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Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity
Who are you? What defines you? What makes you, you?
In the past an individual's identity was more predictable than it is today. Life's big questions were basically settled before you were born: where you'd live, what you'd do, the type of person you'd marry, your basic beliefs, and so on. Today personal identity is a do-it-yourself project. Constructing a stable and satisfying sense of self is hard amidst relationship breakdowns, the pace of modern life, the rise of social media, multiple careers, social mobility, and so on. Ours is a day of identity angst.
Known by God is built on the observation that humans are inherently social beings; we know who we are in relation to others and by being known by them. If one of the universal desires of the self is to be known by others, being known by God as his children meets our deepest and lifelong need for recognition and gives us a secure identity. Rosner argues that rather than knowing ourselves, being known by God is the key to personal identity.
He explores three biblical angles on the question of personal identity: being made in the image of God, being known by God and being in Christ. The notion of sonship is at the center - God gives us our identity as a parent who knows his child. Being known by him as his child gives our fleeting lives significance, provokes in us needed humility, supplies cheering comfort when things go wrong, and offers clear moral direction for living.
In the past an individual's identity was more predictable than it is today. Life's big questions were basically settled before you were born: where you'd live, what you'd do, the type of person you'd marry, your basic beliefs, and so on. Today personal identity is a do-it-yourself project. Constructing a stable and satisfying sense of self is hard amidst relationship breakdowns, the pace of modern life, the rise of social media, multiple careers, social mobility, and so on. Ours is a day of identity angst.
Known by God is built on the observation that humans are inherently social beings; we know who we are in relation to others and by being known by them. If one of the universal desires of the self is to be known by others, being known by God as his children meets our deepest and lifelong need for recognition and gives us a secure identity. Rosner argues that rather than knowing ourselves, being known by God is the key to personal identity.
He explores three biblical angles on the question of personal identity: being made in the image of God, being known by God and being in Christ. The notion of sonship is at the center - God gives us our identity as a parent who knows his child. Being known by him as his child gives our fleeting lives significance, provokes in us needed humility, supplies cheering comfort when things go wrong, and offers clear moral direction for living.
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2017
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245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 30, 2022
We all desire to be intimately known. Rosner shows that the God of scripture does know me, furthermore he delights in me. That is rest for my soul.
February 17, 2023
Excellent book on what it means to be a human.
December 14, 2017
Brian S. Rosner is Principal of Ridley College Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. He formerly taught at Moore Theological College, Macquarie University, and the University of Aberdeen and is the author of numerous books, such as Paul and the Law: Keeping the Commandments of God (IVP Academic, 2013), The Consolations of Theology (Eerdmans, 2008), and Greed as Idolatry: The Origin and Meaning of a Pauline Metaphor (Eerdmans, 2007). Most Recently, Rosner aptly bridges a much-needed theological “identity” gap with a new, informative volume in Zondervan’s Biblical Theology for Life series.
Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity is divided into three major parts: (1) Queuing the Questions, (2) Arriving at Answers, and (3) Reflecting on Relevance. The initial section seeks to uncover the probing questions concerning personal identity. What defines you? Who are you? What makes you, you? These questions become the framework for the following sections. The second section encompasses the majority of the book and seeks to explore various aspects of how identity angst forces us towards a stable and satisfying sense of self (p. 38). First, Rosner examines the foundations of personal identity through traditional identity markers (i.e. age, race, occupation, possessions, religion, etc.). Second, Rosner directs attention towards the biblical portrait of human identity before grounding such as the culmination of being known by God. The third section explores some of the practical implications and personal benefits that flow from the identity of being known by God (i.e. significance, humility, comfort, direction, etc.).
The biblical theological portrait that Rosnor paints is saturated in gospel reflection that gives both life and worth to a needing world. Known by God is both timely and timeless. Rosner is keenly aware of the cultural confusion that soaks the social landscape of the twenty-first century, and a book of this scope lands with immediate weight. But, then again, a book of this magnitude has potential to land with such weight regardless of time and space. Known by God uncovers an identity eternally established in the creative work of God and the value that comes from being intimately known by him, and him alone. Rosner offers readers a brilliant exploration of personal identity that is landmarked with careful exegesis of both the Old and New Testament, and further overflows with spiritual encouragement. Readers will appreciate the ability that Rosner demonstrates in moving from questions to cultural engagement, then to the biblical text and personal application. Still, the application therein offers more than an understanding of self, it brings gospel-breathed life to every corner of one’s existence.
The Biblical Theology for Life series by Zondervan offers a number of excellent volumes for readers to explore. Still, among the best in the series is Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity by Brian S. Rosner. Rosner embodies the emphasis that readers are to expect from a series offering life out of biblical theology. This book is both practically engaging and theologically rigorous. Rosner is clear and persuasive, and readers are certain to gain more than they expect. If you are looking for a book that will wet your biblical-theological appetite while simultaneously encouraging you towards an identity established in God, then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Known by God. It comes highly recommended!
Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity is divided into three major parts: (1) Queuing the Questions, (2) Arriving at Answers, and (3) Reflecting on Relevance. The initial section seeks to uncover the probing questions concerning personal identity. What defines you? Who are you? What makes you, you? These questions become the framework for the following sections. The second section encompasses the majority of the book and seeks to explore various aspects of how identity angst forces us towards a stable and satisfying sense of self (p. 38). First, Rosner examines the foundations of personal identity through traditional identity markers (i.e. age, race, occupation, possessions, religion, etc.). Second, Rosner directs attention towards the biblical portrait of human identity before grounding such as the culmination of being known by God. The third section explores some of the practical implications and personal benefits that flow from the identity of being known by God (i.e. significance, humility, comfort, direction, etc.).
The biblical theological portrait that Rosnor paints is saturated in gospel reflection that gives both life and worth to a needing world. Known by God is both timely and timeless. Rosner is keenly aware of the cultural confusion that soaks the social landscape of the twenty-first century, and a book of this scope lands with immediate weight. But, then again, a book of this magnitude has potential to land with such weight regardless of time and space. Known by God uncovers an identity eternally established in the creative work of God and the value that comes from being intimately known by him, and him alone. Rosner offers readers a brilliant exploration of personal identity that is landmarked with careful exegesis of both the Old and New Testament, and further overflows with spiritual encouragement. Readers will appreciate the ability that Rosner demonstrates in moving from questions to cultural engagement, then to the biblical text and personal application. Still, the application therein offers more than an understanding of self, it brings gospel-breathed life to every corner of one’s existence.
The Biblical Theology for Life series by Zondervan offers a number of excellent volumes for readers to explore. Still, among the best in the series is Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity by Brian S. Rosner. Rosner embodies the emphasis that readers are to expect from a series offering life out of biblical theology. This book is both practically engaging and theologically rigorous. Rosner is clear and persuasive, and readers are certain to gain more than they expect. If you are looking for a book that will wet your biblical-theological appetite while simultaneously encouraging you towards an identity established in God, then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Known by God. It comes highly recommended!
September 17, 2017
What I begin noticing when reading this book is how little I had thought of its subject before, how few books I had ever seen on the subject, and how at a loss I would have been to talk meaningfully about it. Brian Rosner has stepped into the lacuna to explain some theology that’s comforting to know but rarely discussed. In fact, the book is part of a series by Zondervan called “Biblical Theology For Life”. Mr. Rosner has at once written with theological and exegetical depth as well as with personal anecdotes and practical explanation to make this a helpful, accessible work.
While we spend so much time thinking about our knowing God, Mr. Rosner explains how important it is to be known by God and how that fulfills something deep inside of us that allows us to secure a personal identity.
He has one chapter where he, in his words, identifies the angst in us and how this subject speaks to it. Chapters 2 through 10 explain how believers in Christ have an identity where we are known by God as His children and that’s tied to Jesus Christ. He does a great job explaining from both the Old and New Testaments this concept as well as differentiating between being made in the image of God and being known by God. He explains all the elements that make up our personal identity while further showing how they come up short in explaining the Christian’s position.
The third section made up of chapters 11 through 15 seek to explain the relevance of this theology to our lives. Those chapters cover significance, humility, comfort, direction, and being known by God. To my mind, the chapter on significance was especially apropos to the fruitless struggle so many have finding significance.
I’m not aware of all the literature out there on the subject, but I’m convinced having this book on the shelf could answer any possible question on it that might arise. It’s also an area where some of the systematic theologies might come up short. The book is well done, has a few charts, and nice quotes on several pages that really add something to the discussion. Mr. Rosner has co-written a major exegetical commentary on First Corinthians, but proves himself adept here with a completely different kind of work. I judge it a success.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
While we spend so much time thinking about our knowing God, Mr. Rosner explains how important it is to be known by God and how that fulfills something deep inside of us that allows us to secure a personal identity.
He has one chapter where he, in his words, identifies the angst in us and how this subject speaks to it. Chapters 2 through 10 explain how believers in Christ have an identity where we are known by God as His children and that’s tied to Jesus Christ. He does a great job explaining from both the Old and New Testaments this concept as well as differentiating between being made in the image of God and being known by God. He explains all the elements that make up our personal identity while further showing how they come up short in explaining the Christian’s position.
The third section made up of chapters 11 through 15 seek to explain the relevance of this theology to our lives. Those chapters cover significance, humility, comfort, direction, and being known by God. To my mind, the chapter on significance was especially apropos to the fruitless struggle so many have finding significance.
I’m not aware of all the literature out there on the subject, but I’m convinced having this book on the shelf could answer any possible question on it that might arise. It’s also an area where some of the systematic theologies might come up short. The book is well done, has a few charts, and nice quotes on several pages that really add something to the discussion. Mr. Rosner has co-written a major exegetical commentary on First Corinthians, but proves himself adept here with a completely different kind of work. I judge it a success.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 30, 2018
I highly recommend this book. It isn't ground-breaking, but it is very timely. In the age of expressive individualism, Rosner provides an excellent, in-depth presentation on the Bible's theology of identity. Not only that, but Rosner includes bits of his own story along the way that personalize the book and make it very relatable. I've skimmed a couple of other books by Rosner and I always appreciate that his exegetical arguments are clear and helpful. This book is meaty enough that a mature Christian will be helped by the analysis and exegesis, and it's practical enough that a new Christian would be helped in their first steps of discipleship (each chapter ends with questions for reflection). It could easily be adapted for a small group Bible study. I was encouraged and convicted as I read.
My only quibble is the book format and print layout. The pages are square-ish and large with regular side-bar quotes. Many of the quotes are insightful, but I find formats like this distracting.
My only quibble is the book format and print layout. The pages are square-ish and large with regular side-bar quotes. Many of the quotes are insightful, but I find formats like this distracting.
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March 7, 2022Absolutely excellent book about how a Christian's personal identity is most fully understood within the scriptural concept of being known by God.
Would recommend to anyone, especially anyone struggling with their identity as a Christian or anyone seeking to understand from all of Scripture (there are hundreds of references from the whole canon) how and why their identity can be realised as one who is known by God and Christ as a child of God.
Would recommend to anyone, especially anyone struggling with their identity as a Christian or anyone seeking to understand from all of Scripture (there are hundreds of references from the whole canon) how and why their identity can be realised as one who is known by God and Christ as a child of God.
March 16, 2018
The problem with being true to yourself is that too often the self abuses the privilege. This is a powerful and penetrating presentation of the Bible's relevant teaching on personality. The deepest and most lasting insight is that no matter what we think of ourselves, we always remain "known by God."
July 22, 2018
The author does a good job of covering Biblical teaching concerning our identity as people but at times the brook was a bit pedantic and tiresome.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews