Posted on July 11, 2010 - by Andy Cheung

Free book online: J. I. Packer, Truth & Power: The Place of Scripture in the Christian Life

J. I. Packer, Truth & Power: The Place of Scripture in the Christian Life, Harold Shaw Publishers, Wheaton, IL: 1996.

A friend once asked me where my interest in Bible translation originates and my answer was that it stems from the doctrine of Scripture. A great place to understand the place of the Bible is Packer’s excellent little book, which is now available for free online at http://www.ccel.us/packer.toc.html
Here is the blurb on the back cover:

In the face of theological upheavals and trendy philosophies, J.I. Packer boldly challenges the church to keep the Bible and keep to the Bible. Through centuries of use, abuse and disuse, the Bible remains the foundational document of the Christian faith.

In this book the author offers a masterful overview of the doctrine of Scripture. Beginning with the authority of the Bible, he then considers how it has been challenged through church history. In addition he examines the unity of the Bible, methods of interpreting it and the role the Bible must play in preaching. Through all of this Packer demonstrates how the Bible offers each Christian the spiritual essentials of life, health and peace.

Here is a careful and colorful restatement of the grand truths about God’s Word and the church.

Dr Packer is Professor of Theology at Regents College in Vancouver, British Columbia.