This past week we received the sad news that Dr. Robert Saucy, Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Talbot School of Theology, at the age of 84, after a severe car accident, passed from this earthly life to be in the presence of our God in heaven. When I heard the news, my heart was grieved, and felt sad for the departing of such a godly and wise man who loved God and His Word. Dr. Saucy was a faithful man of God, teaching God’s Word for 54 years to so many seminary students. Yet, at the same time, I was so grateful for knowing that He is currently resting and rejoicing with our Lord, and reflecting on the great legacy he leaves behind.
I had the great opportunity to take his Theology 3 class on Christ and Salvation during my first semester at Talbot in 2008. I remember feeling quite overwhelmed that semester, as it was my first experience of seminary – not understanding a lot of the terminology and concepts. I remember feeling quite confused on why I was at seminary that semester, and not really understanding why I was there. One day I decided to visit Dr. Saucy in office hours to ask about how to write a paper, and he was so gracious and kind to me. As I was about to walk out, he said, “I am so grateful that you are here,” and was reassured that I was in the right place. His affirming words and gentle guidance were so encouraging for me, especially how such a distinguished scholar welcomed me into the Biola community. He not only taught God’s truth, but truly lived it out.
I remember how the truths of that class – exploring our great salvation in Christ were so enriching for my soul. I loved learning about the depths of Christ’s love for us through His suffering and death, and resurrection. We explored the kenosis of Christ – and the way He emptied himself – becoming man, on our behalf. He was God-incarnate, showing the amazing ways that God loved us so much. During a time where I was doubting my own purpose and direction in life, this class helped me embrace the riches of the truth that Jesus loved me and cared for me and died for me. In a time when I felt despair and condemnation, seeing the ways that Jesus loved me so much was so comforting and uplifting. Salvation was not about anything I could do – and even though this is something I’ve always known in my head, my performance-driven faith often times tries to earn God’s love instead of freely receiving it as a gift. And this class was again another reminder that all I needed was to receive the love that God has already shown us in Christ. This class had a deep and profound impact on me.
I am so grateful for Dr. Saucy and for his incarnation of Christ’s love to his students. His love and passion for God’s Word was so evident to all, and it is amazing to see an example truly of a life well-lived. We grieve as a community and with his family for the loss of such a godly example, but we also rejoice to know that he is now with the God whom he so passionately taught about and loved wholeheartedly.
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