logo
Truth and Power: The Place of Scripture in the Christian Life, By J. I. Packer

Truth and Power

The Place of Scripture in the Christian Life

New Edition

by J. I. Packer
Foreword by Kevin DeYoung

Truth and Power
Paperback
$21.99
  • Length: 208 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.5 in
  • Published: November 17, 2026
  • Imprint: IVP
  • ISBN: 9781514017425
Other Formats:

A Higher View and a Deeper Love for God's Word

In a world full of theological upheaval and trendy philosophies, Truth and Power's bold challenge for the church to remain committed to Scripture is as relevant todayas when it was first written. Through centuries of use, abuse, and disuse, the Bible remains the foundational document of the Christian faith.

From J. I. Packer, beloved theologian and author of Knowing God, Truth and Power explores how the Bible should shape every aspect of Christian discipleship. In this time-tested and masterful overview of the doctrine of Scripture, Packer offers both lifelong believers and new Christians thoughtful, personal guide to understanding Scripture's rightful place in the Christian life.

In Truth and Power, Packer

  • Explores the true place, use and benefit of the Bible in the Christian life;
  • Examines Scripture's authority, methods ofinterpretation, and its role in preaching, the church, and the life of the individual believer;
  • Invites you to move from a shallow cultural Christianity to a vibrant faith that testifies to the truth and power of God's Word; and
  • Helps Christians rightly value the Bible and understand its necessity for spiritual health without elevating it to a place of idolatry.

This book shows how love for God's Word opens the door to spiritual life in Christ. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Packer's theological insights or discovering his wisdom for the first time, this newly republished edition encourages you to gain not only a better understanding of the place of the Bible but also a deeper love for it.

REVIEWS

"We can read the Bible in one of two ways. Either we scrutinize it, looking for its oppressive claims and dated errors. Or we receive the Bible as a shaft of light coming down from God above, illuminating our path in this dark world, strengthening us with courage and guiding us safely home. With reasoned argument and prophetic boldness, J. I. Packer helps us break free from that first mentality and enter into the joy of the second. His book is now more relevant than ever."Ray Ortlund, president of Renewal Ministries
"What stands out upon reading this classic is how little the questions have changed. Decades later, the debates over Scripture's authority, inspiration, and inerrancy remain with us—as do the subtle ways we sidestep its commands and diminish the centrality of God's Word in our churches. J. I. Packer reintroduces us to the battles of previous generations, warns us about the dead ends, and sends us back to the Word as a lamp to our feet."Trevin Wax, vice president of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board and author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy and The Gospel Way Catechism
"Here is a robust evangelical account of what the Bible is and how to read it, faithfully and fruitfully, by one who, in his own words, was both an observer and a participant in the twentieth century 'battle for the Bible.' Twenty-first century Christians would do well to attend this veteran's testimony. J. I. Packer is a reliable guide to historic Christian truth and to the perennial need to read the Bible on its own terms, enlightened by the Spirit and in the communion of the saints. Doing so leads to understanding . . . and prevents us from being captive to our own thoughts, times, and traditions."Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Blanchard Professor of Systematic Theology at the Litfin Divinity School at Wheaton College
"With an irenic spirit and remarkable wisdom, J. I. Packer soars to rare theological heights while revealing in down-to-earth ways how authentic Christian faith is forever marked and formed by the written Word of God. Reading this truly outstanding book is to delightfully rediscover a buried treasure that has only grown in its great value over time. Truth and Power will not only bring compelling clarity to your mind, but your faith will be fortified, your imagination stretched, and the loves of your heart reordered. A must-read for the thoughtful follower of Jesus."Tom Nelson, executive chairman of Made to Flourish and author of The Flourishing Pastor
More

Read an Excerpt

CONTENTS

Table of contents forthcoming

More

You May Also Like

God and Molecules: Chemical Evolution and Divine Providence, By Ross Hastings
God and Molecules
Pastoring for Monday: Help Your Congregation Integrate Faith and Work, By Matt Rusten
Pastoring for Monday
To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times, By Alan Noble
To Live Well
Wounds That Heal: Bringing Our Hurts to the Cross, By Stephen Seamands
Wounds That Heal
Savoring Childhood: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down, By Grace P. Pouch
Savoring Childhood
My Heart--Christ's Home Retold for Children, By Carolyn Nystrom and Robert Boyd Munger
My Heart--Christ's Home Retold for Children
Ten: Words of Life for an Addicted, Compulsive, Cynical, Divided and Worn-Out Culture, By Sean Gladding
Ten
The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives, By Ryan P. Tinetti
The Quiet Ambition
When Life Feels Empty: 7 Ancient Practices to Cultivate Meaning, By Isaac Serrano
When Life Feels Empty
The Glory of the Ascension: Celebrating a Doctrine for the Life of the Church, By Ross Hastings
The Glory of the Ascension

ABOUT J. I. Packer

J. I. Packer

J. I. Packer (1926–2020) is regarded as one of the most well-known theologians of our time. Once named to Time magazine's list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America, Packer served as Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His books include Knowing God, Praying, A Quest for Godliness, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and Rediscovering Holiness.

Related Titles