Knowing God
Do you know God? Or do you simply know about God? In Knowing God, J. I. Packer presents a guide to greater understanding and genuine relating to God.
Soaked in Scripture
The book is divided into three parts: why we should know God, what God is like, and the benefits of knowing God. Each chapter reads like a concise essay to explain the beauty and wonder of what it means and what it looks like to know God.
This book is filled with Scripture passages, and Packer uses them constantly when proving his points. An Index of Biblical Passages is included at the back of the book, listing references from 57 books of the Biblical canon. Packer’s understanding of both the Old and New Testaments and how they relate to each other as well as how they impact us today is astounding.
Packer is Practical
And while Packer is speaking about God, he allows his theological thoughts to come to their practical conclusions. For instance, when speaking of the majesty of God, Packer states: “Living becomes an awesome business when you realize that you spend every moment of your life in the sight and company of an omniscient, omnipresent Creator.”
Crossway’s edition of this book is a beautiful hardcover. At over 350 pages, the book is crafted with care. It is stunning to see, and would make the perfect gift for those starting school in the Fall, or in anticipation for the Christmas season and the New Year.
Difficult Doctrine
What I found especially refreshing was how Packer does not shy away from the more difficult doctrines about God. In the middle of the book, when describing some of the attributes of God, Packer dedicates chapters to God the Judge, The Wrath of God, Goodness and Severity, and The Jealous God. Packer is fair and balanced in presenting a picture of God.
And while these are harder truths, they are still relevant to us today. Packer seems almost prophetic in exhorting Christians in that the jealousy of God requires us to be zealous for God, and the jealousy of God threatens churches which are not zealous for God. Christians and churches must stand firm in our post-COVID world when hostility towards Christians is increasing.
Speak Wisdom
Towards the end of the book, Packer speaks on the privileges of our adoption in Christ. It is the highest privilege and the basis for our life. This doctrine is a key component in Packer’s theology, and I was encouraged by his excitement.
In the preface of this book, Packer states that this is a book for travelers. It seeks to eliminate ignorance of God. For those who want to know God, you go to the Bible. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, you will benefit from having Packer’s book at your side as a trusty companion and friend who knows what it’s like to actually know God. Let Packer introduce you to Him.
I received a media copy of Knowing God and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.