A Tribute to Dr. Earl Radmacher

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By Hersh Lange and Shawn Lazar

The Autumn 2013 issue of The Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society was a special festschrift published in honor of Dr. Earl D. Radmacher.

Many of our readers know Dr. Radmacher from his long tenure at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary where, for thirty-four years, he taught systematic theology, and served as an administrator, Dean, President, and as Chancellor.

Dr. Radmacher was born in Portland, OR. He first attended Bob Jones University (B.A., M.R.E.) and went on to complete doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., Th.D.), before arriving at Western.

On Sunday December 15, 2013, Dr. Radmacher’s service for Christ was publicly honored and recognized at Central Bible Church, where he and his wife Ruth attend, and where their son Tim is the chairman of the Elder board. The presentation was done at the end of the Christmas message, when Tim introduced Dr. Steve Lewis, of Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary. Steve spoke about Dr. Radmacher being a great communicator, life-long learner, and about his two life verses: 2 Tim 2:15 (“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”) and 2 Cor 3:18 (“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”).

Dr. Radmacher came forward to a standing ovation and a warm reception afterward. His reaction and comments expressed an overwhelming gratitude for the recognition and honor afforded him.  Dr. Radmacher was very  humble and emotional, interacting with many people after the presentation. The Body of Christ there was lovingly receptive and gave both Drs. Lewis and Radmacher a standing ovation.

Through his seminary ministry, he was able to mentor many students who now pastor hundreds of churches across the country. But he has influenced even more people, promoting the message of free grace, through his many books, articles, and conference messages. Dr. Radmacher has often said, “In my wildest dreams fifty years ago, I could never have imagined the exciting plans that God, in His sovereign grace, had for me.”

Many Grace in Focus readers could identify with the sentiment expressed during the presentation’s closing prayer: “He touched my life too.”

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Hersh Lange is on the Chairman of the Board at Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary in Englewood, CO.

Shawn Lazar

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Shawn Lazar is the Editor of Grace in Focus magazine and Director of Publications for Grace Evangelical Society. He and his wife Abby have three feral children. He also works as the associate pastor at Gateway United Baptist Church in Denton, TX, leading the contemporary service (www.faithfellowshipdenton.org). He has written two books: Beyond Doubt: How to Be Sure of Your Salvation and Chosen to Serve: Why Divine Election Is to Service, Not to Eternal Life.