I discovered R.C. Sproul in 2019, about two years after he went to be with the Lord. Since then, I have listened to many of his teaching videos, and he has become one of my favorite preacher theologians. I benefitted so much from his teaching ministry that I beamed with joy when Stephen Nichols wrote his first biography, R.C. Sproul, A Life.
In this book, Nichols, church historian and long-time friend of R.C., narrates R.C’s life from his childhood to his final moments. He also offers in-depth insight into critical periods of R.C’s life, such as his marriage with his high school sweetheart, conversion, seminary, Ligonier ministries, and more.
The book has eleven chapters, each titled after a significant moment in R.C’s life and ministry. For instance, Ecclesiastes 11:3 (the verse that converted him), Ligonier (the ministry he founded), and holiness (his favorite and most impactful topic). The book also features many photos of R.C, his final two sermons, a list of all his books, and much more.
It was tremendously entertaining to learn about R.C.’s life and ministry. I discovered so many things I didn’t know about him, and some of them were hilarious. Nichols did an outstanding job of bringing us into the life of R.C., and seeing just the man. I loved R.C more after reading this book.
What I especially loved about this biography is its rich theology. Nichols explains many of R.C’s teachings and beliefs, such as the holiness of God, classical apologetics, and the inerrancy of Scripture. I didn’t expect to learn so much theology from this biography; there is much more content about R.C’s beliefs than his personal life. With this book, you won’t just learn about the man but also about the God who made and inspired the man. It’s pretty fitting for someone who dedicated his life to teaching others about God.
Whether you are an R.C. fan or not, I highly recommend this book! R.C was a faithful servant of Christ, devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and outstanding Bible teacher (and quite a prankster!) whose life and ministry affected many souls. I count myself blessed to be among them and look forward to meeting him in glory.
