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R. C. Sproul: A Life
Introducing the First Biography of the Life and Ministry of R. C. Sproul
R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was a pastor, a professor, an author, and the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries. His contributions in the areas of biblical studies, theology, worldview and culture, Christian living, and church history continue to be held in high regard.
In this book, Stephen J. Nichols offers an in-depth look at Sproul's life and ministry--his childhood; his formative seminary education; his marriage and partnership with his beloved wife, Vesta; his influence on broader American evangelicalism; and his many friendships with key figures such as James Montgomery Boice, John MacArthur, John Piper, J. I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. This biography details the profound impact Sproul had on the lives of many during his lifetime, and highlights the various ways his legacy continues to influence countless pastors and students worldwide.
R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was a pastor, a professor, an author, and the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries. His contributions in the areas of biblical studies, theology, worldview and culture, Christian living, and church history continue to be held in high regard.
In this book, Stephen J. Nichols offers an in-depth look at Sproul's life and ministry--his childhood; his formative seminary education; his marriage and partnership with his beloved wife, Vesta; his influence on broader American evangelicalism; and his many friendships with key figures such as James Montgomery Boice, John MacArthur, John Piper, J. I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. This biography details the profound impact Sproul had on the lives of many during his lifetime, and highlights the various ways his legacy continues to influence countless pastors and students worldwide.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
131 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Stephen J. Nichols
75 books98 followersStephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
March 15, 2021
I have richly benefited from the ministry of R.C. Sproul over the years. It was a joy to read the story of the man behind the books and teachings. May his passion for the transcendent majesty of God spark revival and reformation in our generation to the glory of God.
May 5, 2022
I’m delighted to have a biography of a man who so shaped my own thinking. But I can’t help thinking that professor Nichols was not the right choice of biographer because the material veers too far into hagiography for my sensibilities.
April 14, 2021
A most joyous read. Nichols' work is a warm and affectionate account of a larger than life man of God that still inspires and amazes. RC himself is seen through the work, emphasizing the doctrinal and philosophical points most dear to the man, as well as the anecdotes and demeanor so peculiar to him. This is not an academic bio, but a devotion inspiring tribute to the mind and smile behind Ligonier and much of the YRR movement. I'm glad to recommend it.
June 28, 2023
Over all, I enjoyed this book! I learned a lot about RC. But the book made him seem too perfect… I wasn’t reading it to find fault, but it would have been nice if his humanity was highlighted a bit. I’m an RC fan and I always recommend his resources to people. But this book made him seem flawless.
Also, I found three typos in the first 100 pages.
Also, I found three typos in the first 100 pages.
April 5, 2021
On December 14, 2017, Dr. R.C. Sproul entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was greatly used by God as he reintroduced Reformed theology to the evangelical church. He articulated the doctrines of grace with passion, courage, conviction, and authority.
Dr. Stephen J. Nichols captures the man that captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe in his recent book, R.C. Sproul: A Life. Nichols is the president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. As such, he is uniquely qualified to offer this definitive biography of R.C. Sproul.
Nichols skillfully guides readers on a detailed journey of Dr. Sproul’s life story - from Pittsburgh to Ligonier Valley to Orlando. He highlights the critical points in R.C.’s life including conversion, Seminary, the founding of Ligonier Ministry, and beyond.
Summary
Dr. Sproul was a teacher, preacher, evangelist, and defender of the gospel of Jesus Christ. R.C. taught the truth, defended the truth, and worked tirelessly to proclaim the truth to the nations. The final sentence of his last earthly sermon is a fitting tribute to his life: “So I pray with all my heart that God will awaken each one of us today to the sweetness, the loveliness, the glory of the gospel declared by Christ.”
Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939 – 2017) fought the good fight. He finished the race. And he kept the faith. Enter into the joy of your Savior where you will reign with him unto all eternity.
Dr. Stephen J. Nichols captures the man that captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe in his recent book, R.C. Sproul: A Life. Nichols is the president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. As such, he is uniquely qualified to offer this definitive biography of R.C. Sproul.
Nichols skillfully guides readers on a detailed journey of Dr. Sproul’s life story - from Pittsburgh to Ligonier Valley to Orlando. He highlights the critical points in R.C.’s life including conversion, Seminary, the founding of Ligonier Ministry, and beyond.
Summary
Dr. Sproul was a teacher, preacher, evangelist, and defender of the gospel of Jesus Christ. R.C. taught the truth, defended the truth, and worked tirelessly to proclaim the truth to the nations. The final sentence of his last earthly sermon is a fitting tribute to his life: “So I pray with all my heart that God will awaken each one of us today to the sweetness, the loveliness, the glory of the gospel declared by Christ.”
Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939 – 2017) fought the good fight. He finished the race. And he kept the faith. Enter into the joy of your Savior where you will reign with him unto all eternity.
July 12, 2023
Simplemente Sproul es uno de esos hombres inspiradores. Difícilmente habrá uno como él muy pronto, sin embargo su legado oral y escrito permanece. Dios nos dio de Su mano a este don.
May 4, 2021
One of the better biographies I’ve read in a while. It’s also one of the few I’ve read of someone who was alive during my life and had a huge impact on me. I have a higher appreciation and love for R.C. after reading this book. I miss him.
May 16, 2023
*4.5, a delightful time with a delightful man. Thankful for the life and legacy of R.C. Sproul. I’m very glad this book was written.
July 13, 2025
What an excellent book!
I rarely meet Christians (particularly those who are Calvinist/Reformed) who have not been greatly influenced and impacted by the writings and teachings of R.C. Sproul. If you want to take a look into what made R.C. who he was, Nichols does a really great job covering some of the major themes, controversies, and hobbies, habits, flaws, and devotion to Christ.
Well worth your time.
I rarely meet Christians (particularly those who are Calvinist/Reformed) who have not been greatly influenced and impacted by the writings and teachings of R.C. Sproul. If you want to take a look into what made R.C. who he was, Nichols does a really great job covering some of the major themes, controversies, and hobbies, habits, flaws, and devotion to Christ.
Well worth your time.
July 21, 2025
(4.5/5) Great. RC inspires me to build something that lasts beyond my years, as he did with many different things. Loved learning more about his life!
March 14, 2021
I'm not a fan of Stephen Nichols's writing; I find his style to be rather boring. However, he has done an admirable job here of presenting the life and teachings of R.C. Sproul. The greatest strength of his biography of Sproul is his nearness to the family, and his intimate familiarity with Sproul's theology and passion. He was obviously very close to Sproul and had special insights that others do not. However, that nearness is also perhaps the greatest weakness as he didn't delve too deeply into areas that might have caused embarrassment, such as the scandal surrounding R.C. Jr.
The other weakness is its length. There were places where it seemed rushed. For example, John MacArthur simply appears in the narrative at one point, but it would have been interesting to read of how they met and the details of their friendship. I had to look up the scandal at Knox Theological Seminary because Nichols mentions the event, but none of the details. Sproul obviously deserves a 2-volume biography in order to present all the details of his life.
Not the definitive biography, but certainly a good one to give further insight into his life. R.C. Sproul is a giant hero of the faith, and has had a massive impact on my theology. He was a brilliant teacher and communicator, and it was nice to read more about his life and his personality. Definitely a recommended read.
The other weakness is its length. There were places where it seemed rushed. For example, John MacArthur simply appears in the narrative at one point, but it would have been interesting to read of how they met and the details of their friendship. I had to look up the scandal at Knox Theological Seminary because Nichols mentions the event, but none of the details. Sproul obviously deserves a 2-volume biography in order to present all the details of his life.
Not the definitive biography, but certainly a good one to give further insight into his life. R.C. Sproul is a giant hero of the faith, and has had a massive impact on my theology. He was a brilliant teacher and communicator, and it was nice to read more about his life and his personality. Definitely a recommended read.
March 10, 2021
This is the first full length biography to be published of R. C. Sproul, and it covers a lot of ground. Though the author weaves in many interesting anecdotes and facets of Sproul’s life that were mostly new to me (for example, he wrote a biography, a novel, and an unpublished play, enjoyed ballroom dancing, played piano, and learned violin in his 60s!), his clear focus is on Sproul’s theological contributions to late 20th and early 21st century Evangelicalism, through his work on Reformed theology, the inerrancy of Scripture, the holiness of God, classical apologetics, justification by faith alone, as well the formation of institutions such as Ligonier Ministries, St. Andrew’s Chapel, and Reformation Bible College. The early chapters seemed to me to lack the literary quality of later chapters in the book, and I noticed a number of pretty glaring editorial mistakes (Robert Caro spelled “Carro,” Zorro spelled Zoro, Lloyd Jones’ book Preaching and Preachers mistakenly entitled “The Preacher and His Preaching,” and more). I also wished for more detail about Sproul’s inner life: his struggles and disappointments; his rhythms of prayer, study, work, and rest; his relationships with his children; etc. I suppose later, more critical biographies, will attempt that. But in spite of these mild criticisms, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nichols’ book and will probably reread certain sections in the future.
July 24, 2021
Overall very good. Ask me for more thoughts in person if you like.
March 5, 2025
This may be the best book I’ve read thus far this year. Having read a lot of Sproul’s work and many of his sermons, though only scratching the surface of his contributions, it is so deeply moving to read about this saint’s life and his faithfulness. You feel like you personally know him as you go through this, looking at pictures, reading personal letters, notes, testimonies from others, and so much more. Sproul is certainly one of the biggest influences on my Christian life thus far, and it really seems like he did it all. Books, music, teaching, pastoring, even cruises and international tours. You can’t help but be astounded by his constant ambition and pursuit of the gospel. R.C. may very well be the reformer of our generation, though that’s generally up for debate. I feel pretty comfortable in saying that though.
5/5. Highly recommend if you’ve ever benefitted from R.C.
5/5. Highly recommend if you’ve ever benefitted from R.C.
December 19, 2022
Took this one a little slow but finally finished it. While reading it I often found myself praying that the Lord would raise up more men like R.C.! Definitely an encouraging read.
May 14, 2023
Audible Plus 12 hours Narrated by Tom Parks(A)
A good biography about R.C. Sproul, one of the greatest Reformed theologians and apologists of the 20-21st centuries. Sproul was the founder of the Ligonier Ministries, a prolific writer of great tomes like "The Holiness of God" and even a number of books of parables for children. The author wrote and published this book only a couple of years after Sproul's death and was perhaps too close to the great man to show any flaws. 4.5 stars
A good biography about R.C. Sproul, one of the greatest Reformed theologians and apologists of the 20-21st centuries. Sproul was the founder of the Ligonier Ministries, a prolific writer of great tomes like "The Holiness of God" and even a number of books of parables for children. The author wrote and published this book only a couple of years after Sproul's death and was perhaps too close to the great man to show any flaws. 4.5 stars
March 31, 2021
I must confess the closing pages of this book had me in tears as I was thanking the Lord for the life of R.C. Sproul. Nichols does a fantastic job of detailing the life and work of the theologian that exposed my heart to the holiness of God. By using interviews and pieces from R.C.’s writings Nichols was able to tell the story of R.C. (And Vesta) in a beautiful manner that highlights the work of God through the man. I cannot praise this book enough as it highlights the legacy of one of the many giants who’s shoulders Christianity stands on today.
February 5, 2022
When I picture R.C. in my head, he’s smiling. He loved what he studied and taught and had such a joy for the Lord. This book does such a good job capturing that joy by telling so many fun stories about him while also emphasizing the great impact he had on so many people through his teaching. I think I was smiling the majority of the time while this and I think R.C. had that effect on people, even if they had never met him. His writings and teachings have been really beneficial in my life and getting to know more about him through this book was really fun.
March 17, 2022
We are all more indebted to RC Sproul than we realize. Wonderful, inspiring book. May the Lord raise up another Sproul for our generation.
July 12, 2021
R. C. Sproul was a giant of our time, a theologian, pastor, mentor and a friend, even though I only ever knew him through his books, teaching series, lectures and videos. Nichols writes the first, of what I hope to be many, biographies on Sproul since his death back in 2017. Nichols provides a detailed history of Sproul's life and theological contributions to the Protestant and Reformed faith. Many of the highlights include Sproul's time in a variety of seminaries, his work on biblical inerrancy, the founding and building of the Ligonier Valley Study Center, the "ECT" controversy and the rapid growth of Ligonier in Florida that also created a church and college. Sproul's contributions to the Christian faith will be analyzed, debated and preached over for many year's to come and this book provides an excellent introduction to the man for those who may not know about him and also provide a profound comfort and joy for those who knew of him and his great work for Christ and yet miss him dearly. Great biography to read!
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this biography. The style and anecdotes were very engaging and Nichols does a good job weaving in Sproul's consistent commitment to his vision of proclaiming the holiness of God and faithfulness to biblical theology. This book provides a great glimpse into the life of one of the most influential Christian teachers in the 21st century in such a way that you feel as if you had met him in person.
June 21, 2021
Who doesn't love RC? Even Arminians sit in rapt attention when that smoke-riddled, raspy baritone preaches and teaches about God's sovereignty, holiness, man's sinful estate, and the need of grace in Christ.
Dr. Nichols does a wonderful job of cataloguing much of the controversies and accomplishments of Dr. Sproul's life. Most notable is his work on inerrancy of scripture in the 70's and his fight against the watered down theology of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together statement. Also quite captivating is the history of the formation of the Ligonier Study Center. Dr. Sproul was a polymath. His interests ranged from violin (which he started in his 60's), sports, art, composing music, golf, and architecture. These varied interests shine through the biography as Dr. Nichols constructs the history of a godly and textured man profoundly impacted by the truth, goodness, and beauty of God.
The book suffers from the same hero-worship that plagues many religious biographies, eschewing the seedy and sinful aspects of great men of history. Nevertheless, after reading this biography you will be left with a deep and abiding respect for this man of God who's pursuits and efforts for the Kingdom of God will most assuredly be rewarded with the crown of righteousness. In the words of R.C., "right now counts forever". So do yourself a favor and grow in your knowledge of God by picking up this biography and allowing the life and teaching of Dr. Sproul to spur you to godly living for the kingdom.
Dr. Nichols does a wonderful job of cataloguing much of the controversies and accomplishments of Dr. Sproul's life. Most notable is his work on inerrancy of scripture in the 70's and his fight against the watered down theology of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together statement. Also quite captivating is the history of the formation of the Ligonier Study Center. Dr. Sproul was a polymath. His interests ranged from violin (which he started in his 60's), sports, art, composing music, golf, and architecture. These varied interests shine through the biography as Dr. Nichols constructs the history of a godly and textured man profoundly impacted by the truth, goodness, and beauty of God.
The book suffers from the same hero-worship that plagues many religious biographies, eschewing the seedy and sinful aspects of great men of history. Nevertheless, after reading this biography you will be left with a deep and abiding respect for this man of God who's pursuits and efforts for the Kingdom of God will most assuredly be rewarded with the crown of righteousness. In the words of R.C., "right now counts forever". So do yourself a favor and grow in your knowledge of God by picking up this biography and allowing the life and teaching of Dr. Sproul to spur you to godly living for the kingdom.
July 3, 2021
Disclaimer / Special Note: I only listened to this on Audible, but considering that the audio book uses RC Sproul’s recorded lectures, sermons, and interviews, the work may actually be better formatted for audio.
As a theologian, RC Sproul’s importance to the reformed resurgence and institutional structures of the last 50 year of the American church cannot be understated. The man brought the reformation back to the people, he declared the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, and he proclaimed the holiness of God.
The rating for this book is not reflective of the life, work, and character of RC Sproul; rather, the quality of the book. The book started on a strong note but seemed the weaken as it went on. While the book did thoroughly detail what RC accomplished in his life, as a reader I felt neither pulled into the man’s battles nor know him personally. This is to say that in a great biography, one is forced to see the world through the figures eyes and relive their experiences. Again, while the beginning of the work seemed to accomplish this better, the final third of the book felt like a list of accomplishments with little personality. Thus, while the book states and gives the credentials for the “battle field theologian”, one doesn’t ever enter into the trenches with him in this work.
As a theologian, RC Sproul’s importance to the reformed resurgence and institutional structures of the last 50 year of the American church cannot be understated. The man brought the reformation back to the people, he declared the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, and he proclaimed the holiness of God.
The rating for this book is not reflective of the life, work, and character of RC Sproul; rather, the quality of the book. The book started on a strong note but seemed the weaken as it went on. While the book did thoroughly detail what RC accomplished in his life, as a reader I felt neither pulled into the man’s battles nor know him personally. This is to say that in a great biography, one is forced to see the world through the figures eyes and relive their experiences. Again, while the beginning of the work seemed to accomplish this better, the final third of the book felt like a list of accomplishments with little personality. Thus, while the book states and gives the credentials for the “battle field theologian”, one doesn’t ever enter into the trenches with him in this work.
June 29, 2021
R.C’s ministry left has left a significant impact on my life - particularly early on in my salvation and theological development. This biography is incredibly well done and serves well who may be one of the greatest theologians of recent centuries.
The audiobook version of this uses direct audio from RC in which I was not ready for. It adds so much depth to quotations and lead me to tears at first appearance.
Not only is this biography helpful in understanding RC, but it also lives out RC’s very teaching so effectively. The chapter on inerrancy was far more valuable than much of my hermeneutics class in seminary…
Forever thankful for the ministry of Sproul and revel in the fact that the man who has expanded my view of the Lord so much is currently experiencing the Mysterium tremendum in its fullest potential at this very moment in the presence of a holy and infinitely beautiful God.
If you have been impacted by the ministry of RC and Ligonier then I cannot recommend this enough.
The audiobook version of this uses direct audio from RC in which I was not ready for. It adds so much depth to quotations and lead me to tears at first appearance.
Not only is this biography helpful in understanding RC, but it also lives out RC’s very teaching so effectively. The chapter on inerrancy was far more valuable than much of my hermeneutics class in seminary…
Forever thankful for the ministry of Sproul and revel in the fact that the man who has expanded my view of the Lord so much is currently experiencing the Mysterium tremendum in its fullest potential at this very moment in the presence of a holy and infinitely beautiful God.
If you have been impacted by the ministry of RC and Ligonier then I cannot recommend this enough.
March 29, 2021
RC Sproul is one of my heroes, I don’t know where I’d be without his ministry. This was a great read. However, I’m excited for when a more objective biography comes out as this ones a bit too hagiographic
May 20, 2021
This book is a treasure. Having come across RC Sproul on accident either on YouTube or the Renewing Your Mind podcast in my college years circa 2010, I have known he has had a significant impact on my theology for a long time now. However, upon reading the biography, I now understand that Sproul has impacted me (and many others) far more than I previously realized.
There are several places that brought me to tears, most memorably the letter written to his friend and brother-in-arms, Jim Boice on pages 234-235 after learning of Boice’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Examples of true Christian friendship like this are incredibly inspiring in a world that views masculinity in an entirely different way.
The book goes through all sorts of controversies where Sproul stood for truth. Even if you’ve never read any of Sproul’s books, listened to any of his sermons or teaching series, you’ve likely been impacted by his life’s work in some way, even unknowingly.
Even the appendices at the back (which I normally would ignore) are a gold mine of information regarding his last sermon, a brief life timeline, a list of his books that he wrote, question booklets, Ligonier national conference themes, teaching series, sermon series, etc.
I highly recommend this biography. It is informative, engaging, and encouraging.
There are several places that brought me to tears, most memorably the letter written to his friend and brother-in-arms, Jim Boice on pages 234-235 after learning of Boice’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Examples of true Christian friendship like this are incredibly inspiring in a world that views masculinity in an entirely different way.
The book goes through all sorts of controversies where Sproul stood for truth. Even if you’ve never read any of Sproul’s books, listened to any of his sermons or teaching series, you’ve likely been impacted by his life’s work in some way, even unknowingly.
Even the appendices at the back (which I normally would ignore) are a gold mine of information regarding his last sermon, a brief life timeline, a list of his books that he wrote, question booklets, Ligonier national conference themes, teaching series, sermon series, etc.
I highly recommend this biography. It is informative, engaging, and encouraging.
March 15, 2021
First sentence from the prologue: R. C. Sproul paced and roared when he preached. But by the end of his life he needed to sit on a stool. He relied on his portable oxygen, which went with him everywhere. He struggled with the effects of COPD. He had long ago sacrificed his knees to the athletic field. The years, but especially the miles, had caught up with him. When he stepped into the pulpit, the athlete that he was burst forth. With passion his game face was on. The stool swiveled. He would clutch the edges of the pulpit, pull himself forward, and lean toward his congregation. He somehow managed still to pace while he preached.
Stephen J. Nichols has written a biography of R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries. The book is without question a biography of a man (son, student, friend, husband, father, grandfather). But it is also an examination of Sproul as a theologian: preacher, teacher, author, mentor. Nichols examines Sproul's life through the lens of legacy, and perhaps letting his legacy speak for itself.
The book is framed with his final two sermons taken from Hebrews 1 and 2. The prologue places readers there in his last moments as a preacher in a pulpit, and one of the appendices is the text of his two final sermons. (There are plenty of appendices!)
The book will be of the most interest to those who are already familiar with R.C. Sproul--either through his radio broadcasts, monthly magazine Tabletalk, teaching series, preaching conferences, books, or his massive STUDY BIBLE, the Reformation Study Bible. Perhaps you're just a little familiar with his life and work, then this would be a real treat of an introduction.
I think it affirms what some already believe: that his work will continue to help, to minister, to challenge, to comfort, to guide for generations to come. Sproul can continue to be used by the Spirit to help bring souls to Christ and to help disciple new believers. His work lives on.
I loved every minute of this one! I did. I found it an enjoyable, compelling read. I loved learning more about Sproul. If you listen to enough Sproul sermons, you get a sense of his life story--his background, his childhood, his conversion, his romance and marriage, etc. But this book puts it all together as a whole and it's lovely to see it that way. Some facts felt like old friends; others were new-to-me. (Did you know he was converted by Ecclesiastes 11:3?)
There is a timeline of his life which includes his meeting the absolute love of his life when he was in first grade. (She was in second.) Also included lists of his BOOKS, teaching series, conference sermons, etc.
Quotes:
R. C. said he thinks he might be the only man in America who outsold a Fuller Brush man on a house call.
He would keep a card on his desk that read, “You are responsible to preach and to teach what the Bible says, not what you want it to say.”
Precision and clarity, not ambiguity, serve the church best in remaining faithful to its biblical, historic, and confessional roots.
Reading was a bloodsport for R. C. And that was all the more true when it came to reading the pages of Holy Writ. He was not casual in his reading or studying of the Bible.
R. C. stressed that reading the Bible is one thing, studying the Bible is another thing, and obeying the Bible is another thing altogether. The argument followed a logical chain: (1) We submit to every word of the Bible (obedience), which requires (2) every word of the Bible to be studied, preached, and taught (the whole counsel of God), because (3) every word of the Bible is true (inerrancy), because (4) every word of the Bible is from God (inspiration), because (5) God is truth (doctrine of God).
R. C. loved that Mike Horton used the analogy of chocolate chip cookies to explain the importance of imputation. Horton said if you have all the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies but leave out the chocolate chips, then you don’t have chocolate chip cookies. Imputation is to the doctrine of salvation what chocolate chips are to chocolate chip cookies.
This prompted R. C. to see that a study Bible would be a strategic tool to propagate the Reformed faith, “to help influence people in their basic education.” While the Scofield Reference Bible was the motivation. It was not the model.
Not only was R. C. Calvinist and Reformed, not only did he talk about Aristotle and Aquinas, not only did he use a lot of Latin, but he also used real chalk on a real chalkboard. He even developed a sort of Zoro-like signature move. He would emphatically dot i’s and cross t’s. And he emphatically ended a sentence with a period. And there were times, like a perfect storm, when he had an “i” to dot, a ‘t” to cross, and a period to drill into the board. You could hear the dot, slash, DOT. Zoro with a piece of chalk leaving his telltale mark. To help him, there was a live audience of about thirty people in the recording studio. There was also a lectern with some notes that he never looked at. And there was the aforementioned chalkboard. R. C. was spending a lot of time in this studio.
Stephen J. Nichols has written a biography of R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries. The book is without question a biography of a man (son, student, friend, husband, father, grandfather). But it is also an examination of Sproul as a theologian: preacher, teacher, author, mentor. Nichols examines Sproul's life through the lens of legacy, and perhaps letting his legacy speak for itself.
The book is framed with his final two sermons taken from Hebrews 1 and 2. The prologue places readers there in his last moments as a preacher in a pulpit, and one of the appendices is the text of his two final sermons. (There are plenty of appendices!)
The book will be of the most interest to those who are already familiar with R.C. Sproul--either through his radio broadcasts, monthly magazine Tabletalk, teaching series, preaching conferences, books, or his massive STUDY BIBLE, the Reformation Study Bible. Perhaps you're just a little familiar with his life and work, then this would be a real treat of an introduction.
I think it affirms what some already believe: that his work will continue to help, to minister, to challenge, to comfort, to guide for generations to come. Sproul can continue to be used by the Spirit to help bring souls to Christ and to help disciple new believers. His work lives on.
I loved every minute of this one! I did. I found it an enjoyable, compelling read. I loved learning more about Sproul. If you listen to enough Sproul sermons, you get a sense of his life story--his background, his childhood, his conversion, his romance and marriage, etc. But this book puts it all together as a whole and it's lovely to see it that way. Some facts felt like old friends; others were new-to-me. (Did you know he was converted by Ecclesiastes 11:3?)
There is a timeline of his life which includes his meeting the absolute love of his life when he was in first grade. (She was in second.) Also included lists of his BOOKS, teaching series, conference sermons, etc.
Quotes:
R. C. said he thinks he might be the only man in America who outsold a Fuller Brush man on a house call.
He would keep a card on his desk that read, “You are responsible to preach and to teach what the Bible says, not what you want it to say.”
Precision and clarity, not ambiguity, serve the church best in remaining faithful to its biblical, historic, and confessional roots.
Reading was a bloodsport for R. C. And that was all the more true when it came to reading the pages of Holy Writ. He was not casual in his reading or studying of the Bible.
R. C. stressed that reading the Bible is one thing, studying the Bible is another thing, and obeying the Bible is another thing altogether. The argument followed a logical chain: (1) We submit to every word of the Bible (obedience), which requires (2) every word of the Bible to be studied, preached, and taught (the whole counsel of God), because (3) every word of the Bible is true (inerrancy), because (4) every word of the Bible is from God (inspiration), because (5) God is truth (doctrine of God).
R. C. loved that Mike Horton used the analogy of chocolate chip cookies to explain the importance of imputation. Horton said if you have all the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies but leave out the chocolate chips, then you don’t have chocolate chip cookies. Imputation is to the doctrine of salvation what chocolate chips are to chocolate chip cookies.
This prompted R. C. to see that a study Bible would be a strategic tool to propagate the Reformed faith, “to help influence people in their basic education.” While the Scofield Reference Bible was the motivation. It was not the model.
Not only was R. C. Calvinist and Reformed, not only did he talk about Aristotle and Aquinas, not only did he use a lot of Latin, but he also used real chalk on a real chalkboard. He even developed a sort of Zoro-like signature move. He would emphatically dot i’s and cross t’s. And he emphatically ended a sentence with a period. And there were times, like a perfect storm, when he had an “i” to dot, a ‘t” to cross, and a period to drill into the board. You could hear the dot, slash, DOT. Zoro with a piece of chalk leaving his telltale mark. To help him, there was a live audience of about thirty people in the recording studio. There was also a lectern with some notes that he never looked at. And there was the aforementioned chalkboard. R. C. was spending a lot of time in this studio.
August 2, 2023
I don’t usually write reviews, but I was compelled to for this book. Sproul has been foundational in my spiritual formation and this book solidifed why he was so foundational. The author Stephen Nichols is a dear friend and colleague of the Sproul family, so it’s not critical, but he does an amazing job of capturing R.C’s impact upon the church. If you desire to love Jesus deeper and stand firm for the faith once delivered then this book is a wonderful tool in pursuing those aims. R.C will be dearly missed, but praise God for books like this that allow us to remember and learn of how he captivated and used R.C to spread His glory throughout the earth.
February 23, 2021
Very sympathetic biography of a great man. Lots of detail about his early ministry that was unknown to me. Less detail as he got older; the biography became more topical at that point. The author interviewed the subject several times before the latter's death, adding to the richness of the account (he interviewed Vesta, Sproul's widow, as well).
More thorough and more critical biographies will undoubtedly be written, but this is a good, and appreciative, first foray.
More thorough and more critical biographies will undoubtedly be written, but this is a good, and appreciative, first foray.
February 1, 2022
This was an interesting read for me. I love R.C. Sproul and he has been one of the most influential theologians in my life. With that said, I appreciated how Nichols wrote Sproul’s biography how I imagine he would have wanted it written, centered around the holiness of God. However, from a literary standpoint, I felt Nichols’ writing style was a bit choppy in the beginning, making it difficult to settle into the content, and it felt repetitive at times. Overall, this was a thoughtful and unique biography that I would recommend to someone on who’s life R.C. had an impact.
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