Growing In Christ

At this point, J.I. Packer is one of the elder statesmen among orthodox Protestant theologians. A long life dedicated to God and to preaching the truth of His Word has led Packer to be perennially respected, and even today his classic Knowing God is a sort of gold standard among those wanting to pursue true spirituality.

Intended as a follow-up to Knowing God, Packer's more obscure Growing in Christ provides a solid doctrinal foundation for our knowledge of God, participation in the covenant community, and personal sanctification. To do this, Packer use sthe Apostles' Creed, baptism, the Lord's Prayer,and the Ten Commandments.

One of the reasons Packer has remained so popular for so long is his ability to make complex ideas accessible and coherent for laypeople, and he's certainly at the top of his form here. But Growing in Christ isn't just about theological concepts: it's about the ways those concepts and doctrines ought to shape our lives and draw us nearer to the Saviour.

The text is intended both for individuals and study groups. Passages for further Bible reading and discussion/thought questions wrap up each short chapter, reminding us that the Bible is our ultimate standard for all of faith and life, and that the Christian faith requires effort on our part as we grapple with the truths in God's revelation.

A Reformed Anglican, Packer approaches topics (including baptism) from that perspective, though you don't have to be Reformed (and you certainly don't have to be Anglican) to benefit from this excellent catechesis for adults. New believers will be given a firm foundation for doctrine and practice, and longtime Christians will be reminded of the centrality of Christ, as well as of our duty to grow in Him and be transformed by His holiness and grace.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.