What It Means to Hold R.C. Sproul’s Chair

When Dr. Keith Matheson was named the R.C. Sproul Chair of Theology at Reformation Bible College, he described the title as a reminder of a call to faithfulness that extends beyond himself to the entire faculty. The honor, he says, is less a burden than an invitation to keep the college’s vision—“to educate students in the historic Christian faith so that they would be equipped to know, serve, and worship God in all of life”—alive in every decision.

A Pocket Bible That Changed a Life

Matheson’s story begins in high school, when an elderly gentleman handed out pocket‑sized Gideon’s New Testaments. He had no idea what the book was, but years later, during a low point, he pulled it out, read the Gospel of John all night, and felt the Lord open his eyes. That encounter set him on a path that eventually led to Dallas Seminary, Reform Theological Seminary, and Ligonier Ministries.

Questioning a Popular System

While at Dallas Seminary, Matheson was immersed in dispensationalism, a theological system he later found “not biblically defensible.” A turning point came when R.C. Sproul, visiting the campus, casually remarked that dispensationalism was “kind of silly.” The comment, coupled with a critique by Sproul’s mentor, John Gerstner, sparked Matheson’s own exploration and ultimately led him to write his first book, a critique of dispensationalism.

Faithfulness at Reformation Bible College

After completing his studies, Matheson joined Ligonier Ministries, where he discovered that his gifts lay in teaching and writing rather than pastoral ministry. He later returned to the college he helped found, serving as faculty and, in 2026, as the new R.C. Sproul Chair. He emphasizes that the college’s mission is to preserve Reformation theology while engaging the next generation, encouraging students to share the gospel in everyday settings.

Listen for the Full Story

These glimpses into Matheson’s journey, the theological debates that shaped his path, and the vision that keeps Reformation Bible College rooted in Reformation truth invite a deeper listening. Tune in to the full episode of Renewing Your Mind to hear how the legacy of R.C. Sproul continues to influence a new generation of Christian scholars and ministers.