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Book Review: Knowing God
J.I. Packer begins with a discussion of two types of people; those who theorize about a road and those that walk on it. Equally, when it comes to knowing God there are two types of people; those who know about God or those who know God.When humans say they know something that means many things – you know chocolate, you know algebra and you know your mother. Knowing God is similar to knowing the President of the United States. You can read about the President, listen to his speeches, read his papers and shake his hand. But, knowing the President has more to do with the President’s desire to be known by you.
To understand God as He is Packer discusses God’s anger and punishment of sin. People want to view God as a kindly old man who loves all and helps us when we ask. To doubt God’s wrath and judgment is to question His perfection. A perfect being can’t tolerate sin.
Packer concludes with a discussion on adoption. We think of God as a teacher, cop, guardian or judge. But, God can best be placed into the category of father. He loves us with intensity and adoration. Like a father God will demonstrate love, anger, discipline, nurturing and sacrifice.
To know God we must know ourselves and the depth of our sin. We must understand the depth in which He loves us. To know God we must know all of God, not simply the parts we like.
Posted on March 7, 2008