What Is Saving Faith?

What happens in the heart when it experiences real saving faith? John Piper argues that faith in Christ is not saving unless it includes an “affectional dimension of treasuring Christ.” Nor is God glorified as he ought to be unless he is treasured in being trusted. Saving faith in Jesus Christ welcomes him forever as our supreme and inexhaustible pleasure.

What Is Saving Faith? explains that a Savior who is treasured for his all-satisfying worth is more glorified than a Savior who is only trusted for his all-forgiving competence. In this way, saving faith reaches its God-appointed goal: the perfections of Christ glorified by our being satisfied in him forever.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Introduction: What Are We Really Asking?
4. PART 1: THE ROOTS OF MY CONCERN
5. Chapter 1: Taking the Lordship Battle to Another Level
6. Chapter 2: The "Free Will" Air We Breathe
7. Chapter 3: Why I Am Not a Roman Catholic
8. Chapter 4: If Saving Faith is Affectional, Does It Merit Justification?
9. Chapter 5: Provocative Voices from Church History
10. Chapter 6: Does "Saving Allegiance" Clarify "Saving Faith"?
11. PART 2: SEEING REALITY THROUGH SIX HUNDRED LENSES
12. Chapter 7: Confident Trust in What Jesus Says | Clarifications 1-4
13. Chapter 8: Saving Faith Receives Christ Himself | Clarification 5
14. Chapter 9: The Spiritual Sight of the Glory of Christ | Clarification 6
15. Chapter 10: The Substance of Things Hoped For | Clarification 7
16. Chapter 11: The Root of All-Pleasing Works | Clarification 8
17. Chapter 12: A Supernatural Creation of God | Clarification 9
18. PART 3: RECEIVING CHRIST AS OUR SUPREME TREASURE
19. Chapter 13: Saving Faith Receives Christ, but Not in Vain
20. Chapter 14: The Message of Jesus about His Supreme Value
21. Chapter 15: The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ Jesus
22. Chapter 16: We Have This Treasure in Jars of Clay
23. PART 4: CHRIST, THE BELIEVER'S TREASURE AND SATISFACTION
24. Chapter 17: Saving Faith Is the Substance of Hope-For Joy
25. Chapter 18: Saving Faith as Love from the Truth of the Gospel
26. Chapter 19: Saving Faith Overcomes the World
27. Chapter 20: Whoever Believes in Me Shall Never Thirst
28. PART 5: CALLING FOR FAITH WHEN FAITH IS AFFECTIONAL
29. Chapter 21: The Offer of Treausre
30. Chapter 22: Counting the Cost of Embracing the Treasure
31. Chapter 23: Warning People to Flee from Judgment to Joy
32. Chapter 24: Repentance, the Renovation of the Heart's Desire
33. Chapter 25: Does Affectional Faith Make Evangelism Impossible?
34. Chapter 26: Does Affectional Faith Undermine Assurance?
35. Conclusion: Saving Faith, Designed for the Glory of God
36. Closing Credits

John Piper

John Piper is an American New Testament scholar, Calvinist theologian, pastor, and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Piper is widely recognized as the founder and senior teacher of desiringGod.org, an organization named after his influential book "Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist"

Throughout his career, he has authored numerous acclaimed books, including ECPA Christian Book Award winners and his bestselling works have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Piper's impact extends beyond his literary achievements. In recognition of his exceptional preaching skills, Baylor University honored him in 2018 as one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in English. Piper's dedication to scholarship, theological insight, and inspiring teachings have made him a prominent figure in the Christian community, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape hearts and minds.