Battling Unbelief

by: John Piper

Published by: Multnomah (January 2007 release)

Reviewed by Sheryl Root

(A study guide is also available)

John Piper never fails to challenge my thinking, and Battling Unbelief is no exception. This small book is eight of the 'practical' chapters from his previously released book, Future Grace.The author believes that it is not only gratitude for God's past grace, but faith that this grace will continue to prove trustworthy in the future, that truly helps us battle unbelief.

In the chapter "Battling Bitterness," Piper explains how the 'judicial predicament' is one of the main reasons we have difficulty forgiving. Our moral sense of right and wrong tells us justice must be done toward the person who has sinned against us. Yet we are torn because the Bible tells us we must forgive. What we fail to understand is when God says, "Vengeance is mine," He means it. All sin is avenged. For those who are repentant, it has been avenged on the cross. And for those who are not repentant, it will be avenged in hell. Both payments include suffering far beyond what we could ever inflict ourselves by taking vengeance into our own hands.

The chapter "Battling Despondency" was one of the best on the topic I have ever read. I appreciate the fact that Piper does not call depression (despondency) itself a sin. He acknowledges that the causes for depression are varied, and include physical and hereditary reasons. Instead, he focuses on needing to 'fight' despondency with God's Word--battling to believe the promises of God.

In the last chapter, "Battling Lust," Piper gives an excellent explanation of the tough question "Can a Christian lose their salvation?" by saying it is faith in the grace of God which both justifies us (makes us right with God) and sanctifies us (helps us live right daily). They are not separate--the battle for obedience is not optional. While we will never be perfect in this lifetime, are we battling our sin? Or are we tolerating it?

Armchair Interviews says: This book is an excellent way to whet your appetite for more of John Piper's writings.