Banner of Truth has recently released a new title by Terry L. Johnson: The Identity and Attributes of God. This is a book that I cannot recommend highly enough! Let me explain why.
We were created to know God! We have been saved in order to know God! There is nothing that could lead us to greater worship than when we meditate upon who God is! For that reason, it is very important for every Christian to spend time studying God’s Word to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s identity and His attributes.
Another Book on God’s Attributes?
Serious students of God’s attributes cannot help but think of men such as Stephen Charnock, George Swinnock, Richard Baxter, William Gurnall, Thomas Brooks, and many more. Many of the Reformers, Puritans, and Dutch Reformed have produced works on God’s attributes that are sure to stir your soul to blessed worship.
So why the need for another book on the subject? Though there are sure to be multiple answers to that question, let me provide you with the one that I am most satisfied in.
Johnson not only writes much original material in this work, but he also engages with all of those giants who have written before him. Nearly every page in this book has a footnote, and that is due to his constant quoting of all of the majestic writings on this topic that have been published over the last 2,000 years.
The bibliography is 14 pages long, containing the works of those who have written of the glorious identity and attributes of our God. Johnson cites men of old such as Augustine and Cyril of Alexandria. He cites the Reformers, men like Luther and Calvin. He cites the Puritans. He also deals with the writings of contemporaries such as R.C. Sproul and John Murray.
Johnson has provided us with a book that is essentially a one-stop-shop on the attributes of God! This is not to discourage anybody from reading the original works, but it most certainly a blessing to find so much gold in one place! This compendium of works on the attributes is the result of Johnson’s thorough study of the topic in order to teach and preach on the topic to his local church. We have much to be grateful for here!
Some of the men just mentioned can be quite difficult to read (though that should not deter you from doing so). Having said that, Johnson writes in a beautiful manner that is also very understandable and easy to read (even for the newer Christian). His wording is smooth, often concise, and readable to the point that you don’t need to re-read every sentence in order to understand it (like is often necessary for the Puritans, for instance). Not only does he write in an understanding manner, but he also writes about the attributes in a way that allows Christians to apply the doctrine of God to their lives.
Features of The Identity and Attributes of God
- Very readable and understandable
- Gold-mine for quotes about the attributes of God
- Could be used as a devotional due to its constant dealing with Scripture
- A whole lot of ground is covered in less than 350 pages
- Index of Scripture references in the back if you desire to study a specific verse
- Excellent way to interact with the spiritual giants who have written about this topic
- Beautiful cloth-bound book with an attractive dust-jacket
- Extremely pastoral and practical
Drawbacks to The Identity and Attributes of God
- None worthy of mentioning in this review!
Cost of The Identity and Attributes of God
Note: Affiliate links are used where appropriate. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission if you purchase through our links. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
The Identity and Attributes of God is currently being sold at BannerofTruth.org for $26.10.
The book is also available at Amazon.com ($29), christianbook.com ($20.99), and any other place that Christian books are sold. (Note that prices are current at the time of this post and may likely change.)
Summary
If you are a Christian, then this needs to be a book that you read. You will grow in your love and adoration for the Lord as you set your mind on the Lord’s attributes and identity!
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book on behalf of an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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