R. C. Sproul

1. Pittsburgh Forged R.C.’s Foundation

You can take the man out of Pittsburgh, but you can’t take Pittsburgh out of the man.

Place and Time. R.C.’s early life in Pittsburgh, a city of industry and immigrants, shaped his character. The toughness of the "Steel City," the convergence of rivers, and the mix of blue-collar and white-collar families all contributed to his worldview. World War II, with his father's absence and the rationing at home, was a formative experience.

Family and Community. R.C.’s family, both the management-oriented Sprouls and the labor-oriented Yardises, provided a strong sense of belonging. His father's service in the war and his mother's work ethic instilled in him a sense of duty and responsibility. The neighborhood, with its drugstore, repair shops, and church, created a close-knit community.

Early Influences. R.C.’s early life was marked by a love for sports, especially baseball, and a passion for family. He was also influenced by the formal liturgy and music of his Presbyterian church, even though the theology was lacking. His early experiences with teachers, especially Mrs. Gregg, instilled in him a love for writing.

2. Conversion: A Divine Interruption

I think I am the only person in church history who was converted by that verse.

Unexpected Encounter. R.C.’s conversion was not the result of a planned religious experience, but a divine interruption. A chance encounter with two upperclassmen engaged in a Bible study led him to a life-altering encounter with Ecclesiastes 11:3. This verse, speaking of a fallen tree, revealed his own spiritual state.

Transformation. R.C.’s conversion was immediate and profound. He devoured the Bible, changed his major to religion, and began to share his faith with others. He also experienced a second conversion, a deeper understanding of God's holiness, during a midnight walk to the chapel.

Lifelong Impact. R.C.’s conversion had a lasting impact on his life. It fueled his passion for teaching, his commitment to biblical study, and his understanding of God as a God who "plays for keeps." It also led to Vesta's conversion, solidifying their shared faith journey.

3. The Holiness of God: A Lifelong Pursuit

My understanding of the nature of God had exploded.

A Second Conversion. R.C.’s second conversion experience, a midnight encounter in the college chapel, was a pivotal moment. It was here that he had an epiphany of the grandeur, otherness, and majesty of God. This experience ignited a lifelong pursuit of understanding and proclaiming God's holiness.

The Nature of God. R.C.’s understanding of God was shaped by his study of Augustine, Edwards, and the Reformed tradition. He emphasized God's transcendence, His aseity (self-existence), and His immutability. He saw God as a being of pure, absolute, unalterable being.

Holiness as the Core. For R.C., holiness was not just one attribute of God among many, but the very essence of His being. It was the foundation for his understanding of God's character, His justice, His love, and His wrath. This understanding became the driving force behind his teaching and ministry.

4. The Battle for Truth: Inerrancy and Apologetics

The full trustworthiness of sacred Scripture must be defended in every generation, against every criticism.

Inerrancy as a Foundation. R.C. saw the doctrine of biblical inerrancy as essential to the Christian faith. He believed that if the Bible is God's Word, it must be completely true and trustworthy. He convened the 1973 conference on inerrancy and was a key figure in the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy (ICBI).

Classical Apologetics. R.C. was a champion of classical apologetics, which uses reason and evidence to defend the Christian faith. He believed that the existence of God could be demonstrated through logic and that Christianity is a rational faith. He saw the need to defend the faith against the rising tide of secularism.

Against Liberalism. R.C. was a staunch opponent of theological liberalism, which he saw as a threat to the core doctrines of Christianity. He believed that liberalism undermined the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness of Christ. He was a "battlefield theologian," always ready to defend the truth.

5. The Power of the Pulpit: Preaching and Teaching

Great teachers who are faithful to God’s Word are a blessing to God’s church.

A Gift for Communication. R.C. was a gifted communicator, able to make complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience. He combined precision, passion, and power in his preaching and teaching. He was a master of the art of communication.

The Importance of Preaching. R.C. believed that preaching was central to the life of the church. He emphasized the importance of expository preaching, which focuses on the meaning of the biblical text. He also stressed the need to "find the drama in the text" and to preach with passion and conviction.

Teaching as a Calling. R.C. saw teaching as a calling, a way to equip believers to understand and apply God's Word. He was committed to training both pastors and laypeople, and he sought to bridge the gap between the seminary and the Sunday school. He was a teacher at heart.

6. Ligonier: A Legacy of Learning

Ligonier is for learning.

A Vision for Education. R.C.’s vision for Ligonier was to create a place where people could learn about God and His Word. He wanted to provide a refuge for those seeking truth and a place where believers could be equipped for ministry. The Ligonier Valley Study Center was a place for learning and living theology.

A Ministry of Teaching. Ligonier became a hub for teaching, producing books, audio and video series, and a monthly magazine, Tabletalk. R.C. was the main teacher, but he also brought in other gifted scholars and pastors. The ministry grew to have an international reach.

A Focus on the Laity. R.C. was particularly passionate about equipping laypeople with a solid understanding of theology. He believed that every Christian should be a theologian, able to think critically about their faith and to defend it against error. He wanted to empower the laity.

7. A Life Lived Coram Deo: Before the Face of God

How we as Christians deal with the revolution now, will count forever.

Coram Deo. R.C. lived his life coram Deo, before the face of God. This meant that he sought to live every moment in light of God's presence and authority. He believed that every aspect of life, from work to family to recreation, should be lived for God's glory.

The Importance of Obedience. R.C. emphasized the importance of obedience to God's Word. He believed that true faith is not just intellectual assent, but a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God. He saw obedience as the natural outflow of a heart transformed by the gospel.

A Call to Action. R.C.’s life was a call to action. He challenged believers to take their faith seriously, to engage with the culture, and to contend for the truth. He was a warrior for the gospel, and he called others to join him in the battle. He wanted to see a new reformation.

Last updated: January 18, 2025