In a recent DesiringGod.org "Ask Pastor John" episode, John Piper responded to comments that were allegedly made about his beliefs at John MacArthur's Strange Fire Conference. MacArthur, who is a cessationist, allegedly claimed that continuationalist Piper may not be strongly convinced about his views on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical commentator John MacArthur is one of "very few people" whom John Piper listens to. "His attention to the text and his love of the Bible and his ability to apply it in forceful and relevant ways is incredibly helpful to me," says Piper. The two theologians differ on their beliefs about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and according to Tony Reinke at DesiringGod.org, MacArthur was "Critical of all things continuationalist" at his recent Strange Fire Conference.
MacArthur allegedly said that while Piper did believe that gifts such as prophecy and speaking in tongues are ongoing today, this was an "anomaly" to his overall theology. The renowned Biblical commentator argued that since Piper does not usually spend much time preaching on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he does not seem "exegetically convinced enough to advocate others pursue prophecy and tongues for themselves."
Piper clarifies that while his effort to prioritize topics for preaching may be imperfect, he does try to advocate for others pursuing the gifts of the Holy Spirit as it relates to a topic that he is preaching on. He cited texts like 1 Corinthians 14:1,39 which say, "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" and "... earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues" (English Standard Version).
SOURCE: LAUREN LEIGH NOSKE
The Gospel Herald
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