J. I. Packer Quotes

Powerful J. I. Packer for Daily Growth

About J. I. Packer

James Innell Packer, more commonly known as J.I. Packer, was a prominent British Christian theologian and author born on September 22, 1926, in Gloucester, England. Raised in a devout Anglican family, his early religious education laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Packer studied mathematics and theology at Oxford University, where he was influenced by notable theologians such as C.S. Lewis and T.F. Torrance. In 1951, Packer moved to Canada to serve as an assistant pastor at All Souls Church in Langham, Ontario. It was during his time there that he published his first book, "Freedom of the Will," a study of the philosophical and theological aspects of human freedom. Packer's most influential work came with the publication of "Knowing God" in 1973. This book, which explores the nature of the knowledge of God, became a seminal text for evangelicals around the world. His clear and accessible writing style made complex theological concepts approachable to a wide audience. In 1961, Packer co-founded the Navigator's "Students' Own Evangelism" movement in Britain. Later, he was a central figure in the conservative resurgence within Anglicanism, advocating for biblical literalism and orthodoxy. He returned to Oxford as a professor of theology in 1992. Throughout his life, Packer remained active in theological education, writing numerous books and articles that delved into various aspects of Christian doctrine. His works continue to influence evangelical Christianity worldwide. Packer passed away on July 17, 2020, leaving behind a significant legacy in the field of Christian theology.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Knowing is my business; knowing as God as he truly is is my heart's passion."

This quote by J. I. Packer indicates that understanding, especially a deep and genuine understanding of God, is not just his professional pursuit but also an intense personal desire. He is expressing a strong devotion to the quest for knowledge about God, viewing it as both a career and an emotional passion.

"God is not primarily an object of our discovery, but a subject who reveals himself to us in his own good time and way."

This quote by J.I. Packer emphasizes that God cannot be fully understood through human observation or scientific investigation alone. Instead, He reveals Himself to us at His own pace and in His own way. It suggests that understanding God is more about receiving divine revelation than it is about human discovery. In other words, God is not a puzzle to be solved, but a relationship to be nurtured.

"We are not necessarily doubting God's goodness. We are wondering why He allows evil."

This quote by J. I. Packer highlights the human struggle with understanding God's nature in light of the existence of evil. The speaker is questioning not God's inherent goodness, but rather seeking an explanation for why a benevolent deity would permit suffering and evil in the world. It underscores a common human dilemma: reconciling our belief in a loving God with the presence of pain and injustice in the world.

"Faith is a stride, not a stare; it is a forward step taken by man on the basis of knowledge freely received from God."

This quote by J.I. Packer suggests that faith is not just passive acceptance or belief without action, but rather an active step taken in response to the knowledge of God. It implies that faith propels us forward, guiding us as we walk our life's path, and it requires a dynamic relationship between humans and God - one where we actively respond to the knowledge we receive from Him. In other words, faith is not about standing still with unwavering gaze, but rather taking a bold step forward in trust and obedience.

"Don't pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is what he is on his knees."

This quote by J.I. Packer emphasizes the importance of a consistent prayer routine rather than relying only on spontaneous or occasional prayers. The phrase "Don't pray when you feel like it" suggests that we should make prayer an integral part of our daily life, not just something we do whenever we happen to feel particularly devout or emotional. The idea of having an "appointment with the Lord" implies setting aside specific time for prayer, treating it as a scheduled commitment similar to other important tasks in our lives. By keeping this appointment, we demonstrate our dedication and reverence towards God. Lastly, the statement "A man is what he is on his knees" suggests that the quality of one's character and spiritual development may be reflected in their prayer life. This quote encourages individuals to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with God through consistent prayer, understanding that it plays a significant role in shaping who they are as individuals.

Evangelical churches are weaker than we realize because we don't teach the confessions and doctrine.

- J. I. Packer

Teach, Than, Evangelical, Weaker

I'm saying that an editorial process that is preparing the material for publication counts as part of the inspiring process whereby God, in his sovereignty, gave every word.

- J. I. Packer

Process, Editorial, Counts, Publication

I never get to the end of mortifying sin because sin in my heart, where it's still marauding even though it's no longer dominant, sin in my heart is constantly expressing itself in new disorderly desires.

- J. I. Packer

New, Still, Though, Disorderly

Christianity has stayed stable, as it must do. The doctrines don't change. The understanding of what it means to walk with God doesn't change. The reality of worship doesn't change, not at heart, anyway. So Christianity appears to be stuck.

- J. I. Packer

Change, Christianity, Means, Doctrines

The books of C.S. Lewis had a very profound, indirect effect on me.

- J. I. Packer

Profound, Very, Books, Lewis

In some Old Testament books, it's very evident that an editor has been at work. That's quite all right. It's part of the process.

- J. I. Packer

Some, Very, Editor, Evident

I'm not against technology, but all tools should be used to their best advantage. We should be spending our time on things that have staying power, instead of on the latest thought of the latest blogger - and then moving on quickly to the next blogger.

- J. I. Packer

Thought, Next, Against, Our Time

My advice to a new husband is nothing more than 'husbands, love your wives.' And 'love your wife as Christ has loved the church.' Never forget that you are Christ's representative in serving your wife.

- J. I. Packer

Love, New, Christ, Serving

I must ask the Lord to direct the Holy Spirit within me to drain the life out of sin and in prayer.

- J. I. Packer

Holy, Within, Lord, Drain

I'm amazed at the amount of time people spend on the Internet.

- J. I. Packer

Time, Amount, Spend, Amazed

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