Remembering Two Great Teachers

Two great dispensational seminary teachers entered the presence of the Lord this past week—Dr. Stanley Toussaint and Dr. Robert Thomas.

Dr. Toussaint went to be with Christ on Tuesday morning. He served at Dallas Theological Seminary from 1960 to 2012.

On Wednesday morning, Dr. Thomas went to heaven. He served at The Master’s Seminary from its founding in 1987 until 2008, having previously taught for 28 years at Talbot Theological Seminary.

I never had the privilege of meeting either of these men personally or studying under them. Yet their lives both impacted me greatly through the books that they wrote and the the students that they taught. I was privileged to be present last December at the the 25th anniversary meeting of the Pre-Trib Study Group, where Dr. Toussaint was honored at the banquet.

I asked a number of their former students and colleagues to provide insight into the lives of these two professors who were so dearly loved. They represent a generation of dispensational stalwarts who are rapidly disappearing from the scene.

Dr. Stanley Toussaint

Dr. Andy Woods stated:

Dr. Stanley Toussaint, one of my mentors, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 5, 2017. This man had a such a profound impact on the way I think that I dedicated my book The Coming Kingdom to him. His commentary on Matthew’s gospel should be at the very top of the list of all Bible scholars, pastors and teachers. He was not only a true scholar but he possessed a gracious pastor’s heart. This is a rare combination today, but in fact it was common in his generation. I was blessed to be at Dallas Theological Seminary at just the right time to learn from giants like him. His passing makes heaven richer and Earth poorer. He will be greatly missed! Our prayers go out to his wife Maxine at this difficult time.

Dr. Keith Sherlin wrote:

My heart grieves and yet rejoices. Our beloved legends with a legacy of love and leadership leave us regularly now. Dr. Toussaint, an Evangelical and stalwart dispensationalist, has departed for glory. He joins many other greats from our holy heritage (Walvoord, Couch, Pentecost, Zuck, Ryrie, LaHaye, Radmacher and more) who have traveled a portion of the 21st century with us as they exalted Christ. Let us cherish the Christ who gave us such a blessing through these great teachers.

DTS shared the following video in honor of Dr. Toussaint:

Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. William Barrick stated:

Of the many privileges God has granted me in my lifetime, being a friend and colleague of Robert Thomas has been one of the highest. We will all miss him, his drive, his love of Christ and His Word, his winsome smile, gentle mannerism and soft Georgia drawl.[1]

Dr. Michael Vlach wrote:

Dr. Robert Thomas was the model of exegetical accuracy and sound theology while I was a student and teacher at TMS. He was also a kind and humble man of God. His impact on me is great and I will miss him.

Dr. Michael Grisanti stated:

Before I came to begin my teaching ministry at TMS in 1997, I knew of Dr. Thomas through books and articles he wrote as well as for his involvement on the national Evangelical scene. He always pressed himself and those around him to excellence. I was always grateful for his commitment to faithfulness to his family and his commitment to TMS. Whether one always agreed with him or not, there is no doubt that he wanted God’s character and God’s Word to be honored in life, ministry, teaching and writing.

Dr. Larry Pettegrew said:

Dr. Thomas was a gracious Southern gentleman, but he held to his convictions as firmly as anyone I have ever known. He was an impact teacher.

Dr. John MacArthur wrote:

As my Greek professor all through seminary, Dr. Thomas laid the foundation for my life of preaching the New Testament. Whatever impact my preaching and writing on the New Testament may have is a direct result of his skill and passion for precision in handling the Word of God.[2]

Finally, Dr. George Houghton stated in summary:

We owe a great debt to both Drs. Stanley Toussaint and Robert Thomas for their long teaching and writing ministries. Their careful handling of the Word of God was demonstrated throughout their teaching, writing and preaching. We praise God for the heritage they have left us!

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Phil. 1:19-23)