Dr. R.C. Sproul and the word, "Holy"

Tuning into lecture after lecture from Dr. Sproul on Ligonier Ministries brings a solid warmness to my heart. Sproul felt like a theological grandfather always captivating me with his charisma and enthusiasm for the Bible. 

I know I have already wrote a blog on Sproul before, so I can understand where this can feel redundant. However, I wanted to revise the talking points and give a more clear, concise picture on why I believe Dr. Sproul is such a profound character in the history of the Christian religion. I also revise it to show my deep appreciation for the impact he has had on my spiritual walk, in hopes that he can have a similar impact on other people.

I was not aware of Dr. Sproul's work until I heard about him at the Together 4 the Gospel Conference I visited in Louisville in 2018 (where his life was celebrated and remembered after his passing). 

Ever since then, Dr. Sproul will always be one of my 3 favorite theologians of all time to learn from. I always have joy when occasionally listening to his Renewing Your Mind radio show that is still playing since his passing. I remember having a fairly sized stack of his Crucial Questions miniature book series which is still one of my favorite theological references that is available for free online now. I still have my travel-sized and full-sized copies of the Reformation Study Bible, which he served as the general editor of.

R.C. Sproul is an important figure in late 20th and early 21st Christian theology and practice. In my opinion, he is one of the most influential thinkers and advocates of the Reformed faith.

While R.C. Sproul is not a name nearly as recognized as Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, or Jerry Falwell; he is still remembered for his impact his ministry had (and is still having) in the United States and abroad. He was not proselytizing in tent revivals or participating in the televangelist movement. Dr. Sproul began his ministry by becoming a theological resource for the local churches that typically have a smaller, quieter influence in their local communities. It can be argued that his work played a huge role in the New Calvinist movement that spread rapidly at the turn of the century. 

If it were not for R.C. Sproul, we would not have the amazing resources of Ligonier Ministries; one of the largest mass distributors of evangelical Christianity that exists today (possibly the largest mass distributor of Reformed Christianity).

He is also a pioneer in the modern resurgence of establishing a classical, Christian education; founding the Reformation Bible College in 2011.  Dr. Sproul was unapologetic in his urge for Christian parents to emphasize the importance of making children's education a process of discipleship rather than merely the retaining of data and information. He was also an avid fan of fiction tales, and an author of several children's books.

The most important contribution that I believe Dr. Sproul made in his life and ministry was his emphasis on the word holy. He will always be known for his Big-God Theology or, better worded, Holy-God Theology. 

What exactly is the best way to describe this theology? 

• It is a theology focused on the God that is truly in control over this entire world. 
• It is a theology focused on the God who is destining His people for His glory. 
• It is a theology that focuses on the God that is holy, (a fitting synonym being transcendent or set-apart). A focusing in on the God whose ways are higher than our ways, and whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
• Most importantly, it is a theology focused on the God that exercises His plan and is delayed by nobody but His own self. 

R.C. Sproul made his impact on me that J.I. Packer and Billy Graham had on the generations of Christians before me through the ministry of his writing and teaching sessions.

The best book I have ever read from Sproul will always be The Holiness of God. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever had an interest in reading Sproul but don't know which book would be the best place to start.

Another book that I haven't read but look forward to reading in the near future is the biography of him written by his long friend, Stephen Nichols.

Even if someone is not in the Reformed tradition, I believe that they can always appreciate the God-fearing, God-focused, God-glorifying outlook of life that Reformed Christians like R.C. Sproul have. 

I will always have two videos that make me tear up. Those are posted below, and I hope they encourage you to check out Dr. Sproul and see his fervent love of the Triune God.