I am neither Calvinist, nor Arminian, but I love Pastor John Piper.The one thing I respect and admire about Calvinists, is their absolute devotion to the word of God.
Just watched this for the first time, 6 days after R.C. Sproul passed away. Hearing him read the ending, “Final whisper, gain!” was a sweet reminder of the hope we have in Christ!
A poem I quoted in my wedding vows and return to as often as I think to. Brings tears every time. God, use this failure for your fame. Use me. Feed me your joy as I seek your glory.
I first watched this video close to 10 years ago while sitting on my couch after a small group meeting. With everyone in the kitchen after we talked, I went to turn on RUclips for some music but came across this. Immediately I stopped because of who posted it and because of the title. John Piper had been my earthly hero at this time , and still is. But 45 seconds into it by myself, my eyes filled with tears, and I would end up finishing it and walked off to the bathroom where I would weep for several minutes. I won't bother to explain why but every once in a while I come back here when I'm in need of something stable. A word of hope. A light to look at and remember who it is I am living for. When darkness folds over my shoulders I reach for this video and will play it with my eyes closed and it seems to bring me back to his feet. It's not always a spiritual moment, it doesn't have to be. But I have listened to this poem over 100 times . Maybe 200 . And I can say with certainty, that I have never had a dry eye afterwards. Hearing the voices of some of the greatest men to exist in my lifetime, praying to God and the piano in the background, it's all so beautiful. I will always be reminded of this: "One life, will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last". Thank you Desiring God, and especially John Piper, for your discipline and obedience to our God, through Christ Jesus ❤. I was saved during a John Piper sermon about 15 years ago. His voice always comforts me in times of suffering or distress. He helps lead me to the Word , and God helps keep me there thanks to His mercy and love.
I love the dust at the beginning and end of the video. Even the seemingly random, pointless Brownian motion of air particles is under His control. God is so good!
Even now every time I hear Sproul at the end with the joyful, confident, resolute “GAIN” it gives me goosebumps and I smile. We all should expect much from our anticipated resurrection thanks to Christ!
Still brings a tears to my eyes! Psalm 128:3-4: "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord."
Love this... Lord Jesus bless you, pastor Piper. As I read the poem, I realized that the poem is a simple explanation of the five points of Calvin in everyday's life.
5ptCALVIN I watch this every so often, and I'm always left with a smile on my face. To think, I can rest in God's sovereignty over all creation.. A truth that has brought on tears of joy. Soli Deo Gloria.
Watching this i had tears in my eyes. God renew your right spirit in me and give me the strength to repentance and new life. I ask no more complete in thee.
Thank you, Pastor John, for bringing us truth and beauty in poem that reflects the truth of God's word. "See him nearing death; listen to his breath. Through the ebbing pain, His final whisper? Gain."
some highlights... "Heart of ev’ry aim: “Hallowed be Your name.” "Driven by the fame Of his Father’s name." "But no credit take, Just as when awake." "See him nearing death. Listen to his breath, Through the ebbing pain: Final whisper: “Gain!” God's sovereignly is not something we suppose to choke on, but that on which we can have firm ground in the deepest pain, and that on which we can sleep at night. Find rest in God alone! not in your self or your choices.
it's interesting, I remember just a few weeks ago, leaning toward arminianism, being so confused almost to the point of annoyance at how Calvinists could believed what they do, because of how counter intuitive it seemed. so i stopped and asked God to just show me his truth, despite my emotions. then came along John MacArthur.....one sermon later, i cant see it any other way now, the same scripture i used against Calvinism, i now use to affirm it! crazy how that happens with a little prayer.
I agree with this completely! Especially the point on "the same scripture I used against it I now use to affirm it!". However, about asking God to show me his truth, I was at that same point of annoyance, but instead I prayed against Calvinism, "I don't want to believe it". Lol, well I read my bible with an open mind for a few weeks, and one by one, each point of the doctrines of grace were revealed. So now, instead of working out Gods sovereignty around mans will, I'm doing the opposite, whilst trusting in Jesus Christ as the atonement for my ever so mountainous sin. God bless, God is good!
Alex Toland I couldn't have said that better myself! I believe it would be impossible for me to believe that Christ is the Lord without being called by the Father, its the greatest proof of how the Spirit has worked in me. there are things about our Lord that are impossible for the carnal mind to understand, but I've just come to understand that I don't understand. his thoughts are not my thoughts neither his ways. that's what makes him worthy of worship. and scripture just comes alive when you see it this way. I was trying to bring him down to human understanding, that's what I think arminianism is.
I felt deep resonance, as if deep calls to deep... I am choked with tears as it went on to "See him stray. He groans..." Not sure where else can I find a poem that expresses so much of my heart's hunger and desire. It doesn't matter the title, that I'll be pigeon holed, this poem is the anthem of my poor and fallen soul... until I shall see Him face to face.Thank you John Piper.
SHIVERS. SHIVERS. SHIVERS. There are no words to describe the utter EPICNESS of this poem. 'See him nearing death Listen to his breath Through the ebbing pain Final whisper: "Gain."' asdfghjkl!!!!
The title is a declaration of God's sovereignty over every one of the moments that is described or illustrated. No you don't need to be a Calvinist to feel this way, but it describes the source and fruition of those feelings.
@Neil Viegas I do, when the bible says He's sovereign over everything, it means he is sovereign over everything. That what's makes His greatness and amazing power. Psalm 135 ;6 We know that God is more mowerful and amazing than we can imagine. So, for you, is it more amazing to be able to control every single atom in the universe each milli-second or make laws but not actively control the object ? I get what you're saying but here's what makes me doubt : If I decide to milk my cow now, does God determined this action ? My muscles contracting to squeeze the cow's udder is determined by God ? The numbers of molecules of milk going in the bucket are determined by God ? The taste of the milk, meaning the exact amount of molecules of grass that the cow ate to have my milk taste so good, are determined by God ? If you set a limit to what God determines and passively controls, where do you set the limit biblically ? Cheers, my milk really tastes awesome !
@Neil Viegas Luke 12:6-7 _Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows_ Sparrows being the most insignificant creatures you could find, Jesus says that these creatures are fed regularly by God, so actively controlled by God. The Psalm I quoted says He is sovereign over everything, even the most unknown: the depths of the sees. Of course you won't find atoms and neutrons in the Bible but the most unknown for them, we're the depths of the sees, as our most unknown are these particules. As the Bible says He controls the most insignificant things, I believe God controls the most insignificant things. Overwise, show me biblically where you set the limit between actively controlling and passively controlling... Finally you didn't answer the majority of my previous answer. On purpose?
@Neil Viegas Id trust more a prophet who can see things in The Spirit and they can tell me if God in the spiritual realm is micro managing everything because they understand that satan etc has legal rights and how doors are opened etc and all that stuff which can hinder Gods action. Ie thinking were our sickness is all part of Gods sovereignty when in reality we didnt forgive someone and had a demon.
Pastor John, that´s a beautiful poem and more than that is the greatest and amazing true in the universe, i call the book of God´s works, so this is not about us, but about what God has done. this true has really changed my whole christian life.... Glory to God in the highest
I'm always delighted by the way in which the content and presentation of John Piper et al at Desiring God ensures that the people lean back so that God is pushed forward. The way you guys work is an amazing example to the church. Like puppeteers at a Chinese shadow theater, you clearly share the story but you are beautifully unseen. thank you for your labor, honesty and heart. Genuinely changed, encouraged and assisted by your ministry. Thank you!
LORD, I pray all religious pride would be cast aside, and we would look to You and Your Word for direction. May we speak and discuss Your Word with grace, patience and unrelenting love. May we not bother with labels and grouping ourselves together under our beliefs, but be wholly dependent on what You would have us believe. May we study relentlessly, seeking to understand Your will for our lives. And, thereafter, may we live out our theology by the power of Your Spirit in the radically strong love of Christ. Amen.
I am not a Calvinist... Nor am I an Arminian. I.. am a Christian. My faith does not revolve around what man dictates or interprets, my faith is dependent on the infallible word of God. I will read the Bible and I will live by it because the word of God is clear. It is clear that my God allowed me to hear the good word and to make the choice to have faith.. I don't know why he opened my eyes to the truth but he did. I, like the rest of my fellow believers, will have all of eternity to dwell on and examine the "why's" and "how's"... That's plenty of time. Just live by the word of God.. that's all that matters. The Lord will take care of the rest. The unclean talk and disgusting abhorrence towards one another in this comments section is not of God. You can call yourself a Christian all you want but it won't mean a thing if your life doesn't reflect it. This poem reflects the life of any God fearing man so why don't you just enjoy it for what it is?... A poem.
Such details and perfections in every little thing in this poem from words to the musics and video. Thank you for such masterpiece! I hope I can make masterpiece for God too in the future! Remembering RC Sproul who got the final line in this poem and then he is the first to be with The LORD! What a divine coincidence!
"See him nearing death. Listen to his breath, Through the ebbing pain: Final whisper: “Gain!” It supposed to be called: The Christian... Instead of the calvinist. But i got the idea to mark a difference between The real calvinistic thought and the fake one of the new theologians today. Anyway, it made me cry, awesome words. Great Job Brothers. SOLI DEO GLORIA
+Marco B I've seen that a Calvinist is a Christian who take the Bible serious; we know a person can make it to heaven without living His Word in everything else but we believe a person like that will end there bankrupt - I want some crowns to give to the Father at the Bema judgement!
If I wrote a poem about fixing motorcycles and I wanted to call it "Blueberry Pizza" because I am the artist that wrote it and maybe I like blueberry pizza I have the artistic freedom to do that. John Piper is a Calvinist and I have to say I really enjoyed the poem so leave it for what it is and stop trying to control what he called his poem. If you don't like what It's called go and write a poem yourself and name it whatever you want and then you can invite others to come along and criticize what you named your poem.
+Crucible Companion I wonder if you dis-believe in Election as a kind of satire against hyper-calvinism. Will you expound on (John 10:27) "My sheep hear my voice," please?
Greetings and Blessings in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Jesus) to all of the Body of Christ! I'm NOT a calvinist, BUT God (the Holy Spirit) showed to me Psalm 139 and Romans 9 and and John 6:37,44..... And Ephesians 1, HalleluYah to the LAMB of God (YAH/I AM is the LAMB/the WORD)! God bless all!
I use this poem as a benchmark in my life. Last time I've seen this was about 5 years ago. Some things have changed, but my desire to delight in Him and glorify Him has not. Soli Deo Gloria
The Calvinist [John Piper:] See him on his knees, Hear his constant pleas: Heart of ev'ry aim: "Hallowed be your name." See him in the Word, Helpless, cool, unstirred, Heaping on the pyre Heed until the fire. [D. A. Carson:] See him with his books: Tree beside the brooks, Drinking at the root Till the branch bear fruit. See him with his pen: Written line, and then, Better thought preferred, Deep from in the Word. [R. C. Sproul:] See him in the square, Kept from subtle snare: Unrelenting sleuth On the scent of truth. See him on the street, Seeking to entreat, Meek and treasuring: "Do you know my King?" [Alistair Begg:] See him in dispute, Firm and resolute, Driven by the fame Of his Father's name. See him at his trade. Done. The plan is made. Men will have his skills, If the Father wills. [Thabiti Anyabwile:] See him at his meal, Praying now to feel Thanks and, be it graced, God in ev'ry taste. See him with his child: Has he ever smiled Such a smile before, Playing on the floor? [John Piper:] See him with his wife, Parable for life: In this sacred scene She is heaven's queen. See him stray. He groans. "One is true," he owns. "What is left to me? Fallibility." [Matt Chandler:] See him in lament "Should I now repent?" "Yes. And then proclaim: All is for my fame." See him worshipping. Watch the sinner sing, Spared the burning flood Only by the blood. [Sinclair Ferguson:] See him on the shore: "Whence this ocean store?" "From your God above, Thimbleful of love." See him now asleep. Watch the helpless reap, But no credit take, Just as when awake. [R. C. Sproul:] See him nearing death. Listen to his breath, Through the ebbing pain: Final whisper: "Gain!"
David Jiménez Garcia It was a joke, friend. I was kinda playing off the whole doctrine of perseverance of the saints. Good joke catching it though my elect friend. ;) Yeah I do have free will too. As George Whitfield said, "Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but not to heaven..." I freely will to do ill but not well. For "no one does good no not one."
ranaair . Think of it like this.... CHRISTIANITY is the Nation (e.g. The United States). Within the Nation are States (e.g. California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon). Although States have borders that mark their distinctions, have different leaders, flags, governments & laws pertaining to its own people within itself, these individual States still fall under the rule, law, authority and government of the Nation. So as California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon is to the United States: So is Catholics, Charismatics, Calvinists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists to Christianity. All well within the National borders of the Country. This also means that Jesus Christ is the President of our Nation for ALL Eternity!!! YEAH!!!! Great Video by the way....
OneFaithMinistries With all due respect, saying that Catholicism is not a Christian denomination is incorrect on your part. I think you need to do a little more research before posting something so easily verifiable. It is reported that there are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations. Whether one agrees with each of their doctrinal body of beliefs or not is irrelevant. Catholicism is a Christian denomination. I understand that there are certain Christian leaders in certain Christian churches who are telling their adherents that Catholics as well as Charismatics are NOT part of Christianity. I would argue that just because they say such things doesn't mean that it is so because no matter what Christian denomination a person may say they belong to, just because they are a part of that denomination, does not make them a True Authentic Christian. And this is True for all 41,000 Christian denominations.
GMDOCNICE We can say that in a dogmatic sense Catholicism is a Christian denomination since it recognizes Christ and thus anyone can say it is "Christian". BUT in a strict sense, we know that Catholicism teaches doctrines that are the very antithesis of what we(evangelicals, protestants, baptists, reformed, etc.) know, believe and proclaim, therefore we(same people) do not consider Catholicism as a christian denomination. In fact we do not consider Catholicism as Christian at all but, just as the reformers referred to the Pope as anti-christ, we say the same of this religion. We see it as an organization that is dangerous and leads men away from the truth. So in this sense we do not consider it as Christian. To your point, it is true that our religious affiliations do not determine authentic Christianity. A man can be inside a catholic or a protestant building and be or not be in the real church. Only God knows who the elect are. But according to the creeds of the Catholic religion, they are opposed to Christ and not of Him. And I say this in the authority of the Bible because(again) they are teaching things apart from and opposed to the Bible. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Not by works. Grace to you.
The question we shouldnt be asking is why did God choose to send some people to hell but instead, why did he choose to save some. We all deserve death for we all disobeyed him. Nobody in the world deserves to be saved but he chose to save some by his grace and love, not by any effort of our own but by his sovereign will.
No theologian or bible teacher has helped grow in such a deep understanding of the God of scripture than R.C Sproul. The Lord always provides faithful servants and always gives sound teachers to build up the church. I am forever thankful to God for helping me understand him more through one of his servants. Final whisper Gain!!
So many potshots in this news thread... do the writers truly think that they are bringing glory to the Lord? I personally thought that this was a magnificent work of art, and then I read the comment thread. It grieves me to this video's comment feed used as a platform for ignorant debate. Perhaps the comments should be disabled...
JOHN 12:32 squashes Calvanism-----"IF I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men to me...."---------ALL means ALL---, not just some elite group of people called "the elect"
And yet, the Scriptures speak of a place "where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," so if God draws all men to himself in the sense that you are saying, then no one goes to hell, right?
I'm confused. Are you saying that John wrote chapter 6 and now is contradicting himself in chapter 12? Or was Jesus confused or changed his mind later? Maybe Jesus's earlier statements were lies? Is there no consistency in the Bible in your view? What about the very next verse that doesn't say Jesus's purpose was to contradict his earlier statements about soteriology, but "He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die."
I think the poem is excellent, moving, inspiring. I don't understand the title. I'm not a Calvinist and yet I didn't find any line (perhaps I missed one?) which I could not speak concerning myself. And no, I'm not an Arminian either. I don't know if there's a term for it but I see the issue of God's sovereignty and man's will as a paradox.
If calvinism were correct and God hand picks who is and is not saved, then Christianity is reduced to being an extension of Judaism. The Jews believed then and still do that they are the “chosen ones of God” because they are born physically into the Jewish family. God most certainly is the One responsible for a person being born a Jew. That is an undeniable fact. If calvinism is correct, then a Christian is born again because God chooses to save him, which is no different than God choosing to make someone a Jew.
Whoever reads this God bless, repent and believe the Gospel, Jesus christ is returning, humble yourself before God...trust in His free gift of salvation...and to you lukewarm christians, wake up and read your bible, feed yourselves and hold onto your faith
To hear the last words of this poem read by R.C. Sproul knowing that he is now with the Lord is such a neat thing.
I am neither Calvinist, nor Arminian, but I love Pastor John Piper.The one thing I respect and admire about Calvinists, is their absolute devotion to the word of God.
Love you brother
@@seektruth7 Thanx bro. Love you too.
You are loved in this camp, brother.
yep me too
Just watched this for the first time, 6 days after R.C. Sproul passed away. Hearing him read the ending, “Final whisper, gain!” was a sweet reminder of the hope we have in Christ!
R.C. Sproul's words shall be remembered here! He passed away yesterday to be with his King.
He is in hell
R C Sprouls voice is somehow, to me, very comforting.
@@christianjamesguevarra6257 - Let's see some scripture-based reasoning for that unfounded and incredibly serious accusation.
UpNorth loved r.c
@@christianjamesguevarra6257 he is not, he was justified by his faith in Christ
A poem I quoted in my wedding vows and return to as often as I think to. Brings tears every time. God, use this failure for your fame. Use me. Feed me your joy as I seek your glory.
See him worshipping.
Watch the sinner sing,
Spared the burning flood
Only by the blood.
Amen!
I first watched this video close to 10 years ago while sitting on my couch after a small group meeting. With everyone in the kitchen after we talked, I went to turn on RUclips for some music but came across this. Immediately I stopped because of who posted it and because of the title. John Piper had been my earthly hero at this time , and still is. But 45 seconds into it by myself, my eyes filled with tears, and I would end up finishing it and walked off to the bathroom where I would weep for several minutes. I won't bother to explain why but every once in a while I come back here when I'm in need of something stable. A word of hope. A light to look at and remember who it is I am living for. When darkness folds over my shoulders I reach for this video and will play it with my eyes closed and it seems to bring me back to his feet. It's not always a spiritual moment, it doesn't have to be. But I have listened to this poem over 100 times . Maybe 200 . And I can say with certainty, that I have never had a dry eye afterwards. Hearing the voices of some of the greatest men to exist in my lifetime, praying to God and the piano in the background, it's all so beautiful. I will always be reminded of this: "One life, will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".
Thank you Desiring God, and especially John Piper, for your discipline and obedience to our God, through Christ Jesus ❤. I was saved during a John Piper sermon about 15 years ago. His voice always comforts me in times of suffering or distress. He helps lead me to the Word , and God helps keep me there thanks to His mercy and love.
Awesome story my friend. Keep fighting the good fight; his will be done
May the Lord continue to comfort and bless you!
7 years of coming back to this video again and again. Such an amazing poem that captures the highs and lows of the Christian life.
"Do you know my King?"
Got me every time.
Amen!
Wow! This is so much how my heart has grown as I have embraced the truth of this doctrine... To God be the Glory for He is Sovereign!
Calvin literally killed people for no reason lol. You are following Satan
I praise God for this Poem.. Indeed, His grace is greater than all our sins.
I watch this anytime I need to be reminded of what's expected of me.
thank you, Pastor John.
I love the dust at the beginning and end of the video. Even the seemingly random, pointless Brownian motion of air particles is under His control. God is so good!
+Jonathan Moonen "for dust you are and to dust you will return."
I don't think it matters much if is in control of dust... God's character and love is what matters most, not his control or power
How beautiful and appropriate that RC Sproul reads the last stanza
Possibly my favourite RUclips clip. Soli deo Gloria!!
Even now every time I hear Sproul at the end with the joyful, confident, resolute “GAIN” it gives me goosebumps and I smile. We all should expect much from our anticipated resurrection thanks to Christ!
Yes amen! We lose a great saint here, but heaven gains and so does the saint.
Still brings a tears to my eyes!
Psalm 128:3-4: "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord."
Oh, to live such a deep and simple life humbly before our King! At life's end, may this be said of me
... S O L I D E O G L O R I A ...
Love this... Lord Jesus bless you, pastor Piper. As I read the poem, I realized that the poem is a simple explanation of the five points of Calvin in everyday's life.
Driven by the fame of his Father's name. Lord, help us all toward this end!
This is so beautiful, I can't stop watching it. I love every single one of the people involved with this video and owe them so much. PRAISE GOD !
That's because your thinking of how special you are and not how crazy the Calvinist doctrine is, for a few minutes.
5ptCALVIN I watch this every so often, and I'm always left with a smile on my face. To think, I can rest in God's sovereignty over all creation.. A truth that has brought on tears of joy. Soli Deo Gloria.
Jack Wilson amen brother, *amen!*
***** I believe on the net, probably google pictures. I switch them around all the time.
But what about Jesus?
Watching this i had tears in my eyes. God renew your right spirit in me and give me the strength to repentance and new life. I ask no more complete in thee.
Thank you, Pastor John, for bringing us truth and beauty in poem that reflects the truth of God's word.
"See him nearing death;
listen to his breath.
Through the ebbing pain,
His final whisper?
Gain."
some highlights...
"Heart of ev’ry aim: “Hallowed be Your name.”
"Driven by the fame Of his Father’s name."
"But no credit take, Just as when awake."
"See him nearing death. Listen to his breath,
Through the ebbing pain: Final whisper: “Gain!”
God's sovereignly is not something we suppose to choke on, but that on which we can have firm ground in the deepest pain, and that on which we can sleep at night. Find rest in God alone! not in your self or your choices.
Amen
@@laurendojoseph2120 AMEN
I want to hear this everytime that I wake up. To be reminded of God's goodness and my purpose. Thank you Pastor John!
"through the ebbing pain, final wispher 'Gain'", wow! it really strikes! goosebumps!
This is certainly a video I wish I could "like" more than once. Excellent fuel for taking on each day. Thank you, Pastor John!
Amen!
Beautifully written, wonderfully made, appropriately named. Thank you Dr. Piper.
it's interesting, I remember just a few weeks ago, leaning toward arminianism, being so confused almost to the point of annoyance at how Calvinists could believed what they do, because of how counter intuitive it seemed. so i stopped and asked God to just show me his truth, despite my emotions. then came along John MacArthur.....one sermon later, i cant see it any other way now, the same scripture i used against Calvinism, i now use to affirm it! crazy how that happens with a little prayer.
I agree with this completely! Especially the point on "the same scripture I used against it I now use to affirm it!". However, about asking God to show me his truth, I was at that same point of annoyance, but instead I prayed against Calvinism, "I don't want to believe it". Lol, well I read my bible with an open mind for a few weeks, and one by one, each point of the doctrines of grace were revealed.
So now, instead of working out Gods sovereignty around mans will, I'm doing the opposite, whilst trusting in Jesus Christ as the atonement for my ever so mountainous sin. God bless, God is good!
Alex Toland I couldn't have said that better myself! I believe it would be impossible for me to believe that Christ is the Lord without being called by the Father, its the greatest proof of how the Spirit has worked in me. there are things about our Lord that are impossible for the carnal mind to understand, but I've just come to understand that I don't understand. his thoughts are not my thoughts neither his ways. that's what makes him worthy of worship. and scripture just comes alive when you see it this way.
I was trying to bring him down to human understanding, that's what I think arminianism is.
AMEN Adam ! GLORY BE TO GOD ALONE !
How to Utterly Miss the Point - An Exhaustive Manual by Darcen Brandt
Yes, a Calvinist first and foremost considers them self a Christian.
I felt deep resonance, as if deep calls to deep... I am choked with tears as it went on to "See him stray. He groans..." Not sure where else can I find a poem that expresses so much of my heart's hunger and desire. It doesn't matter the title, that I'll be pigeon holed, this poem is the anthem of my poor and fallen soul... until I shall see Him face to face.Thank you John Piper.
SHIVERS. SHIVERS. SHIVERS.
There are no words to describe the utter EPICNESS of this poem.
'See him nearing death
Listen to his breath
Through the ebbing pain
Final whisper: "Gain."'
asdfghjkl!!!!
Beautifully put. Shivers
*simple, beautiful......Magnificent. Praise The Lord our God.
do you know my king?
come here at least twice a year to hear, this, I specially love to hear R.C. voice, man I miss him.
The title is a declaration of God's sovereignty over every one of the moments that is described or illustrated. No you don't need to be a Calvinist to feel this way, but it describes the source and fruition of those feelings.
@Neil Viegas so who defines those micro things ? Are they out of his control ?
@Neil Viegas I do, when the bible says He's sovereign over everything, it means he is sovereign over everything. That what's makes His greatness and amazing power.
Psalm 135 ;6
We know that God is more mowerful and amazing than we can imagine. So, for you, is it more amazing to be able to control every single atom in the universe each milli-second or make laws but not actively control the object ?
I get what you're saying but here's what makes me doubt :
If I decide to milk my cow now, does God determined this action ?
My muscles contracting to squeeze the cow's udder is determined by God ?
The numbers of molecules of milk going in the bucket are determined by God ?
The taste of the milk, meaning the exact amount of molecules of grass that the cow ate to have my milk taste so good, are determined by God ?
If you set a limit to what God determines and passively controls, where do you set the limit biblically ?
Cheers, my milk really tastes awesome !
@Neil Viegas Luke 12:6-7
_Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows_
Sparrows being the most insignificant creatures you could find, Jesus says that these creatures are fed regularly by God, so actively controlled by God.
The Psalm I quoted says He is sovereign over everything, even the most unknown: the depths of the sees.
Of course you won't find atoms and neutrons in the Bible but the most unknown for them, we're the depths of the sees, as our most unknown are these particules.
As the Bible says He controls the most insignificant things, I believe God controls the most insignificant things.
Overwise, show me biblically where you set the limit between actively controlling and passively controlling...
Finally you didn't answer the majority of my previous answer. On purpose?
@Neil Viegas Id trust more a prophet who can see things in The Spirit and they can tell me if God in the spiritual realm is micro managing everything because they understand that satan etc has legal rights and how doors are opened etc and all that stuff which can hinder Gods action. Ie thinking were our sickness is all part of Gods sovereignty when in reality we didnt forgive someone and had a demon.
Pastor John, that´s a beautiful poem and more than that is the greatest and amazing true in the universe, i call the book of God´s works, so this is not about us, but about what God has done. this true has really changed my whole christian life.... Glory to God in the highest
I'm always delighted by the way in which the content and presentation of John Piper et al at Desiring God ensures that the people lean back so that God is pushed forward. The way you guys work is an amazing example to the church. Like puppeteers at a Chinese shadow theater, you clearly share the story but you are beautifully unseen. thank you for your labor, honesty and heart. Genuinely changed, encouraged and assisted by your ministry. Thank you!
LORD, I pray all religious pride would be cast aside, and we would look to You and Your Word for direction. May we speak and discuss Your Word with grace, patience and unrelenting love. May we not bother with labels and grouping ourselves together under our beliefs, but be wholly dependent on what You would have us believe. May we study relentlessly, seeking to understand Your will for our lives. And, thereafter, may we live out our theology by the power of Your Spirit in the radically strong love of Christ. Amen.
Oh Lord, thank you for You! Soli deo Gloria today and forever.
Absolutely beautiful...
What is left for me..
Fallibility..
Even through the pain
Final whisper, "Gain!"
ALL in our live controlled by God!!, Thank you God for that!!!
Only if you're a Calvinist! because ALL means that some have to go to Heaven and some to Hell, it's predestined even your ability to sin!
Best poem/music combo ive ever listened to...possibly ever done.... Hands down...
Wow. Just, Wow. Beautiful.
One day I will meet him face to face. Scared and ready to meet my SAVIOR. Anxious to see him! Christ my King!
There is no poetry like Christian poetry. This is a blessing.
2:31 and on is beautiful; the ending is epic with the music, film, and words. Loved it.
I often come back to this - there is something profound and challenging about it. Thank you!
Hail to the King Jesus Christ The Redeemer.
Amen! God is the Redeemer in the O.T. and God Himself is Jesus (Jesus is Lord), our Savior and Redeemer!
God bless you and be with you always!
I am not a Calvinist... Nor am I an Arminian. I.. am a Christian. My faith does not revolve around what man dictates or interprets, my faith is dependent on the infallible word of God. I will read the Bible and I will live by it because the word of God is clear. It is clear that my God allowed me to hear the good word and to make the choice to have faith.. I don't know why he opened my eyes to the truth but he did. I, like the rest of my fellow believers, will have all of eternity to dwell on and examine the "why's" and "how's"... That's plenty of time. Just live by the word of God.. that's all that matters. The Lord will take care of the rest. The unclean talk and disgusting abhorrence towards one another in this comments section is not of God. You can call yourself a Christian all you want but it won't mean a thing if your life doesn't reflect it. This poem reflects the life of any God fearing man so why don't you just enjoy it for what it is?... A poem.
Beautiful poem. Hearing RC say “gain” is inspiring.
That was beautiful poem and the filming was spot on, wow!
Absolutely incredibly beautiful. An profoundly moving piece of art to offer up to the Father.
This is wonderful... absolutely wonderful. Amen!
Such details and perfections in every little thing in this poem from words to the musics and video. Thank you for such masterpiece!
I hope I can make masterpiece for God too in the future!
Remembering RC Sproul who got the final line in this poem and then he is the first to be with The LORD!
What a divine coincidence!
Praise Jesus Christ. King of kings the one true living God
Hearing ol RC stirs the heart
"See him nearing death.
Listen to his breath,
Through the ebbing pain:
Final whisper: “Gain!”
It supposed to be called: The Christian... Instead of the calvinist.
But i got the idea to mark a difference between The real calvinistic thought and the fake one of the new theologians today.
Anyway, it made me cry, awesome words. Great Job Brothers.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
+Marco B I've seen that a Calvinist is a Christian who take the Bible serious; we know a person can make it to heaven without living His Word in everything else but we believe a person like that will end there bankrupt - I want some crowns to give to the Father at the Bema judgement!
Thank You for these beautiful words Pastor John.
If I wrote a poem about fixing motorcycles and I wanted to call it "Blueberry Pizza" because I am the artist that wrote it and maybe I like blueberry pizza I have the artistic freedom to do that. John Piper is a Calvinist and I have to say I really enjoyed the poem so leave it for what it is and stop trying to control what he called his poem. If you don't like what It's called go and write a poem yourself and name it whatever you want and then you can invite others to come along and criticize what you named your poem.
I reject all 5 points but there are still things to be learned and gained from these brothers.
This video is such a blessing, thank you John!
I do not believe in divine election but I do believe in prevenient grace. Oh how sweet is grace. Who has tasted the kindness of the Lord?
+Crucible Companion
I wonder if you dis-believe in Election as a kind of satire against hyper-calvinism.
Will you expound on (John 10:27) "My sheep hear my voice," please?
Never gets old...so encouraging
Soli Deo Gloria 🙏
Soli Deo Gloria!
Greetings and Blessings in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Jesus) to all of the Body of Christ!
I'm NOT a calvinist, BUT God (the Holy Spirit) showed to me Psalm 139 and Romans 9 and and John 6:37,44.....
And Ephesians 1, HalleluYah to the LAMB of God (YAH/I AM is the LAMB/the WORD)!
God bless all!
I love this video! This video definitely applies to all men of God though. Praise the Lord! :) :) :)
This is a very deep and profund poem. Inspiring and mind blowing.
the glory of God alone , amen
I use this poem as a benchmark in my life. Last time I've seen this was about 5 years ago. Some things have changed, but my desire to delight in Him and glorify Him has not. Soli Deo Gloria
This video production is art. Masterfully well done. I’ve watched dozens of times and pick brilliant nuances every time.
Will play this great poem on today's edition of Cross Encounters Radio, starting in 27 minutes.
Gain!
The most beautiful poem I've read.
The Calvinist
[John Piper:]
See him on his knees,
Hear his constant pleas:
Heart of ev'ry aim:
"Hallowed be your name."
See him in the Word,
Helpless, cool, unstirred,
Heaping on the pyre
Heed until the fire.
[D. A. Carson:]
See him with his books:
Tree beside the brooks,
Drinking at the root
Till the branch bear fruit.
See him with his pen:
Written line, and then,
Better thought preferred,
Deep from in the Word.
[R. C. Sproul:]
See him in the square,
Kept from subtle snare:
Unrelenting sleuth
On the scent of truth.
See him on the street,
Seeking to entreat,
Meek and treasuring:
"Do you know my King?"
[Alistair Begg:]
See him in dispute,
Firm and resolute,
Driven by the fame
Of his Father's name.
See him at his trade.
Done. The plan is made.
Men will have his skills,
If the Father wills.
[Thabiti Anyabwile:]
See him at his meal,
Praying now to feel
Thanks and, be it graced,
God in ev'ry taste.
See him with his child:
Has he ever smiled
Such a smile before,
Playing on the floor?
[John Piper:]
See him with his wife,
Parable for life:
In this sacred scene
She is heaven's queen.
See him stray. He groans.
"One is true," he owns.
"What is left to me?
Fallibility."
[Matt Chandler:]
See him in lament
"Should I now repent?"
"Yes. And then proclaim:
All is for my fame."
See him worshipping.
Watch the sinner sing,
Spared the burning flood
Only by the blood.
[Sinclair Ferguson:]
See him on the shore:
"Whence this ocean store?"
"From your God above,
Thimbleful of love."
See him now asleep.
Watch the helpless reap,
But no credit take,
Just as when awake.
[R. C. Sproul:]
See him nearing death.
Listen to his breath,
Through the ebbing pain:
Final whisper: "Gain!"
Stay elect my friends.
If you think someone can stop being elect, then you're not a Calvinist, you have free will!
David Jiménez Garcia It was a joke, friend. I was kinda playing off the whole doctrine of perseverance of the saints. Good joke catching it though my elect friend. ;)
Yeah I do have free will too. As George Whitfield said, "Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but not to heaven..." I freely will to do ill but not well. For "no one does good no not one."
Very well done, absolutely beautiful.
It’s so powerful that R.C. Sproul said the last words to that poem
Samuel Carvalho
What a wicked doctrine though, eh?
Why this video hasn't received more views is beyond me. I watch this at least 4 times a week.
Bravo. Sounds like every good Calvinist I know. Praise the Lord.
Its sounding to me like Calvinism is becoming its own religion. Aren`t we supposed to be Christians?
ranaair . Think of it like this....
CHRISTIANITY is the Nation (e.g. The United States).
Within the Nation are States (e.g. California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon).
Although States have borders that mark their distinctions, have different leaders, flags, governments & laws pertaining to its own people within itself, these individual States still fall under the rule, law, authority and government of the Nation.
So as California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon is to the United States: So is Catholics, Charismatics, Calvinists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists to Christianity. All well within the National borders of the Country.
This also means that Jesus Christ is the President of our Nation for ALL Eternity!!! YEAH!!!!
Great Video by the way....
GMDOCNICE Only one problem, Catholicism is not a Christian denomination or religion, its doctrines contradict the Christian faith.
OneFaithMinistries
With all due respect, saying that Catholicism is not a Christian denomination is incorrect on your part. I think you need to do a little more research before posting something so easily verifiable. It is reported that there are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations. Whether one agrees with each of their doctrinal body of beliefs or not is irrelevant. Catholicism is a Christian denomination.
I understand that there are certain Christian leaders in certain Christian churches who are telling their adherents that Catholics as well as Charismatics are NOT part of Christianity. I would argue that just because they say such things doesn't mean that it is so because no matter what Christian denomination a person may say they belong to, just because they are a part of that denomination, does not make them a True Authentic Christian. And this is True for all 41,000 Christian denominations.
GMDOCNICE We can say that in a dogmatic sense Catholicism is a Christian denomination since it recognizes Christ and thus anyone can say it is "Christian".
BUT in a strict sense, we know that Catholicism teaches doctrines that are the very antithesis of what we(evangelicals, protestants, baptists, reformed, etc.) know, believe and proclaim, therefore we(same people) do not consider Catholicism as a christian denomination. In fact we do not consider Catholicism as Christian at all but, just as the reformers referred to the Pope as anti-christ, we say the same of this religion. We see it as an organization that is dangerous and leads men away from the truth. So in this sense we do not consider it as Christian.
To your point, it is true that our religious affiliations do not determine authentic Christianity. A man can be inside a catholic or a protestant building and be or not be in the real church. Only God knows who the elect are. But according to the creeds of the Catholic religion, they are opposed to Christ and not of Him. And I say this in the authority of the Bible because(again) they are teaching things apart from and opposed to the Bible.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Not by works.
Grace to you.
GAIN! such a beautiful piece of work! love it love it love it!
Soooo thankful to God that He didn't predestined me to be a calvinist
"... final whisper... GAIN..." whew...
+Eugene Shin
"Gain" for whom, Gene? The elect?
What about all the other human vermin God so lovingly created?
help us to be like this Lord
Through the ebbing pain, final whisper gain!
Thanks for this brother. This brought tears.
The question we shouldnt be asking is why did God choose to send some people to hell but instead, why did he choose to save some. We all deserve death for we all disobeyed him. Nobody in the world deserves to be saved but he chose to save some by his grace and love, not by any effort of our own but by his sovereign will.
He wrote the title that way to show that Calvinists aren't just cold or crass. His blurb on Desiring God explains it further
Ben Wagner Can you link me the podcast or whatever that he talks about it?
SASD GHOST Hi there. This is it: www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-calvinist-verse-video-vision-for-all-of-life
Cheers
Ben Wagner Great man thanks :)
SASD GHOST Glad to help! May you see Jesus, feel His forgiveness, and have wisdom all the days of your life!
Ben Wagner And likewise! :)
Absolutely beautiful! Wow!
No theologian or bible teacher has helped grow in such a deep understanding of the God of scripture than R.C Sproul. The Lord always provides faithful servants and always gives sound teachers to build up the church. I am forever thankful to God for helping me understand him more through one of his servants. Final whisper Gain!!
Weep! O heart of mine, and seek the glory of God!!!
Really encouraging guys. From over here in NZ
So many potshots in this news thread... do the writers truly think that they are bringing glory to the Lord? I personally thought that this was a magnificent work of art, and then I read the comment thread. It grieves me to this video's comment feed used as a platform for ignorant debate. Perhaps the comments should be disabled...
JOHN 12:32 squashes Calvanism-----"IF I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men to me...."---------ALL means ALL---, not just some elite group of people called "the elect"
And yet, the Scriptures speak of a place "where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," so if God draws all men to himself in the sense that you are saying, then no one goes to hell, right?
I'm confused. Are you saying that John wrote chapter 6 and now is contradicting himself in chapter 12? Or was Jesus confused or changed his mind later? Maybe Jesus's earlier statements were lies? Is there no consistency in the Bible in your view? What about the very next verse that doesn't say Jesus's purpose was to contradict his earlier statements about soteriology, but "He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die."
We live it my brothers
Soli deo gloria
I think the poem is excellent, moving, inspiring. I don't understand the title. I'm not a Calvinist and yet I didn't find any line (perhaps I missed one?) which I could not speak concerning myself.
And no, I'm not an Arminian either. I don't know if there's a term for it but I see the issue of God's sovereignty and man's will as a paradox.
Very late reply but molinism seeks to marry God's sovereignty and Man's responsibility. That is the view that I personally hold to!
I just love this poem. Gain.
Thank you, John Piper
If calvinism were correct and God hand picks who is and is not saved, then Christianity is reduced to being an extension of Judaism. The Jews believed then and still do that they are the “chosen ones of God” because they are born physically into the Jewish family. God most certainly is the One responsible for a person being born a Jew. That is an undeniable fact. If calvinism is correct, then a Christian is born again because God chooses to save him, which is no different than God choosing to make someone a Jew.
AHHHH so Awesome!! love the ending!!! :)
Beautiful poem, thank you for writing it.
Whoever reads this God bless, repent and believe the Gospel, Jesus christ is returning, humble yourself before God...trust in His free gift of salvation...and to you lukewarm christians, wake up and read your bible, feed yourselves and hold onto your faith
I love this. So rich!