J. I. Packer

Date of Birth: July 22, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 17, 2020

Biography

James Innell Packer, widely known as J. I. Packer, was an influential Anglican cleric, theologian, and writer. Born in Gloucester, England, Packer showed an early aptitude for academics and spirituality. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in theology from Oxford University, where he studied under the renowned theologian C. S. Lewis. Packer became a prominent figure within the evangelical community, particularly known for his work on the doctrine of sanctification and the authority of Scripture. His most famous book, “Knowing God,” published in 1973, has sold over a million copies and remains a seminal work in Christian theology. Packer served as a professor at various institutions, including Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, where he spent the latter part of his career. His theological contributions have had a lasting impact on evangelical thought, emphasizing the importance of understanding and experiencing God personally.

5 Interesting Facts about J. I. Packer

1. J. I. Packer was hit by a bread truck at the age of seven, which left him with a significant head injury and a visible scar that he carried throughout his life.

2. He was a key figure in the development of the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.

3. Packer was named one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America by Time magazine in 2005.

4. Despite his Anglican affiliation, Packer was highly regarded in many evangelical circles, transcending denominational boundaries.

5. He was a contributor to the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, ensuring its faithfulness to the original texts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from J. I. Packer

1. “Theology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness.”

2. “There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them.”

3. “Knowing God is a relationship calculated to thrill a person’s heart.”

4. “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”

5. “To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

J. I. Packer’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, as he was primarily known for his academic and theological contributions rather than financial wealth. His influence and legacy in the Christian community are immeasurable.

Children

J. I. Packer and his wife, Kit, had three children: Ruth, Naomi, and Martin. He often spoke about the importance of family and faith, and his children followed in his spiritual footsteps, contributing to their communities in various ways.