2015 Fall Preview Weekend and Conference

Reformation Bible College welcomed prospective students and their families to campus for its Fall Preview Weekend on September 17–19. The Preview Weekend was part of the Ligonier Ministries 2015 Fall Conference at RBC, which featured noted theologian and pastor Dr. John MacArthur.

Prospective students came from more than twenty states to get a taste of what makes RBC unique. As part of Preview Weekend, they and their families toured the RBC campus, sat in on classes, and interacted with professors and current students.

Ligonier Teaching Fellow Dr. Steven J. Lawson spoke at RBC’s weekly chapel service on Thursday, September 17, on Revelation 2:1–7. A lunch and question-and-answer time followed. In the afternoon, the prospective students attended classes while their parents and guests learned more about RBC and the admissions process. The day ended with Abide, RBC’s student-led fellowship group.

The Ligonier Fall Conference at RBC began on Friday. It addressed what Ligonier founder and chairman Dr. R.C. Sproul has called the most serious problem that mankind faces: that God is holy and we are not. Hosted in partnership with The Master’s Seminary, the conference unfolded the scope of the gospel in answer to this problem.

Dr. Lawson began the conference by reading Ephesians 1:3-6 and turning to Paul’s “lofty summits of praise.” He called attendees to praise God, and God alone, because He is the author of election and salvation. He chose us, not because of us, but in spite of us.

RBC President Dr. Stephen J. Nichols then explained the “bad news.” He turned to Genesis’ account of the fall and described the reality that we now live “east of Eden” in a fallen world. But there is hope, for God sent His Son to undo what Adam did and to be the perfect sacrifice.

Dr. MacArthur delivered the address at RBC’s fifth annual convocation service on Friday night. He reminded the students of the high and holy calling they have to proclaim the message of reconciliation to the world. The truth that sinners can have their sin forgiven is the greatest truth the human mind can ever understand. He then explained how God secured salvation and the appropriate response to this message.

On Saturday morning, Steven Lawson turned to John’s gospel to describe the power and extent of the atonement. Jesus’ death is the heart of the gospel. It did not merely make salvation possible, but it actually saves the sheep for whom the Good Shepherd died.

Dr. MacArthur and Dr. Sproul then participated a special time of questions and answers. They discussed their friendship over the decades, ministry, challenges facing the church in America, evangelism, and other topics.

Dr. Nichols returned and encouraged attendees in the effectual work of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. We are not sick, reaching out for a Savior as some teach. We are dead, and the Spirit is the one who brings us to Jesus.

After lunch, Dr. Nichols moderated a question-and-answer session with Nathan Busenitz, Dr. Lawson, Dr. MacArthur, and Dr. Sproul. They discussed Reformed theology, Satan, God’s foreknowledge, the law, and other topics.

John MacArthur then closed the Ligonier Fall Conference at RBC by discussing the perseverance of the saints. God’s gift of eternal life is a gift, and it is permanent. MacArthur said, “If it were possible for me to lose my salvation, I would lose it.”