The Message of Humanity

Reviews / Votes

'In a world searching for what it means to be human and creating many options for this quest, The Message of Humanity: On Being Truly Human is a breath of fresh, sane air. Giving us a deep biblical lens, this study not only looks honestly at who we are - being fearfully and wonderfully made by God but flawed - it also shows how Jesus is the answer and what that means for an array of life choices humans make. Giving us a solid glimpse at who we are to be and how God helps us get there is just one of the many benefits of this study. I can hardly think of a more central question for us to grasp and pursue.' -- Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Hendricks Center, and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary 'A winsome, wise, and biblically astute account of how our human story fits into a far grander divine Story. As I read, I found myself celebrating, grieving, debating, resonating and (most of all) marvelling at the beauty of the Creator whose image we bear.' -- Gregory Coles, author of Single, Gay, Christian and No Longer Strangers 'Richly punctuated with analogies and illustrations, this survey on humanity explores who and what we were, are, and will be one day through the restoring work of Jesus. It is a product of long years of teaching and reflection made well accessible to the church.' -- Dr Havilah Dharamraj, PhD in Old Testament, Durham University, faculty at South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, India, and editor of Priscilla Papers, the academic journal of Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) 'Payne writes with a winsome touch, a global perspective, a pastoral heart and keen theological sensibilities. This work fits the bill for a contemporary overview of what it means to be human from a Christian perspective that gives conscious consideration to Scripture, theology and experience. Controversial issues are handled with pastoral care, and central anthropological insights are articulated. This is an opportune and essential work on a perennially important topic.' -- Dr Myk Habets, Head of School of Theology, Laidlaw College, Auckland, New Zealand 'To me, a church historian, Ian's book is a modern explication of the very first article of the catechisms made in the first two centuries of the Protestant Reformation, namely, the purpose of human beings. Indeed, the core of our question yesterday and today is what humans are, and what humans ought to do, with more pressing issues at stake today. Ian renders these critical topics so fluently and professionally that every page is filled with wisdom and insights from his lifetime dedication to evangelical theological education. His insights are certainly biblical and practical, relevant and applicable, and his local yet global episodes and stories are simply powerful.' -- Dr Jung-Sook Lee, former President, Torch Trinity Graduate University, and President, The MAP Global '"Who are you?" is a complex question. The world around us answers with identities that ultimately repel. In The Message of Humanity, Ian Payne reveals God's perspective from Scripture that challenges us to realign our priorities. This book compels us to pursue maturity into our full personhood, the full stature of Christ, the true image of God, and thereby fulfil our eternal destiny as co-creators of his new creation.' -- Dr Jay Matenga, Executive Director, World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission 'The Message of Humanity unfolds like a grand story, taking us from the tragedy of the fall to the full restoration in the new creation. Despite the grandeur of the story, like a spiritual sherpa helping us scale a mighty mountain, Payne never loses sight of God's grand vision to restore the full stature and dignity of humanity which was once lost through the first Adam, but now is not merely regained but ushered into an even greater fulfilment than we could have imagined through Jesus Christ, the Second Adam. In a day when the church's sacred imagination has grown dim, this book will rekindle that fire and allow us to be summoned afresh into becoming full participants in God's great building project, which enables us, in our fully restored humanity, to become fully united with him.' -- Timothy C. Tennent, Distinguished Professor of World Christianity, Asbury Theological Seminary 'Forty years ago, I was attending a pastors' conference hosted by John Stott at which he suggested that "the greatest need in the church in the coming generation will be teaching on what it means to be human". In the inter vening years, I have had no reason to dispute the accuracy of his reflection. Now, in a book of such clarity and sanity, Ian Payne navigates that need and responds to it with life-giving words marked by grace and truth.' -- Paul Windsor, International Programme Director, Langham Preaching 'Augustine's anguished cry in his Confessions could well be a line from the autobiography of most people living in the twenty-first century: "I have become a problem to myself." COVID-19 was nothing compared to the epidemic of confusion about the meaning of humanity and the means to human flourishing. For such a time as this, I commend Ian Payne for helping the Bible speak today to this important issue. Here you will find answers to the problems of human nature, origins and destiny.' -- Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School