It is possible to spend a lifetime surrounded by Christian ideas and yet never truly know God. Many attend services, read religious books, and engage in spiritual activities, but their relationship remains one of distance — knowing about Him but not knowing Him. In Knowing God, J.I. Packer confronts this subtle danger with clarity, humility, and depth.
Packer’s central argument is simple yet profoundly biblical: the goal of life is to know God personally, intimately, and relationally — not merely to store theological data. This echoes Jesus’ own words:
“And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognise, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ…”
— John 17:3 (AMP)
A Journey in Three Movements #
The book unfolds in three parts — like steps in a journey — each grounded in Scripture and full of pastoral insight.
| Section | Focus | Key Scriptural Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Part I — Know the Lord | Clarifies the difference between knowing about God and knowing God | Jeremiah 9:23–24 |
| Part II — Behold Your God! | Explores God’s attributes: unchanging, wise, loving, just, jealous | Exodus 34:6–7 |
| Part III — If God Be For Us… | Applies God’s character to the believer’s assurance, adoption, and perseverance | Romans 8:31–39 |
The Hebrew word for know here, yada (יָדַע), speaks of experiential, covenantal knowledge — the same intimacy by which Adam “knew” Eve (Genesis 4:1). This is not casual acquaintance; it is a shared life.
The Weight of Glory #
Packer refuses to present God as a mere concept to be admired from afar. He insists that the believer must behold His majesty and tremble before His holiness. In doing so, he counteracts the modern tendency to reduce God to a sentimental mockery — a “kindly grandfather” rather than the consuming fire of Hebrews 12:29.
“Let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the greatness of the Lord [to honour, heed, and deeply cherish Him]…”
— Hosea 6:3 (AMP)
By integrating theology with daily discipleship, Packer shows that knowing God transforms prayer, worship, decision-making, and even suffering. The chain is clear:
- Revelation of God’s character (through Scripture) →
- Personal relationship built on trust →
- Transformation into Christ’s likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).
What Stood Out #
- Pastoral depth with theological precision — Packer does not shy away from God’s wrath, jealousy, or judgment, showing these as aspects of perfect love.
- Clarity on adoption — Few chapters in modern Christian literature explain our sonship as well as this one.
- Call to worship — Reading this book is less like reading a manual and more like being led into a temple to gaze upon the King.
Who Will Benefit Most #
This is not only for theologians or pastors but for any believer longing to break free from shallow religion. It will particularly serve those caught between head-knowledge and heart-relationship — urging them toward full union with Christ.
Final Reflection #
At its core, Knowing God is an extended meditation on Philippians 3:8:
“…I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (AMP).
It is a summons — not to busier Christian activity, but to deeper intimacy. And in that sense, it is timeless.
Final Rating: ★★★★★ — A modern classic that serves as both a theological anchor and a spiritual invitation.
~ Shaliach.
