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God: As He Longs for You to See Him

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God is often described as all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful. But are there other traits that we overlook? What is God really like? Can we truly put his eternal attributes into words? And how does the way we describe God affect our relationship with him? Best-selling author and speaker Chip Ingram helps readers answer these questions and more in this fascinating study of seven attributes of God. With engaging insight, Ingram guides readers through a challenging but accessible study of God's goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. Inspiring and perceptive, As He Longs for You to See Him may forever change the way readers see their Creator, even as it shows how their view of him influences every decision in their lives.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2004

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About the author

Chip Ingram

189 books232 followers
Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Josh Wilson.
46 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2013
Chip Ingram, God: As He Longs For You to See Him
Chip Ingram leans heavily on other authors in his devotionally oriented introduction to Theology Proper, God: As He Longs for You to See Him. Ingram begins with a person anecdote in which he describes his introduction to Tozer’s book Knowledge of the Holy while on a mission trip. With glowing praise, Ingram describes the impact the book had on his life and makes the argument that and individual’s worldview is shaped by their understanding of God. Ingram’s thesis is best captured by Tozer’s statement, “What comes to our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Ingram not only uses the quote as thesis but expounds on it for several chapters. In fact, the first fifty pages of the book essentially serve as introduction and an attempt to establish the topic’s relevance to the reader. During these pages, Chip traces our tendency to gravitate toward a stilted view of God and the dangerous consequences of bad theology.
Having discussed the value of a proper view of God at length, Ingram launches into a description of the seven attributes which he sees as most central to a proper understanding of the Creator. A chapter is devoted to God’s goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. In each chapter, Ingram puts forward a definition, lists several ways in which the attribute is revealed, and asks and answers the question, how do we respond to the attribute in question. He concludes each chapter with an assignment for the reader. He provides a definition and memory verse which he instructs the reader to write out on a 3x5 card and read each morning and evening in order to allow the attribute sink in. He then gives a written prayer to be recited daily, typically incorporating elements from the verse and definition. A ‘reflection,’ typically a personal illustration showing the relevance of the attribute in question to one’s worldview, brings each chapter to conclusion.
Overall, Ingram’s book is a helpful, if basic, devotional introduction to theology proper. The writing is straightforward and easy to follow and concepts are clearly explained from an orthodox, evangelical perspective with Arminian leanings. At times, the content drags or feels redundant, but Ingram’s personable style will be easily accessible, even for the individual unaware of even basic theological concepts. A good example of this is Ingram’s circumnavigation of the topic of Calvinism in his chapter of the sovereignty of God aside from some very general statements and book recommendations. Rather than trying to sort out the issues, Ingram simply states, “We don’t understand exactly how that works, and people who try to explain it generally fall into one of two major Christian camps” (91). The strategy, which seems customary for the book, reflects the authors pastoral rather than theological bent. In terms of content, the book is likely to disappoint all but the most introductory students of theology. The rare moments where the book achieves a profound insight, rest exclusively in the scattered quotations from A. W. Tozer or J. I Packer upon which Ingram leans heavily throughout. At times, Ingram’s theology could be improved-especially in chapter four where he is rather anthro-centric. Individuals who are new to theology and are looking for an accessible, devotional read will likely be blessed by Ingram’s practical tethering of every concept to an action point. Others are likely to find that the most helpful section of the book is the bibliography.
Profile Image for Jonathan Roberts.
2,287 reviews49 followers
June 24, 2018
Best Ingram book I have read. I am assigned to read these as a certification for ACSI so the fact they are homework has hurt my enthusiasm, but also the fact his books just seem like Christianese self-help books made me a little suspect, but this one was surprisingly good. Borrowing heavily from J.I. Packer and A.W. Tozer, and I mean HEAVILY!!! Probably be best to go read the books he borrowed from (Knowing God and Knowledge of The Holy, both great five star books, I love them both). But not a book I disliked and actually liked it.
Profile Image for Jo Ann.
360 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2021
I am having trouble rating this book because I did it as part of a Bible study, so it took months to get through. The videos that accompanied it helped the book become more relatable, but it is based on Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy and that book was excellent, so in comparison this one fell short.
Profile Image for Amanda Adams.
130 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
Overall, a great book about some (of the many) attributes of God. A good introduction for new believers and a good reminder for those who have been walking with the King for a while. Two criticisms:

1) The Gospel presentation in the justice chapter is good, though I disagree with Chip on p.165 that when people go to Hell, God didn't send them there; He is simply honoring their choice to be there since they rejected His way out of it. I believe the Bible teaches both that people choose to go there and that God sends them there (ex. Revelation 20:15, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" and Matthew 25:41:46 - God sends unbelievers away from Himself into eternal punishment). As the righteous judge, it is God who pronounces the condemnation and enacts the punishment (see also 2 Thess. 1:8-9).

2) I also thought the book sometimes leaned towards man-centeredness at times (ex. p.185), and less on God's glory; but taking the book as a whole, I think Chip balances that out. Ultimately, everything God does is for His magnification, even when He showers His love upon us. Keeping that truth in mind when reading through this book is helpful.
Profile Image for Illia Kuchynskyi.
11 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2025
Дуже раджу до прочитання молодим християнам
Не знаю чи є український переклад
Profile Image for Ifeoluwa  Shobande .
854 reviews
March 4, 2025
Those
who knows God has great energy for God.
When you have an accurate view
of God, you have energy to get into his Word.


Thank you, Chip Ingram
1,382 reviews
May 22, 2025
Very good. Inspiring, challenging, convicting, and uplifting. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Carissa.
40 reviews
February 3, 2023
God as He Longs for Us to See Him by Chip Ingram is a scripture filled, straight forward, quick read that discusses Gods attributes and He wants us to see Him. Chip breaks down the character of God and the four ways He reveals His wisdom. The first way is through his creation evidenced in the complexity of the smallest things. The second way is through his providence evidenced in history. The third way is through redemption evidenced in the Bible. The forth way is through his son evidenced through Jesus’ life and ministry.
Ingram also discusses God and His wisdom. He states that “we must learn to live wisely,” and then gave three points for how to live wisely which begins with reverence for God. It grows with receiving his word and it requires asking for it specifically. Most importantly remember God is Soverign...He can work all things out.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram at booksbrewsbotanicals
Profile Image for Melissa.
15 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
Life-changing, eye opening, incredible book!!! He really helps you understand God’s character in a simple yet effective way. I very highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Rachel  Jones.
15 reviews
December 9, 2025
This book acts as a re-focusing of a lens every time I read it. It helps me see God’s nature as described by the Bible and not by my own perceptions.
Profile Image for Julia.
143 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2017
The Real God: How He Longs For You To See Him by Chip Ingram is a study focusing on seven attributes of God - His goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. The purpose of this book is to shatter whatever preconceived notions you may have as to who or what God is, both in your life and in the universe, and to replace these concepts with a more accurate view of God, based on His holy scripture.

Ingram starts by explaining why and how so many of us have partial or inaccurate views of God, how this affects our world and those around us, and what we can do in order to try to realign our view with the view God wants us to have of Him. Ingram goes on to share personal stories, vivid examples, and lots of scriptural references to help us get a more refined and in-tune image, while stressing that we should not try to limit God to our earthly and human notions of what is - or is not - possible.

In this intense study, Ingram also weaves in suggestions, prayers, and action plans that will help us live out these seven main attributes in a more Christ-like and God-honoring fashion in our everyday lives. Our ultimate goal is to have a closer relationship with God, and honor him by assisting others in their relationship with him. This can only happen if we are open to seeing the real God - the God that is full of goodness, rules with absolute sovereignty, encompasses all holiness, has unlimited wisdom, yields perfect justice, and loves us unconditionally with endless faithfulness.

Each of the seven main attributes is designed to be a week-long focus, making this perfect for individual or small group study. This book is great for anyone who longs to have a closer personal relationship with God, or to better relate to, understand, and demonstrate any of the covered attributes. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a free print edition of this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Gini.
516 reviews21 followers
January 3, 2017
Ingram says up front that his desire for those that read this book is “to engage the reader in a lifelong pursuit of knowing, seeing, and experiencing the Real God.” (15) The Real God? He means the one found in Scripture who has not been conformed to my ideas or desires. So, is saying that I might have some distorted idea of God? The nerve! Yeah, that’s where I started with this book. Doesn’t give an author much room to work. I put the book down, went on vacation, and then came back to it, more just to get it off my to-do list than anything else.

Not only did I discover that I needed a vacation, but that over time I had acquired a distorted view of the God of the Bible. Time for some adjustment, and this book provided the means for that adjustment. Ingram uses an older book by Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, as a jumping off point for his work with this book. There are other books that address the attributes of God, too, but Ingram brings a more current vernacular with more current illustrations to his readers with this one. He also adds a tool he labeled B.I.O. (from bios meaning life) that gives the reader some action points related to the focus of each chapter. His aim to do more than put some information in front of his reader. Tozer had the same hope, I’m sure, but in a way that differed in accordance with his generation.

If you sense a drift in your own spiritual walk, or are just wanting to know who this God is that Christians talk about so much, I’d recommend this book to you. It’s not a speed read, but it will accomplish the desire the author has set forth in the beginning of his book.

I received this book from the publisher in return for a review

Profile Image for Sandra Weltzin.
1 review
January 8, 2023
This was a great book! I would highly recommend it, along with the companion workbook/study guide, and videos. They can be found online, including through the author's website. I watched all the related videos for free, which he has posted on YouTube. The author covers different material in each, so I would highly recommend reading and viewing all three for the full experience, although each is great on its own.

My church small group did a study last year using all three resources. The author, Chip Ingram, covered seven attributes of God in the book, which are: God's Goodness, Sovereignty, Holiness, Wisdom, Justice, Love, and Faithfulness. He has each chapter organized nicely, using a similar format for each attribute. The book also includes application activities near the end of each chapter.

There are many books that cover many of God's attributes, but I really loved the examples Chip gave in each chapter of the book, as well as in his videos, and in the workbook/study guide. A couple of my favorites include the train story (in the God's Wisdom chapter of the book...wow!!), as well as how Chip explained the process of holiness (Justification/Sanctification/Glorification) in his video, where he used an example of buying a house... Wow! What a great "reframing" example! (pun intended)

His book, videos, and workbook/study guide can be purchased through his website. Here is a link directly to all the resources: https://livingontheedge.org/series/th...

Here is a link to a playlist of all the related videos in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJT29...

Profile Image for Rachel.
7 reviews
March 31, 2017
Receiving a print copy of this book was more than a delighting surprise. It’s got a simple book cover. It’s kind of thick—almost 300 pages, but it’s never a boring read. All throughout, I’ve been eager to devour its every page, albeit the author did not have a sense of humor.

This is the first Chip Ingram book that I was able to read. I didn't know much about the author; but through this book, I got to know him—and the real God even better. The author succeeded in making the attributes of God more comprehensible for ordinary people like myself. It made a number of subjects—justification, sanctification, and glorification—clear to me.

My tears have welled up many times while devouring the gems in this book. It was able to draw me again and again to the God who’s so loving and faithful yet just.

I love the "Live It Out—B.I.O." portions. This is where readers are encouraged to pray about what has been covered by certain chapters. These include practical tips that we can apply to our lives and things that we can do alongside others. These prompted me to have the stuff written in these sections printed out on a few index cards for easy access.

Part of Chip Ingram’s life story, which he generously shared in this book, has encouraged me and even helped increase my faith in God.

Even before I read it in its entirety, it has already become one of my favorite books of all time! It even made me look forward to reading all of Chip Ingram’s other books.

Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,091 reviews9 followers
February 18, 2017
This is an amazing book! Chip starts out by explaining how important it is that we see God as He really is, not through the misconceptions so many of us have. If we truly saw Him, it would change our lives forever! Each chapter discusses an attribute of God, such as His goodness, His holiness and His sovereignty. He explains what the word really means, especially as it applies to God. Then he shows how God reveals this quality to us and how we should respond. He has a section for living it out, where he says to write a quote and a Scripture on a note card to read every day. He also includes a prayer, a Scripture passage to read, questions, ways to involve your friends or families and some action to take. Chip uses many stories from his own life in the book and explains how he struggled with understanding some of these qualities of God himself. He also uses a lot of Scripture and quotes from other theologians. This book really clarified attributes I knew God possessed, but explained them more thoroughly than I'd heard before. I learned a lot and was reminded of a lot I already knew. It was easy to read and kept my attention. I can't recommend it enough! I think everyone should read this book!

I received this book free from Baker Books.
Profile Image for Heather.
3,036 reviews19 followers
February 20, 2020
See God for Who He Is, Not What You Think He Ought To Be
Anyone who has tried to describe God to someone else, especially an unbeliever, knows that it is easy to find yourself at a loss for words. It seems that this part of our lives, which we claim is central, is often difficult to put into words. But if you know God, shouldn't you be able to describe him? What is he like? How can we put his eternal attributes into words?
Join Chip Ingram in this fascinating study of seven attributes of God: his goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. Readers will see God in a whole new light and discover that our view of God impacts every decision in our lives. It will change the way we pray, the way we live, and the way we think about the world around us.
God longs for us to know him as he really is. Get ready to meet God again for the first time.

Heather's Notes
I really liked this book. Why I did not learn anything "new", it helped me define some of my beliefs and allowed me to better explain how I believe God to be. It was also nice to be reminded of how he feels for me and His wants/plans for me. I will be looking at other things Chip has written
Profile Image for Megan.
625 reviews86 followers
July 11, 2018
How do you look at God? Do you think He's a killjoy, setting out rules, taking away your life, and making sure you never have any fun? Or maybe you've always thought of Him as sadistic and twisted, waiting to take you away, death by lightning bolt, at any moment? Do you think He's all loving, and never sends anyone to hell? Do you think He's too judgemental?

The Real God tackles our socialized views of God and replaces them with His real attributes. Through scripture, personal stories, and carefully applied logic, Chip Ingram addresses the lies we grow up believing and the fear and anger we often carry from let-downs and tragedies, revealing God as He really is - infinitely loving, infinitely just. Faithful, present, steadfast. A leader you can believe in and follow. If you want to see God for who He really is, or if you want to know what the Bible really says about His character (in context!) I recommend this book.

This is also a great study for couples and small groups.
Profile Image for Sarah Carter.
Author 5 books61 followers
January 26, 2017
“Misperceptions about God can certainly create a barrier in your relationship with him. And meanwhile, the friendship, love, and encouragement you could be sharing with your heavenly Father are never realized – all because of wrong assumptions about him.”

If you believe in God, you probably have a view of him that is shaped by your life experiences. Maybe you see him as an authoritarian telling you what you can and can’t do. Maybe you see him as a promise of success if you are good. If you examine how you view God, do you think it’s correct? Maybe there is more to Him that what you perceive.

I chose to read The Real God when I joined Baker Books Bloggers. Once a month, I can chose to select a book to review from an email they send out. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not read any other books by Chip Ingram.

Read more Here: http://sarahannecarter.com/the-real-g...
Profile Image for Mary Lou.
228 reviews10 followers
February 2, 2017
The Real God by Chip Ingram is scripturally sound and easy to understand. He dedicates this book to “all who earnestly seek to know God and reflect His likeness in every moment of every day in every way” ((Chip Ingram, The Real God , Baker Books, 2016, p. 7) Though the book is basically theological in content, Ingram writes using personal examples and anecdotes, helping the reader to understand and internalize each attribute. He tackles the doubts and questions people have about God’s character, and then shows how the natural order, the human heart, history, the Bible, and Jesus all reveal the attributes he highlights. The book is a helpful, readable resource on “how God longs for you to see him,” the book’s appropriate subtitle.. Four stars.
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 2/2/2017
Profile Image for Dan.
180 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2017
Who is God?

God has been defined, redefined, and then redefined again. Some say that God is this, some say that God is that. Many accept parts of God they like and reject parts that they do not. Others hold views that God is unreachable.

In his book, The Real God, Chip Ingram desires for his readers to come to an understanding of who God is. While a human cannot completely understand an infinite God, God has given us His Word to reveal Himself. Using the Bible as his foundation, Ingram teaches on seven attributes of God. By doing so, the reader should come away with a proper understanding and view of God that is Biblical and truthful.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
255 reviews
December 13, 2025
This book is a must read for every person. If you want a great view of God and even yourself this book is it. It is easy to read, but still spiritual deep. So many relatable points and practical advice. Chip does a great job of describing God, but in a way you want a relationship with Him...and giving you tools to grow your relationship with God. He makes a relationship with God feel attainable without minimizing God. He helps you flush out wrong views that you may of God due to other people and past circumstances. I have read this book twice now and would do it again. I own it and we have had our kids read it. Chip also has a wonderful podcast about each chapter for those who don't like to read or Moms who are just too busy to read. They are just as good as the book.
Profile Image for Blue North.
280 reviews
January 1, 2017
As I think of the attributes of God, in my mind there is an equation drawn. The closer I come to loving God and praising Him for His holiness, I will love myself and other people more each day. God is so big how is it possible to ever understand Him totally? Chip Ingram gives many scriptures to help us see God better and better each day. The book is easy to read. It's friendly. Sometimes the author shares stories from His personal experience and stories from the Bible. I especially liked reading about God's sovereignity. It is impossible to gulp the "The Real God" by Chip Ingram. It left me wanting to take time slowly remembering God's goodness and His justice.
Profile Image for Jocelin.
2,065 reviews48 followers
February 5, 2012
I thought this was a very interesting book. This is a good book for new christians, seekers & those wanting to familiarize themselves with Chip Ingram. The book really started off good for me but, somehow I was looking for a little more sustenance. If I were a newer Christian it would be very engaging. Mr. Ingram keeps it light & easy. I wanted more depth. He is a great writer and the book was very easy to get into. This book could be a great starter for discussion groups. If you are seeking something easy and not hard to explain; this your book.
Profile Image for Karen.
74 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2013
Actually -- although my "books list" does not show it, I started this book in September with a group of women from my church. It's a great study and we had wonderful discussion around the table. It doesn't cover all the attributes of God. (Could any book do that?! He's incomprehensible!) But I am encouraged by this study to look for His attributes every day and to give God glory in the presence of others for who He is in my life.
Profile Image for Amanda.
478 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2017
Reading slowly through this book, it was a great study into the character traits of God. The way Chip describes them, challenges you with action items at the end of the chapter, and brings in his own personal stories was majorly impactful.
We read this as a group study and I loved talking about it each week. The way he wrote about some of the characteristics really helped change my heart in certain areas.
84 reviews
June 4, 2016
Chip Ingram provides a good study of several different aspects of God. He expounds on some of the lessons he learned from AW Tozer.

His goal is to get our knowledge of God to move from our head into our hearts.

It was a good book to read together with a group of friends and discuss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews