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Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding Introduction to the Essentials of the Faith
Review: J.I. Packer, who wrote such essential works as "Knowing God" and "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", is wonderfully qualified to bring us this special little (267 pages) book, which in the words of Westminster Seminary professor Sinclair B. Ferguson "will serve equally well as an introduction to doctrine, a manual of theological terms, or a devotional study" (to which one might only add that it serves as a wonderful text for a group study as well).The book is divided into 4 main sections, specifically "God Revealed as Creator," "God Revealed as Redeemer," "God Revealed as Lord of Grace," and "God Revealed as Lord of Destiny." These broad divisions are then subdivided into almost 100 short (2-4 pages) chapters, with topics ranging from "The Fall" to "The State". Not exactly a catechism, it is excellent medicine for a catechism-starved world, where vast numbers of Christians would have enormous difficultly even defining many of the most basic terms -- not to mention the most essential doctrines -- of our faith. Finally, for those unfamiliar with Packer, he is Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a senior editor of Christianity Today. He holds the D.Phil. from Oxford University, and is one of the world's most prominent Reformed theologians.
Rating:
Summary: For Short Readings
Review: Many people like to pick up a book, read a couple of pages, and think about it. While upholding all of the wonderful things said in previous reviews, I would also like to add that this book is perfect for those who enjoy short readings. All of the major doctrines of the Christian faith are summarized and excellently presented in small chapters or sections of just a few pages. I went through this book in about a year and fully enjoyed it. In my opinion this book treats much of the same material found in "Knowing God" but in a more didactic, outlined manner. It is also a great quick reference of cardinal doctrinal points. It is condensed truth.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice Theological Text to Certain Essential Doctrines
Review: This book is a type of compact dictionary (albeit it is not in alphabetical order). Packer simply goes through many of the essential teachings of the Scriptures and describes them. The book is divided into 4 major parts. The major parts are as follows; Part 1 "God Revealed as Creator," this part deals with God's attributes and His revealed Word (i.e. the Scriptures). Part 2 is titled "God Revealed as Redeemer." This part deals with the fall, original sin, the Law, prophets, worship, grace, the life and actions of Jesus, etc. Part 3 is titled "God Revealed as Lord of Grace." This Part deals with salvation, election, regeneration, and all that is involved in the justification and sanctification doctrines. Part 4 is titled "God revealed as Lord of Destiny." This final part deals with judgment, hell, mortality, perseverance, heaven, etc. The book is a nice little theological treatise that gives solid and concise details of each of the essential tenets of the Christian faith.
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