Ask Pastor John The Wrong Kind of Cross-Centered
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Apr 2, 2026 
John Piper, theologian and pastor known for Reformed teaching and founding Desiring God, critiques sermons that stop at forgiveness. He traces the New Testament pattern from Christ to holiness. He explains how union with Christ and the cross empower transformed, visible Christian living.
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Beeline To The Cross Then From The Cross
- The New Testament pattern moves from commands to the cross and then back from the cross to obedient living.
- John Piper explains that justification empowers union with Christ so believers should then pursue holiness by the cross's power.
Preach From The Cross To Obedience
- Preachers should not stop at celebrating justification but must urge obedience using the power of Christ's death.
- Piper instructs: take a text to the cross, then bring people back from the cross to obey that text in Christ's power.
Cross Purchases Sanctification Not Just Forgiveness
- The cross purchases not only forgiveness but sanctifying power so believers die to sin and live to righteousness.
- Piper cites Romans 8:3 and 1 Peter 2:24 to show Christ's condemnation of sin aims at transformed behavior.
