What a great commendation - John Piper has been a key teacher to many of us, and he gives testimony that J.I. Packer is among the top 5 influences in Piper's own life and ministry among those living during his life time. The reason is their joint love for the Lord and His Word, and the desire to make it practical and useful to His church. Packer is now overflowing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
2 Timothy 2 :1-2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
It moved me not only to hear the great eulogy and celebration of Dr. J. I. Packer's life but also how endearing is the narration from another great hero of faith Dr. John Piper, who the Lord graciously gave us in our generation. "Lord, may Thy rich favour and blessings be upon Thy servants and our heros of faith, esp. in a world growing cold. Bless Dr. Piper much more than ever."
Sad to hear of J.I. Packer's passing (though it is a passing into glory). He has left an incredible legacy as a giant of 20th Century Christianity. Everyone should read Knowing God.
Don’t fall for the logical error of either or thinking: it is both gratitude for the past AND the hope of our future. Both are Biblically supported. And if you add love of GOD to those, you have a triple chord of motivation for every moment of every day. Thank you for your contributions to Theology and Spirituality!!
Regarding the driving force of the Christians life, I just finished 'Knowing God' and recall the 'Sons of God' (adoption) chapter, in which Packer strongly implied that hope of gain is indeed a driving force. "New Testament Christianity is a religion of hope, a faith that looks forward.... [to the] family gathering, as the great host of the redeemed meet together in face-to-face fellowship with their Father-God and Jesus their brother." Perhaps a heart of gratitude and the hope of gain are two sides of the same 'sonship' coin. We have hearts of gratitude not only because Christ suffered unfathomably to pardon us, but also because his sacrifice gives us the certain hope of the glory of God. In other words, we have hearts of gratitude for our undeserved hope of gain.
I love the tribute to Packer, I never knew his work but hearing your passion for him and his work inspired me to look into into it :) I have to say one thing though, John Piper, one day many people will be speaking about you the way you speak about Packer. You’ve done great things through this ministry too, and I know there are a lot of people who are grateful for it.
Great conversation! I see J. I. Packer on the same light as Piper, a humble servant joyfully talking about God. And the thing quoted about Ryle is what I think is most beautiful on his character also, that in his writing he clearly is a person talking to me as a person. I can feel that he is indeed my brother talking to me about our older and beloved Brother. I pray that God may give me the same loving, welcoming speech.
Maybe what Dr Packer meant by "hope of gain" is what our prayers are too often filled with...me, me, me, and my little selfish desires, not gratitude to God for all I already have!
I agree. I just finished 'Knowing God' and even if he didn't explicitly say that the hope of gain should be a driving force for Christian living, he strongly implied it. In the 'Sons of God' (adoption) chapter he wrote "New Testament Christianity is a religion of hope, a faith that looks forward.... [to the] family gathering, as the great host of the redeemed meet together in face-to-face fellowship with their Father-God and Jesus their brother."
the Puritans despised Catholicism but Packer believed that you could find God in the Roman Catholic church and their salvation by works. Much disappoint.
