“Knowing God” by J. I. Packer is a classic spiritual formation book, revered by Christian thinkers around the world for its depth, clarity, and transformative insights about what it truly means to know and experience God. This blog provides a comprehensive summary and review of “Knowing God,” including a detailed exploration of all 22 chapters, divided into three major parts. This will help spiritual seekers, book lovers, and theologians grasp the central message and wisdom of Packer’s work, while also serving as a valuable resource for readers looking for Christian spiritual growth content.
Introduction to “Knowing God”
- I. Packer’s “Knowing God” (with a foreword by Kevin J. Vanhoozer) has impacted millions with its passionate call to move beyond intellectual knowledge to a life-transforming relationship with God. Packer contends that knowing God is not just about gathering facts, but developing a personal, experiential knowledge that influences every aspect of life.
Key Features
- Deep biblical insights
- Practical theology
- Warm, accessible style
- Divided into three thematic parts
Who Should Read This Book?
Ideal for Christians desiring a deeper relationship with God, theologians, spiritual formation groups, pastors, and anyone interested in spiritual growth.
Part 1: “Know the Lord”
Part One lays the theological foundation for understanding why the knowledge of God is not optional, but essential.
Chapter 1: Know the Lord
Packer opens with the importance of knowing the Lord personally, contrasting superficial belief with living, personal relationship. True faith is not about abstract concepts, but a lived experience.
Chapter 2: The Study of God
Here, Packer argues that the most urgent, honorable pursuit in life is the study of God. He warns against treating theology as mere academic exercise, urging readers to let their study lead them to worship, love, and trust.
Chapter 3: The People Who Know Their God
The author describes the defining marks of those who truly know God: great energy for God, great thoughts of God, boldness for God, and contentment in God. These characteristics emerge as a result of genuine spiritual encounter.
Chapter 4: Knowing and Being Known
Packer explores the mysterious grace that God initiates knowledge and relationship with humanity. God chooses to reveal himself, making himself known through creation, Scripture, and Christ.
Chapter 5: The Only True God
This chapter emphasizes biblical monotheism. God is not one among many deities but the only true God worthy of worship. Packer expounds on God’s unique attributes and identity as revealed in Scripture.
Chapter 6: God Incarnate
Turning to the doctrine of the incarnation, Packer reveals why Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man—is central to Christian faith and to knowing God.
Chapter 7: He Shall Testify
Packer discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in bearing witness to Christ, leading believers into truth, and making the knowledge of God personal and real.
Part 2: “Behold Your God”Â
Part Two shifts focus to the attributes of God, inviting readers to marvel at who God is. This section is deeply theological yet practically relevant.
Chapter 8: God Unchanging
Packer emphasizes God’s immutability—unchanging nature—which assures believers of His faithfulness and strength. Amid change and chaos, God remains perfectly reliable.
Chapter 9: The Majesty of God
Reflecting on God’s transcendence and infinite power, this chapter calls readers to awe and reverence in worship. Packer invites a recovery of wonder and humility before God’s majesty.
Chapter 10: God Only Wise
Here, Packer details God’s limitless wisdom. Even when life’s circumstances seem confusing, God’s wisdom is at work, and believers can trust his good purposes.
Chapter 11: God’s Wisdom and Ours
In this chapter, the author explains the difference between God’s wisdom and human wisdom, encouraging believers to seek divine guidance through prayer and Scripture.
Chapter 12: Thy Word Is Truth
Packer looks at the truthfulness of God’s Word. Scripture is trustworthy, authoritative, and the means by which believers grow in knowledge of God.
Chapter 13: The Love of God
This chapter offers a profound meditation on God’s love, showing how divine love is lavish, sacrificial, and transformative. Packer explores the implications of being loved by God and loving others.
Chapter 14: The Grace of God
Packer describes grace as God’s undeserved favour toward sinners. He explores how God’s grace redeems, sustains, and empowers believers in their daily walk.
Chapter 15: God the Judge
Contrary to popular sentiment, Packer asserts that God’s role as judge is good news. God’s justice is perfect and connected to his love, and His judgments are true and righteous.
Chapter 16: The Wrath of God
This chapter addresses a difficult subject: God’s wrath. Packer explains how wrath is not arbitrary, but a holy response to evil, and essential to understanding God’s character.
Chapter 17: Goodness and Severity
Packer balances God’s kindness and severity, urging believers to hold both in tension for a full biblical vision of God’s character. Both goodness and discipline play a role in spiritual formation.
Chapter 18: The Jealous God
Finally, this chapter explores God’s jealousy, not as petty envy, but as passionate love for His people’s loyalty. God guards His relationship with believers, desiring their exclusive devotion.
Part 3: “If God Be For Us…”Â
Part Three moves into the practical application of knowing God: assurance, comfort, and living as children of God.
Chapter 19: The Heart of the Gospel
Packer explains that the heart of the gospel is adoption—being made sons and daughters of God. This identity is the source of security, hope, and holy living for believers.
Chapter 20: Sons of God
Building on the previous chapter, Packer explores what it means to live as sons and daughters of God, enjoying intimacy, privileges, and inheritance in Christ.
Chapter 21: Thou Our Guide
This chapter focuses on God’s guidance in the believer’s life. Packer urges readers to seek direction through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit, trusting God’s leading.
Chapter 22: These Inward Trials and The Adequacy of God
In the concluding chapters, Packer addresses the reality of suffering and inward trials, explaining how God uses struggles to refine faith, deepen dependence, and reveal Himself as the sufficient, adequate source of hope and strength.
The Message of “Knowing God”
Packer’s central message is that true Christianity is not mere religion, but living relationship—knowing God personally and letting that relationship shape every part of life. Through deep study, worship, prayer, and obedience, believers move from knowing about God to truly experiencing Him.
Author’s Intent
- To encourage believers to pursue deeper intimacy with God.
- To call for theological reflection rooted in daily living.
- To provide practical insights for spiritual growth and maturity.
- To show how knowing God shapes identity, relationships, and vision for life.
Review: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Profound clarity and biblical rootedness.
- Warm, devotional tone with theological precision.
- Relevant for beginners and mature believers alike.
Weaknesses
- Some theological terms may require further explanation for new believers.
- The book’s depth can challenge casual readers, but rewards careful study.
Conclusion
“Knowing God” by J. I. Packer invites readers to move beyond head knowledge and to embark on a lifelong journey of experiencing God’s love, wisdom, and presence. This book remains a foundational resource for spiritual formation, offering timeless truths for Christians worldwide.
“Knowing God” is not just a book to read, but a personal invitation to ongoing transformation, spiritual depth, and vibrant faith.
FAQs
What makes Knowing God different from other Christian books?
It combines deep theology with practical application, making it both scholarly and devotional.
How many parts and chapters does the book have?
It has 3 parts and 22 chapters, each exploring different aspects of God’s nature.
Who should read Knowing God?
Any Christian—new or mature—who desires a deeper relationship with God.
Does the book focus more on theology or practical living?
It blends both. Packer explains theology in a way that shapes daily Christian living.
Why is Knowing God considered a Christian classic?
Because of its enduring message, clear teaching, and ability to draw believers into a richer faith.