Knowing God

Just a few pages into J. I. Packer's Knowing God, you'll discover it's unlike any other Christian nonfiction book—because God is the subject. When Packer wrote this popular work, he knew how big the task was, likening the study of God to a clown "yearning to play Hamlet—a daunting task!" Yet he presents his understanding of God in a way that is easy to follow and digest.

The book is divided into three sections: the first focuses on how and why people know God; the second highlights God's attributes; and the third explores the benefits those who know him intimately enjoy. Knowing God helps readers gain a greater understanding of God and offers valuable advice for gaining a closer relationship with him.

You'll first consider Packer's conviction behind the book: ignorance of God—both of his ways and the practice of communion with him. Packer believes this ignorance lies at the root of much of the church's weakness today; God is seen as distant, small, and unknowable, and as a result of this skepticism, Christians are confused about who God is. And when believers lack a strong, biblical understanding of God, they become less sure about God and His ways.

Because of this, Packer establishes five basic truths about God and how those five truths determine a person's life course. You'll then unpack the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing him; a person can know a great deal about God yet have little knowledge of him—and simultaneously know a great deal about godliness without much understanding of God.

You'll then consider your purpose—what God made you for—and realize that the whole reason you are alive is to know your Creator.

Packer also dives into the concept of idolatry and what it means to set God as King high and above all others. And in one of Packer's most poignant chapters of the book, he discusses God incarnate—where you'll be challenged to know God through the person of Jesus.

Most importantly, you'll read about God's character and attributes: he is judge, wise, and the source of all truth. You'll explore his majesty and wrath, his jealousy and grace. You'll consider the doctrinal concepts of propitiation, regeneration, justification, and adoption—and how Christianity is set apart from all other religions and belief systems. And then Packer will challenge you to begin a journey toward knowing God as your sovereign protector and the decisiveness of his covenant commitment to you—what it means when Scripture says, "God is for me."

Then, in his gentle and practical way, Packer will ask you to consider what you will do with knowledge of God once you have it.