The great American theologian and pastor, Dr. RC Sproul, went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2017. Dr. Sproul was the founder of the international Christian educational mission, “Ligonier Ministries,” the pastor of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, and the founder of Reformation Bible College. His sermons, lectures, teaching series, and many books and articles will continue to bear witness of the wondrous truth of the Gospel of Grace.
The impact that RC Sproul had on my life in the development of my own theology is immeasurable. I wrestled with his lectures and his books as I struggled through my own journey into Reformed Theology. I read so many of his writings and listened to so many of his sermons and lectures that I felt as though I knew him personally. The Lord used him to persuade me.
Eventually, I had the honor of meeting him and shaking his hand, to worship with him and celebrated the Lord’s Supper with him at Saint Andrew’s Chapel. It was a blessing to have my wife and younger children experience his pastoral ministry first-hand. I was impressed by his humility. Here was a famous world class theologian who quietly walked back to his office alone, without entourage or fanfare, carrying his own pulpit gown and Bible, who warmly smiled at me as our paths crossed and our steps came together for a few moments. He chuckled as he commented on the determination of my youngest son, who had approached him earlier, after the worship service, to get his autograph on a copy of his ministry’s Table Talk magazine, by thrusting it toward him and saying, “My dad really likes you!”
I praise the Lord that, years later, I was able to correspond with him and let him know the impact that he had on my life, sharing an article I wrote about my own journey into Reformed Theology (click here to read the article). Even in his ailing final years, he took the time to write me.
I stand in awe of this mighty saint of Christ. When others would have retired for health reasons, he spent his final years, after suffering two strokes and dealing with chronic illness, preaching and teaching with power, all while having an oxygen tank at his side. The Rev. Dr. RC Sproul’s devotion and consistent labors will continue to strengthen the saints and lead many to the Cross of Christ for generations to come. I look forward to that day when I can join with him, basking in the magnificent glory of the Beatific Vision, seeing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face and forever.