Knowing God Reviews

• A Contemporary Classic

  
  By A3N6N3H0TA1KS0 on 2002-08-20
  Since the first publication (1973) of J. I. Packer's book, Knowing God, it has been widely regarded as a classic alongside the works of other great minds such as Charles H. Spurgeon and C. S. Lewis, selling record-breaking numbers. For those who have read Packer, this is no surprise. The work is rich in content and clarity. It demonstrates that Packer is a scholar in the Reformed tradition that can systematically explicate the deep truths of scripture such that a new believer could easily understand. One should finish the work agreeing whole-heartily with Alister McGrath when he writes that theology for Packer is "not merely wrestling with texts, nor yet with ideas, but with the living God."

  Studying theology is crucially important and has far more practicalities than the skeptic will be aware of. Packer wants to unpack these important features of Christianity. In doing so, he separates his book into three sections. The first focuses upon the importance of studying theology and what the phenomenology of knowing the true God is like. The second section appears somewhat as a meditation upon many of the characteristics of God: both His communicable and incommunicable traits. In a similar fashion to section one, Packer begins by exploring the scriptures about a given issue and then follows with an application for the life of the believer. The third and final section of Knowing God deals with the relationship that we (as Christians) have to God beyond the Creator-creature distinction. Various issues concerning this relationship include the "heart of the gospel" or the propitiation of sin, what it means to be adopted as a son of God, ways that God is seen to be our guide, and the adequacy of God, among other issues.

  Packer's work summarizes his work in the words of the psalmist: "Thou hast said, `Seek ye my face.' My heart says to thee, `Thy face, LORD, do I seek'" (Ps. 27:8 RSV). Ultimately, it is Packer's goal to make the reader seek the Lord, to make the reader realize that knowing God is an intimate and inseparable part of the Christian experience. Packer writes that, "If this book moves any of its readers to identify more closely with the psalmist at this point, [his book] will not have been written in vain" (279). I concur with others whom I have spoken to about this book that this book has not been written in vain.

  I do have one small, perhaps uncharitable, criticism. There are just so many issues covered in this work that Packer never spends an extensive amount of time on any given section of scripture. Certainly, he devotes a couple pages to particular passages, but that is hardly an exegesis in comparison to the great theologians whom he cites elsewhere (e.g. John Owen). What the reader finds is an extensive number of strings of sliced up passages followed by brief commentary before moving onto the next point. On the other hand, I believe that Packer did not intend on writing an exegetical work such as what may have been described in the above criticism. Furthermore, doing so would limit Packer's audience to a group of people that most likely already have the relationship with God that he is trying to clarify. In other words, he would be speaking to the choir. Thus, by keeping his work simple, his audience is much broader and he can reach many more people.

  Again, this book is rich in content and it is difficult to find any biblical errors in this work. I highly recommend this work for new believers and for people who assume that theology is a useless and impractical study. For Packer, the essence of theology is its knowledge of the living God: such a thought should reside in all of the Christians who finish this book! (This is an extract from a more indepth review found on my web site).
  
  

• A Real Eye Opener - In My Top 50 All time Favorite Books

  
  By ASOCI3PCEEBY7 on 2000-07-31
  Fortunately for me I read this book about the third year that I was a Christian. The book had such an impact on me that several years later I read it again. Packer shoots a straight shot into the heart of Theology Proper. The attributes, nature, and actions of God are delineated with great care and sound theology. The book is divided into three major parts and each part discusses the God who is, Knowing God, and the God who acts. For a better grasp of theology proper (direct study of God Himself) this book along with a solid translation of the Bible will carry you a long way.
  
  

• Ground yourself in the truth of who God is!

  
  By on 2000-05-19
  If you want to be grounded in the truth and find out who God is, I recommend you to read `Knowing God'. This book tells of the attributes of the almighty, loving, compassionate God. However, for those who perhaps are not ready for such heavy reading, it would be best to use the `Knowing God Study Guide' to supplement the book. This will further explain what is already discussed in the book such as God's grace, love and majesty, and can also be used as a resource in your devotional time to help you grow as a Christian.
  
  

• A Classic Head and Heart Book

  
  By A25AMBAAZLNTQT on 2005-09-17
  "Knowing God" by J. I. Packer will soon hit the quater-century mark in longetivity. Ever since its publication, it has been, correctly, considered a classic on theology proper (the doctrine of God the Father).
  
  A primary reason for its instant classic (perhaps an oxymoron) status is Packer's smooth blending of head and heart. Though an undoubtedly one of the Evangelical world's most brilliant scholar/researcher, Packer's heart for God shines through in "Knowing God." His work is one-part A. W. Tozer and one-part John Calvin. Quite the powerful combination.
  
  For a modern scholarly yet devoltional treatment of the person and works of God, one can hardly do better than "Knowing God."
  
  Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."
  
  

• A Modern Spiritual Classic

  
  By A2T3KLY0CCKTG4 on 2006-05-13
  Packer's Knowing God is a modern classic, focusing on both the theology and the spirituality of knowing and loving God. Packer lives up to his name in that he "packs" his book(s) with incredible truths, yet he writes with a smooth prose in easily digestible chapters. This book covers the doctrine of the Trinity, the incarnation of Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but especially focuses on the character and attributes of God and their relevance and application to our spiritual lives. This is probably the best popular treatment of "theology proper" written in the past century and deserves to be read by any Christian. This would be a great book to give a young and hungry Christian who is beginning to be discipled. Few things are more important to one's long-term spiritual health than having a high view of God. This book goes a long ways to helping us lift our gaze upwards. Buy all means, buy this book.
  
  
• A Christian's theology of God
  By AGHIV0V0ON7MO on 1998-02-27
  I do not enjoy speaking disparagingly about a book that so many thousands (perhaps millions) of people have found helpful. Because of this, I am glad for Packer's work. Yet my reading experience of Knowing God was, to be candid, painfully boring. I yawned my way through it. If people want a thorough Christian view of God, the Bible is not only more lively reading, but it's the original treatise on the subject.
  
  
• Profound book about the God of the Bible
  By AFITDZEWKJKAM on 2003-04-28
  First, I must admit that Knowing God is the first book by Packer that I have read. Luckily, I was not disappointed. Considered a modern Christian classic by many, Knowing God lives up to its reputation. In it Packer presents a balanced view of God - who He is, what He is like, what He has done for us, and what He expects from us in return. I had a pretty good understanding of some subjects before reading this book, but found myself learning a lot as Packer challenged me to dig deeper into the Bible, and apply my faith in order to get a clearer picture of God.

  I really enjoyed this book because I have been looking for "deep" Christian books that are neither full of fluff (like a lot of the recent self-help style Christian books), or too full of theology to grasp (thick, boring tomes that most Pastors can't even finish). I found that Knowing God fits nicely into this category. Packer's thoughts about God are deep, yet concise. He includes a lot of scripture to support his perspective, which indicates that it is not written for a "new" or "baby" Christian, and he also includes some historical and academic material as well. I liked the fact the he quotes many sources which enabled me to write down the titles to other books which go deeper into subjects of interest to me.

  Overall, I recommend this book to Christians who have a firm grasp of their faith, and are looking for guidance on how to grow a deeper relationship with God. One of the keys is gaining a better understanding of God, and this book offers an excellent starting point for that journey.
  
  

• What Eternal Life for the Christian is All About
  By A3DAOZAWVB0M6X on 2000-10-19
  Knowing God is the very reason Jesus Christ came. John 17:3 says that knowing God is the definition and meaning and purpose of eternal life. Here is another book focusing its readers on the Person of God. It is very well written and covers many, though not all of God's revealed attributes. Any person looking to study the Person of God to know Him more intimately (that should be every born-again Christian) needs to read this book. Place this book next to Pink's "Gleaning in the Godhead" and Tozer's "The Knowledge of the Holy" and you will have a 3-book library on the Person of God probably unsurpassed at this time.
  
  
• very solid stuff: food for Christian thinkers
  By on 1997-10-30
  After overcoming the fear of reading a book of this size and with this title (a kind of trial in itself: but a rewarding one), Packer revealled to me a magnificent God, who I simply cannot fathom....but is nice to read about.

  The chapter on the love of God was a real eye opener. Thanks J.I.!!!
  
  

• A Book That Keeps on Blessing
  By AGO9I5NBA7ZEN on 2000-09-10
  Time and again J.I. Packer's book, Knowing God, has proven helpful to unfold the truths of Scripture and make theology practical. J.I. Packer presents a solid, thorough, and always refreshing theological framework for knowing our Creator, the One whom we are to glorify and enjoy forever. I never tire of reading and studying this book that deepens, widens, and elevates my understanding of God and His Word. I attempt to read Knowing God yearly. It's my inspiration to delve into Scripture and get to know God. Next to Scripture, Knowing God is the number one book I recommend. It's a book that keeps on blessing!
  
  
• Highest recommendation
  By A303DASA54TDCC on 2002-04-19
  This is a great book. I have used it in no less than three different Bible studies. By now, my copy is bent and worn from use and I have grown a great deal through studying with it. I would recommend this book highly, particularly if you are looking for a book to go through as a group. Packer's book has been used to introduce thousands to the theological study of God's word. Indeed, it was the first Christian book I read as a youth that engaged my mind in a meaningful way. "Knowing God" is theological - and completely grounded in the Bible - but it is also very readable and includes suggested questions at the end of each chapter. There is something in this book for both mature and beginning Christians.
  The book is divided into three parts. The first concerns (roughly) how we can know God, the second speaks of the attributes and character of God, and the final reflects on the Christian life and the way in which knowing God affects that life. Buy it and read it.
  
  
• Tremendous Book!
  By A3JKEB27822C7U on 2003-08-06
  This book was a tremendous book on the attributes of God by a tremendous theologian. My favorite part is when Packer quotes the Puritans. He quotes them a lot, too. The Puritans are an often forgotten group, except for the negative things that happened. Packer shows that the Puritans were amazingly following after God and His statues.

  This is the only devotional-type book that I have ever enjoyed. While it was fairly devotional in content, Packer put Theology into it. He doesn't just put milk in the content, but also adds meat to it. I love it when he talked about such things as the atonement, election, etc. These are topics that most devotional writers will not even touch, because they are "too controversial". But, Packer tackles the issues with tenacity.

  I love the chapter on the Grace of God. That was my very favorite chapter. Packer talked about how most Christians today really don't believe in the grace set forth in the Word. He also quotes a bunch of hymns that the Puritans wrote. This just shows how amazing they really were. This is a great read for someone wanting to study the attributes of God.
  
  

• Getting to know God's "other side." Idolators beware!
  By A33TBHM3O9AY17 on 2004-04-26
  This is a book for Christian idolators. You're probably scratching your head and wondering what I mean by that phrase, since it seems oxymoronic. How can a person be a Christian and an idolator at the same time? Very simply, by worshiping God as something other or less than he truly is. We all do it to a greater or lesser degree, depending on our theological and doctrinal "upbringing." Every Christian, whether a truly born again believer or a merely nominal professor of Christ, knows a certain amount of truth about God, some of us very little, others rather alot by comparison. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, your knowledge of the infinite God is forced to pass through the filter of your finite, sin-tainted human mind. The result is a false or incomplete notion of God's nature and character. In other words, we worship something other than the One True and Living God -- i.e., an idol.
  
  Packer writes to alert complacent Christendom to this seemingly little-recognized phenomenon. He astutely points out, though, that this occurs not simply in ignorance or as a function of limited human capacity to comprehend the infinite. Rather, there is a certain degree of willfulness involved, as many of us choose to disregard or downplay those aspects of God's character which we find less pleasant than others. For example, western Christians love to talk about God's mercy, love and providence. We extol his kindness, longsuffering and forgiveness, as if these "good" attributes were the only ones worthy of mention. But what about those qualities which get far less play in the Christian bookstores -- things like wrath, justice, righteousness and holiness? When was the last time you saw a bestseller about the wrath of God? Yet wrath is just as much a part of God's makeup as his mercy. He is no less holy and righteous and just than he is good and forgiving. It is to these unpopular and oft disregarded qualities that Packer redirects our attention.
  
  The author also reminds us of the vast difference between knowing "about" God, and actually "knowing God". In other words, our heads can be filled with theology, but if it doesn't translate into a life-altering relationship of love and obedience toward God, we cannot say that we know God. And so Packer sets out to teach us something about how to know God by exploring his attributes, and in particular the "unhappy" ones. He also, in what I think is one of the best portions of the whole book, spends a fair amount of ink expounding the crucial doctrines of propitation and adoption. Even better, he gives the most succinct and eloquent summary of the gospel which I have ever read, by linking these two concepts in a simple three-word phrase: the gospel is the good news of "adoption through propitiation." The theological depth of that statement is simply mind-bending, and Packer's formulation of it, by itself, makes this book worth reading.
  
  My only criticism would be of the book's undue (in my opinion) verbosity. The author could have communicated the same truth with the same impact in a much more concise presentation. I found some of the chapters toward the center of the volume to be a bit labored and dry, and even occasionally redundant. Nonetheless, this has been and will continue to be a classic, and I commend it to the reading of every believer who is serious about diving deeper into the unfathomable depths of God's nature and character. Let us be idolators no more!
  
  
• Top 5
  By A1P5SBOYRBYH9S on 2005-11-02
  One reviewer put this book in his top 50 favorite. I would have to say that it is in my top 5. In God's gracious providence, I first read this book just after becoming a Christian 30 years ago. It both set a standard and provided a doctrinal framework by which I would discern the spiritual and theological value of books for the next 30 years.
  
  THEOLOGY? For too many people, that's a bad word. For Packer, it's "the study of God"; what more noble pursuit is there?
  
  
• The greatest influence on my life, apart from the Bible
  By A1PNAPYMF2KV55 on 2001-04-01
  I first read this book the spring semester of my freshman year in college. It was compelling reading, a book that developed in my heart a real hunger to know God. Aside from the Bible, no other book has come close to this one in terms of deepening my walk with God.

  I highly recommend it. Any Christian who is serious about his relationship with his Lord should read it. If you do read it, you will be very glad you did.
  
  

• A Classic Treatise on "knowing" the God of the Bible
  By A2YI3SU5THQUQZ on 2001-07-24
  This book is considered a contemporary Christian classic in Christian circles. The list of names who have endorsed and praised this book is like a 'who's who' of Christian thought. Needless to say, this book has quite a reputation to live up to. After reading it, my opinion is that it does indeed live up to its billing.

  This book is a lengthy, methodical, and comprehensive analysis of the God of the Bible, and how we should respond to what the Bible says about Him. At the outset, Packer draws a compelling distinction between 'knowing God', and simply knowing 'about' God. The rest of his book then seeks to flood the reader with knowing God and how awesome a task this really is.

  On an overall scale, I took two main things away from this book, both of which are desperately needed in the body of Christ today:

  1) To its credit, this book does not sugarcoat God. Packer directly takes on the conventional practice of defining God exclusively as a 'God of love' in a humanly subjective sense. This book clearly demonstrates that God is indeed a God of love, but in ways that are not regularly talked about in our churches or felt by professing believers. Further, Packer does justice to God by discussing at length the judicial aspect of God as repeatedly discussed in Scripture. Any analysis of God that's even remotely worthwhile will enter into this domain. Packer does it without apology and presents God not as a benevolent and non offensive deity that doesn't care enough about sin and evil to judge it accordingly (and to then call this kind of god a god of love), but as a God who is zealously interested in His creation and wants human beings to live upright lives and that because of His loving holiness, cannot allow evil and injustice to go unpunished. This concept is essential to any real understanding of God, and understanding that when the idea of 'God is love' is meant to communicate the idea that God should never judge anybody or anything because it would somehow be unloving for the Creator of the universe to do so, that this kind of 'love' does not resemble the God of the Bible, and that we should be thankful that God's love does not resemble an approach as unloving, apathetic, and crippling as this.

  2) Packer, by analyzing the nature and character of God, also spends considerable time analyzing the nature and character of human beings. And similar to his ongoing examination of God, Packer does not sugarcoat his analysis of the human condition. Throughout the book, Packer's essential theme is that God is completely holy and perfect, and that human beings aren't, and that as human beings, we would be wise to continually recognize the difference between us and God. I think Packer impeccably drives home the point that as human beings, we simply can't have an adequate appreciation for God's holiness and love for us until we come to grips with how sinful and unholy we are, and how this sinful nature manifests itself in the world we live in each day.

  On both of these points, Packer uses straight talk, straight out of Scripture. Packer is clearly writing in response to what he believes is a systematic watering down within the body of Christ of the holiness of God and the hopelessness of humanity outside of God's grace. Packer clearly believes that large segments of the body of Christ today are scared to preach these things or declare personal allegiance to such ideas, because they seem so 'unenlightened', 'outdated', or bordering too close to the fire and brimstone kind of messages that folks today recoil at. So as not to be misunderstood, I don't believe this book to be a fire and brimstone book. But I do believe it be a level headed and thoroughly Bible-based examination of God and humanity. And while certain parts of this book may be uncomfortable for some to read (I was a little uncomfortable with some of what was written), it was really clear to me that the thorough and genuine joy, hope, and purpose of the Christian life is best achieved when we understand both God and ourselves in light of what Scripture says about both. Without 'knowing' this, we are inevitably left with a reduced view of the perfection of God, as well as an inflated view of ourselves. And this worldview is very dangerous, and also very debilitating. Such a worldview provides scant comfort when we are suffering or enduring trials and difficulties. But a true knowledge of God, as Packer so eloquently shows, leads to an entirely different perspective and can truly lead to a dependence on God that knows no limits as to the benefits we will receive from such a dependence.

  A great book, a true classic. A must have, in my opinion.
  
  

• Traditionally Well Done
  By AHQYCRL2FMG3D on 2002-07-17
  After the recommendations of many people I respect, I picked up this book with the intention of finding out what everyone was talking about with J.I. Packer. This book does not dissapoint, and really transcends generations with a clear picture of evangelical theology, and for those who believe, God. Packer carefully makes his way through all aspects of the divine, and makes a strong argument for why to believe, and what God is really like. It would be interesting to give this book out as a tool to introduce someone who did not believe in God, to the whole concept.

  Packer is a humble man, after hearing him speak a few years ago, I know his heart is in a great place. This book does put a strong emphasis on pre-destination, and if that is not up your alley it may rub you the wrong way. Overall this is a classic theological book for the 20th century, one that will be remembered long into the future.
  
  

• wonderful devotional resource
  By A3IJ11CB5SYYMM on 2005-09-11
  I checked this book out of our public library, then decided I wanted a personal copy. The chapters are short but they are "technical," in a way, so I found reading one a day as a devotional was informative and thought-provoking and the right amount. The author bases his thoughts on the Bible and I found myself referring to Scripture passages as I read.
  I highly recommend it. Some may find it too technical/analytical or "deep" (as a friend to whom I recommended it said), but I like analytical reading and greatly enjoyed it.
  
  
• God at the Center
  By A1OPXWYZ1DKSS on 1999-12-08
  This is one of those rare books that pulls no punches and gets to the heart of what it means to build a life with God solidly at the center. It is by no means a 'how-to' guide focusing on the legalities and religion of doing. Rather it presents the God who made the universe in a way that, if read with reflection and thought, will open our little minds to the true and all encompassing presence of an awesome God, and will leave our hearts with a strong desire to worship Him. Personally, I read one section of the book with worship music playing in the background and found myself drawn into worship. It's not a book you can read in one sitting, but it is definitely a book that you would want to come back to over and over again as you grow in your own walk with God. Summing it up - 'The broadening of the finite mind to the majesty of an infinite God' - this is probably as close as it gets this side of heaven.
  
  
• fantastic
  By A1UPQ11QUPYO56 on 2000-02-11
  This book is my number one recomendation for anyone either wanting to come to know God, or to simply develop their spiritual relationship. I have never read anything that sums up the Christian faith as effectivly as this book. This book is a great resource for today's Christian.
  
  
• The Foundationsl Principles of Theology
  By A1WHNPNPXXHW18 on 2003-04-09
  This book is a difficult read because there is a vast amount of knowledge in the book. It is a very slow read, but a read that will change your life. In the first 2 chapters, one's life comes into a crisis about the lack of knowledge one knows about God. Warning, reading this book will bring issues to your life that one must confront.
  
  
• Maybe Packer's best book
  By AW7MRR4CMF81N on 2004-07-02
  This book you will find Dr. Packer at his finest. The book is written for the average church-goer, but there is much here for the pastor or serious Bible student. Jesus says in John 17:3 that eternal life is knowing the only true God. Well, this book seeks to set out for the reader who that God is and what He is like. Packer, with the skill of an artist and the insight of a trained theologian who truly know his subject puts God's attributes on display for the reader. The Bibical data of God's own self-revelation is laid out for everyone to read and enjoy. One way to evaluate a book, especially in today's profit driven book market, is how many reprints it goes through. Already a Christian classic, his is one that people will be reading for generations to come.
  
  
• Creature, Behold Your Creator
  By A37JBK4CK72VJS on 2004-08-23
  If you only read one book other than the Bible, make it this one. Packer is an extraordinary theologian (arguably the greatest of the late 20th century) and this book is a distillation of the heart of his theology.
  
  The focus of the book is the attributes of God and how they shape the way He relates to us. While you might be worried that the book will read like the second chapter of a systematic theology, you'll find no such dryness here. Packer's writing is passionate and lively. He discusses his Creator with the intimacy and excitment of a son talking about his beloved Father. His discussions of God's wrath and the "goodness and severity" of God are particularly stirring (possibly because they are all but absent from the theological vocabulary of our post-modern churches).
  
  Packer is not content to objectively point out the attributes of God--instead he insists on making God's nature applicable to us as His creation. This fervor for the relationship between creature and Creator naturally flows into the final section of the book--a discussion of God's wonderful plan of redemption through Christ Jesus and our adoption as sons and daughters of the Most High.
  
  His passion for the gospel and unwavering love for the Lord are highly contagious. You may find yourself in tears while reading this book (either with sorrow or joy). When I first read this book, God used it to teach me of the reality and significance of His divine anger toward sin. Now I turn to it when I need to be reminded of just how precious I am in the sight of my God. My only advice: read this book.
  
  
• Outside the Academy
  By A3B51PJXX4P096 on 2005-10-25
  Packer expected the audience of this book to be mainly academicians, but he was pleasantly surprised by its wider acceptance. Writing to that end, Packer's text is not shallow. A few comments clearly reveal his academic intent, referring to various popular academic ideas going around when he wrote it that the layman will have no knowledge of.
  He is somewhat systematic in his approach to God's character, yet it deviates when necessary and Packer willingly follows those paths. The most profound thoughts come near the end of the book, in the chapters on Propitiation and Adoption. He makes a forceful argument that adoption is a privilege all too understated throughout history and even today. It has forever changed how I think about my relationship to God as Father. Knowing God certainly lives up to its reputation. I am glad that this was not a merely academic success.
  
  
• Buy This Book!!!
  By AGF4M8886V7PE on 2006-05-05
  Whatever you do, don't pass up buying and reading this book. Don't deny yourself the message of this book. It is an absolute pearl, a treasury of truth. I am buying several for family and am recommending it to friends. I plan to use it to study over and over. It is wonderfully written and a wonderful life changing message. I am grateful that I was led to it. Buy it and you will thank yourself for having it. Just terrific.
  
  
• Mature Christianity
  By A1Z8RQEZX1OJDC on 2000-08-31
  What a fine book. This was a real blessing! I was especially inpressed by the chapter about our being adopted by God. I had been wanting to read something a little meatier than I have in the past, and this is definitely it. But don't be turned off by the theology of this book, it is easily readable, and written in an inviting and interesting spirit. There are areas that compare protestantism and catholicism, but it is done with complete taste and dignity. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a balanced look at issues of truth for christians. Now I cannot wait to read another of J.I. Packer's works.
  
  
• A Christian Classic!
  By A4QC76NMWE5OC on 2004-03-17
  Packer has written an excellent book that has impacted people world-wide!

  Among the points Packer covers include:

  1. We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in the world without knowing God.
  2. We cannot know God unless He speaks to us. Do not elevate your thoughts of God over what He has said about Himself in the Bible.
  3. God had to bring Abraham and Jacob to the end of themselves.
  4. The goodness, patience, and discipline of God.
  5. While God is love, He is also a God of judgment.
  6. Do not be concerned about your rights - let God vindicate you!
  7. God will justify and not condemn us through our relationship with Jesus Christ.

  Read this great classic and be encouraged!
  
  

• Knowing God
  By A30EPYIJ46RL60 on 2004-11-08
  Greetings;

  I have known Christ as my Savior for almost 50 yrs and found that this book changed my life leading me to a greater appreciation of our God and his Son Jesus Christ. God is infinite in all his attributes, thus we cannot weight love as being more important than his righteouness.

  I would challenger any Christian to read this book prayfully and carefully, in combination with this book and his precious Word, God has a blessing for you which will draw you into a closer and personal relationship with God.

  We read the words of Jesus "And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3) Is it no amazing that the God of the universe desires to know us! Praise his name
  Robert Nicholson
  
  

• Just What I Was Looking For
  By A1LOAA1COCIT8S on 2005-04-22
  I was purposfully seeking out a book about the attributes of God. I wanted to learn more about the charachter of the one I was falling in love with. I found it because as I picked up newer books on the subject, this book was referenced again and again. I love that he points out that the Bible is our primary and sufficent source of knowing who God is. This book draws out passages from scripture that reveal who God is. He is solid in his theology and a pleasure to read. This is one of my favorites now!
  
  
• This book made an impression on me...
  By ALLHJD3KZF9KC on 2005-07-03
  I am not a Calvinist like the author. I attend a Baptist church but I am a Christian first and I fully believe that other denominations will be in heaven as long as they have accepted Christ as their Savior. I grew up in church and accepted Christ at a very young age. I taught Sunday School and volunteered with several church related events over the years. If you are not careful your quiet time in bible study and prayer can suffer. This book really encouraged me to spend more time in prayer and I have been greatly rewarded as a result. When you pray for wisdom and guidance and sincerely mean it, I can personally vouch for the fact that God will give it to you. There is no loud booming voice but a quiet assurance that God is leading you in a certain direction or to make a certain decision. I read this book my first year of college and that was back in 1991 but I have reread parts of it through the years along with the writings of C.S. Lewis. This book helped me understand that God wants us to put knowing him as a priority in our lives and I have found that I am able to witness to others more effectively when I have my priorities in order.
  
  

• The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life
• Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
• Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
• Mere Christianity
• The Pursuit of God