strengthen your faith.”

D. A. Carson, Cofounder and Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition

“John Piper, with his characteristic clarity and focus on the biblical text, shows us the pervasiveness of God’s providence in the Scriptures. Piper lingers over the biblical text, and we see in text after text that God rules over all of reality, from the smallest atom to horrific disasters. As we have come to expect from Piper, he turns our eyes to the infinite greatness and beauty of God, while reminding us that God’s providence constitutes amazing good news for those of us who know Jesus Christ.”

Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“There are many books by John Piper that I would recommend to believers because of the depth and freshness of thought in his writings. Providence will rank among the highest on the list. The breadth of God’s providence that is covered here is breathtaking. Piper leaves no stone unturned! Read it and see for yourself. This is a landmark work!”

Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia

“While some see God’s hand only in miracles, and others don’t see his hand at all, providence is the wonderful truth that God is sovereign in and over everything that happens. Combining passion with a curious spirit, John Piper has cherished and proclaimed this truth throughout his ministry. This engaging book is not just about one doctrine, but ranges throughout the alpine vistas of God’s work in our world, our redemption, and our lives today. It is deeply faith invigorating.”

Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

“In this remarkable book, John Piper reveals the personal side of sovereignty, helping us glimpse the intricate complexity, winsome beauty, and ultimate purpose of God’s plans in action. Piper is able to write about a multifaceted doctrine in a way that is easy to grasp and so practical!”

Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder, Joni and Friends International Disability Center