Growing in Christ

“Growing in Christ is a classic from the pen of the late J. I. Packer. I am happy to see this concise introduction to the Christian faith republished for a new generation. In 64 short readings of about 1,000 words each, Dr. Packer delivers a popular-level overview of the Apostles’ Creed, baptism, conversion, prayer, and the Ten Commandments. The brief readings include biblical references for further study and good questions to awaken personal meditations and to inspire group discussions (as originally intended). Highly commended.”

“J. I. Packer was first and foremost a catechist, someone who teaches Christians everything they need to know in order to grow in Christ and become good citizens of the gospel. Packer is here in fine form, ‘packing’ a lot into unpacking the three formulas that have historically been central in making disciples: the Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and Ten Commandments. As he shrewdly points out, no one is a Christian by instinct; one has to learn faith in Christ. It is only fitting, then, that he includes a study of baptism, the practice that goes hand in glove with becoming a Christian. For dying and rising with Christ, which baptism enacts, is the way we live and grow in Christ.”

“For the follower of Jesus who desires to grow in Christ, there is perhaps no better place to begin than thorough understanding and prayerful application of core Christian doctrines: the Apostles’ Creed, the sacrament of baptism, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. J. I. Packer walks the new and growing believer through these ‘building blocks’ of the faith with clarity, accessibility, and thorough explanation. What a wonderful tool for your own growth as a Christian, or for your discipleship and encouragement of other growing believers in Jesus!”

“Over the decades, J. I. Packer’s work guided me to know God better and then to faithfully tell others the good news. Now we have this treasure of a book for a post-Christian world: fresh, instructive, classically Packer. Read this book to grow, but don’t keep it to yourself; be sure to pass it around.”