Spectacular Sins

This week I read Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ by John Piper. It's a Christ-exalting book about the complete sovereignty of God over everything including sin. Piper uses stories from Scripture such as the fall of Adam, the Tower of Babel, and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas to illustrate how God works out the sinful atrocities of man and Satan to ultimately further His glory. I found the book refreshing because I've always thought of sin as thwarting Christ's glory, but Piper convincingly argues otherwise.

For me, Piper's most compelling argument comes in the introduction when he discusses the evil of the crucifixion serving the 'apex' of God's glory. Here is the short, sweet excerpt:

At the all-important pivot of human history, the worst sin
ever committed served to show the greatest glory of Christ and
obtain the sin-conquering gift of God’s grace. God did not just
overcome evil at the cross. He made evil serve the overcoming of
evil. He made evil commit suicide in doing its worst evil.
-page 12, Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ

At the cross, God shows His supreme sovereignty. He turns the most horrific murder of history into salvation for all of mankind. How glorious!

We serve an infinitely awesome God who reigns over all things! We should boldly trust in Him and know He is in control!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

In Him,

Mark