Keep in Step with the Spirit

This book is more systematic than "Knowing God", but it cuts as deep. He addresses two major views of holiness: "Keswick Teaching" and Pentacostalism. He carefully shows the strengths and weaknesses of each movement. He then shows scripturally what is the correct view of the Holy Spirit work in our lives. Packer likes to call himself a "Packer of Theology" and this book takes careful reading. He often lists several scriptural references to make his point and then he is off to the next point. He carefully states his argument and tries to make sure the reader does take his point any further than it should go. The style seems dry at times, but when you read and meditate on what he is writing, the book is an incredible motivator to live in holiness. Although this book is a harder read than either "Knowing God" or "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", the book is more challenging spiritually. Once again he uses the Puritan writers to good effect. Read and enjoy. Drink deeply of the scriptural truths detailed in the pages of this book.

This work is a classic, though a little known one. I'm so glad this has been updated and reprinted. It is simply the best and most balanced book on the Holy Spirit I've ever read. Packer's critique of the Charismatic movement is especially balanced and perceptive. And his writing on the role of the Spirit is deep, on target, yet easy to understand. I will pound the table and recommend this book for any serious Christian. Mark Marshall author, God Knows What It's Like to be a Teenager

Dr. J.I. Packer is known as a remarkable theologian. Some of his books have impacted my life in powerful ways like his classic's KNOWING GOD or EVANGELISM & THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT is no different! It is a remarkable look at the person and work of the Holy Spirit while Dr. Packer gives a graceful look at various other Christian views on the Holy Spirit and His works. If for no other reason, I would urge Christians to purchase this book for chapter 4: Versions of Holiness. This chapter alone is worth the read. Dr. Packer dives into various Christian views of how Christians are to live holy lives. He then proceeds to offer the positives and negatives of other views. He ends by leading the disciple to a deeper understand of what it truly means to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Dr. Packer lives up to his name and "packs" this book full of important information about the biblical teachings on Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, along with a healthy dose of history and a fair, yet critical, look at modern trends regarding the Holy Spirit. Most helpful of all is his chapter outlining the basics of biblical holiness. His main points are as follows:1. The Nature of Holiness is Transformation through Consecration 2. The Context of Holiness is Justification through Jesus Christ 3. The Root of Holiness is Cocrucifixion and Coresurrection with the Lord Jesus Christ 4. The Agent of Holiness is the Holy Spirit 5. The Experience of Holiness is one of Conflict 6. The Rule of Holiness is God's Revealed Law 7. The Heart of Holiness is the Spirit of LoveHis exposition of those points is worth its weight in gold. Then his application of those principles to the various schools of thought regarding sanctification (Augustinian, Wesleyan Perfectionism, and Keswick "Higher Life") is perceptive and accurate. Chapters 5 and 6 focus on the charismatic movement, in which Packer ventures both positive and negative comments. His critique is helpful, though maybe not as stout as some Reformed types would like. His attitude remains benevolent throughout.All in all, this is a good book and worthy of being read by the thoughtful, Biblically-based reader. I would recommend that it be balanced with some other conservative treatments on the Holy Spirit.