There are some books that come along that can be described as instant classics. One such book is Mark Jones latest release, Knowing Christ. A noted expert in the writings of the Puritan authors, Jones examines in this book twenty-seven aspects that help us understand our Savior.
We say we Jesus, but do we really know Him in an intimate relationship? In order to have this intimate knowledge of our Savior, we must dig into Scripture to understand who He is, why He came, what He did on our behalf, and how all that impacts our life. Jones aptly notes in the introduction, “We can only love him more by knowing him better – which takes us beyond conceptual to relational knowledge. ‘To know’ in the Bible can very often mean to have a concern about something that involves the understanding of the mind, the movement of the will, and the application of the heart. ‘To know’ means ‘to know with particular interest’ or ‘to set one’s affections upon’.” The outstanding aspect of Jones’ book is it is directly focused on helping the reader grow in their affections for and love for Jesus.
Each chapter begins with a passage of Scripture, followed by explanation and application. Jones, in the tradition of the great Puritan authors, provides salient theological insight on a number of important truths such as the incarnation of Christ, the divinity of Christ, the humiliation of Christ, and other aspects such as the prayers of Christ, His names, offices, and events such as the transfiguration, death, and resurrection. Interspersed throughout his commentary in this book on what it means to know Christ are valuable quotes from a number of Puritan authors that are not just filler for the book. Conversely, these comments from men such as John Owen, Stephen Charnock, Thomas Goodwin, as well as many other godly authors of old.
I came away after reading this book more fully aware of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I highly recommend Mark Jones book for all believers. It is written in such a way that it would be valuable as a devotional tool or as a useful means by which to study the person and work of Christ. Furthermore, I would recommend J. I. Packer’s classic work Knowing God as a companion piece to Jone’s book. Both will serve you well in your biblical studies.
I received this book for free from Banner of Truth and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Michael lives in Belleville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis, MO with his wife Erica, adopted daughter Alissa, two cats Molly and Sweetie Pie and horse Beckham. After spending eight years in the United States Navy as a Yeoman, he has been employed for the past ten years by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) where he oversees advanced educational programs. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion (Biblical Studies) from Liberty University and is currently closing in on completing a Master of Arts in Religion (Biblical Studies) from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an avid reader and blogger.
