(The Rapture Question examines the four views of the churc...)
The Rapture Question examines the four views of the church's role in the tribulation: Partial Rapturism, Pretribulationism, Midtribulationism, and Posttribulationism, with the revised edition particularly discussing the current debate between pretribulationism and posttribulationism.
(Of the life and work of Jesus, the apostle John said, "Ev...)
Of the life and work of Jesus, the apostle John said, "Even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" (John 21:25). Acknowledging the size of the task, as well as its importance, Dr. John F. Walvoord has written this systematic presentation of the Person and work of Christ from eternity past to eternity future. Beginning with an analysis of modern trends in the study of Christology, Dr. Walvoord shows that "contemporary Christology has in many respects confused rather than clarified the extended revelation of the Word of God."
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It seems unlikely that a chained prisoner would write a paper on triumph, but in his letter to the Philippian believers, the apostle Paul did exactly that. John F. Walvoord's refreshing analysis of this popular New Testament epistle combines an unusually fascinating style with a careful exegesis of the original Greek text. After discussing the epistle's authorship, date, character, and relevance to modern Christianity, Walvoord moves to a consideration of prominent phrases in the Pauline writings.
Armageddon, Oil, and Terror: What the Bible Says about the Future
(Armageddon, Oil, and Terror offers shocking predictions o...)
Armageddon, Oil, and Terror offers shocking predictions on the future of terrorism, oil-based economics, and nuclear war in the Middle East. In all, Armageddon, Oil, and Terror sheds light on 12 biblical prophecies that seem eerily close to coming true.
The Holy Spirit: A Comprehensive Study of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
(The Holy Spirit is an extensive treatment of the entire d...)
The Holy Spirit is an extensive treatment of the entire doctrine of pneumatology, using some 1500 Scripture citations, and is designed for theological students and pastors as well as for laypeople desiring to get a complete presentation of the third person of the Trinity who indwells all Christians.
Every Prophecy of the Bible: Clear Explanations for Uncertain Times
(Unprecedented natural disasters, political uprisings, and...)
Unprecedented natural disasters, political uprisings, and economic uncertainty: The Bible predicted it all. Now you can understand it - and know what's coming next. As we watch world events unfold, biblical prophecy becomes a subject of intense interest. Noted biblical scholar Dr. John F. Walvoord covers each prophecy from Genesis to Revelation, giving a detailed insight into the many prophecies that have been fulfilled, as well as those that are still to come.
(The Theological Wordbook tackles tough words, such as pro...)
The Theological Wordbook tackles tough words, such as propitiation, regeneration, righteousness, and predestination, but it does so in a natural, plain-spoken manner designed to be enlightening rather than evasive. Also literally dozens of words you are likely to use every day, such as forgiveness, mind, peace, rest, family, truth, and guilt, have profound biblical value. Using The Theological Wordbook can enable you to more fully appreciate what the Bible teaches on these crucial topics and how each of these terms is relevant for life today.
John Walvoord was a United States theology professor, seminary president, and authority on Bible prophecies. He was one of evangelicalism's most prominent 20th-century leaders.
Background
John Flipse Walvoord was born on May 1, 1910, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States. He was the youngest of three children of John Garrett Walvoord, a school teacher, and Mary Walvoord. He was raised in a home that valued education in general and religious training in particular. During his mother's difficult pregnancy, her doctors advised an abortion; however, because of their conviction that the child was a gift from the Lord, they brought John to term. The family was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, his father was an elder and Sunday school superintendent. His parents determined that their children would be reared on the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Scripture memory.
Education
During his high school years, John Walvoord excelled in academics and athletics but continued to have only a nominal interest in Christianity, although he had committed his life to Christian work when he was twelve. His family joined the Union Gospel Tabernacle (now the nondenominational Racine Bible Church). While attending a study of the book of Galatians, he became assured of God's mercy toward him. In 1928, he entered Wheaton College. John Walvoord continued to excel in academics and athletics, though he also distinguished himself as a member of the debate team that won state championships in 1930 and 1931. Additionally, he was the president of the college's Christian Endeavor where he committed to foreign missions. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1931. That fall Walvoord entered Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned his bachelor's and master's of theology degrees, magna cum laude, in 1934 and doctorate in theology in 1936. He went on to receive a Master of Arts in philosophy from Texas Christian University in 1945. Wheaton College awarded him a doctor of divinity in 1960; Liberty University conferred the Doctor of Letters on him in 1984.
John Walvoord wanted to go to China as a missionary. At the time he couldn't believe that everyone didn't want to go to China. But as he launched into his doctoral studies in Dallas in 1934, the young graduate was called to the Rosen Heights Presbyterian Church in nearby Fort Worth where he served as a pastor for sixteen years. Then in 1936, he was asked to temporarily fill the position of registrar at Dallas Theological Seminary, and in a short time, he did much to organize and structure the office. In 1945, after nine years of faculty service, Walvoord was asked to assume the role of assistant to the president, a position he held until the death of Dr. Chafer seven years later. On February 6, 1953, John Walvoord was inaugurated as the second president of Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as a president and professor until 1986, and as a chancellor until 2001. He continued to teach and preach until a few weeks before his death at the age of 92.
During his early years in academia, Walvoord was asked to teach a course about the Apocalypse. This sparked his interest in the subject and in biblical prophecies, eventually leading him to write several books on the subject. The most influential of these among the general public was his bestselling 1974 work, Armageddon, Oil, and the Middle East Crisis: What the Bible Says about the Future of the Middle East and the End of Western Civilization, which he wrote with his son John E. Walvoord. This book, which predicts that the world will see the rise of a powerful government headed by an atheist leader in league with Satan and will enter into a great war centered in the Middle East, was revised in 1990 during the Persian Gulf War. Walvoord was subsequently asked to appear on a number of television and radio programs about his ideas, although he came short of asserting that Armageddon was imminent because of United States actions in the Middle East.
John Walvoord had 30 books published. His bestselling work on Bible prophecy, Armageddon, Oil, and the Middle East Crisis, was sold over 2 million copies and was printed in 16 languages. Shortly after the publication of the second, revised edition in 1990, Walvoord received a call from The White House requesting a copy. It made a powerful impression; more copies were requested almost immediately. Members of President George H.W. Bush's White House Staff read it to deepen their understanding of events in the Middle E. Under Walvoord's presidency, Dallas Theological Seminary enrollment grew from 300 to over 1,700, four major educational buildings were erected on campus, and the graduate degree programs increased from three to six.
Though reared a Presbyterian, and having memorized the catechisms and attended the church his father started in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, John Walvoord did not cast his soul upon Christ for his eternal salvation until he heard Dr. William McCarroll at the Cicero Bible Church explain what salvation really was. John Walvoord is known worldwide for his evangelical scholarship in Christology, pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit), and eschatology (prophecy and the end times). A committed and profound dispensationalist, the Bible was always at the heart of Walvoord's life.
Views
Quotations:
"The comprehensive sweep of the Bible, as it looks at history from God's point of view and then presents the glorious future that awaits the child of God, gives the Christian a life of meaningful activity. It provides a system of values that transcends the materialism of our day, and it gives us a glorious hope of a world to come where there is much happiness."
Membership
John Walvoord was a charter member of the Evangelical Theological Society and served as its president in 1954.
Evangelical Theological Society
,
United States
Connections
John Walvoord was married to Geraldine Delores Lundgren. They had four sons: John Edward (born on February 20, 1942), James Randall (born on June 17, 1945), Timothy Peter (born on April 17, 1954), and Paul David (born on August 8, 1957).
Father:
John Garrett Walvoord
John Garrett Walvoord was born on September 22, 1872, in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. When John was a small boy on the Amsterdam Farm, he was in the yard. A horse broke loose and galloped wildly running over him. God protected him from harm. He was unhurt. His mother, Henrietta, believed that angels guarded little children, otherwise they would have little chance of life. He was fond of learning. He went to school in Hingham and worked for his meals. He then attended Sheboygan High School from which he graduated at the age of 24. There, John Walvoord worked for Dr. Charles and also earned his meals. He had to take care of the doctor's horses (this was before automobiles).
John Walvoord was also a business manager for the senior Echo board (the school yearbook). After receiving his diploma in 1898, he returned to Sheboygan and was principal of an elementary school for 21 years, following which, from 1919 to 1924 he became the Sheboygan Schools Superintendent. John was fired when he refused to allow the sale of beer at local high school sporting events.
John did great work for the First Presbyterian Church of Sheboygan. He was an elder and superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. At times he was a Sunday School teacher too. He spent a whole summer of his vacation soliciting funds for the new building. In 1924 and 1925, John Walvoord, a veteran educator, returned to school and attended the University of Wisconsin. While there he roomed with his son, Randall, who was also a student there. After John received his degree, the family moved to Racine where John became principal of the Stephen Bull Elementary School in 1925.
Mother:
Mary Walvoord
Across the road from the Walvoord Farm at Amsterdam, was a family by the name of Nyenhuis. John Gerrit Nyenhuis had married the widow, Blazina Flipse who had eight children. Mr. Nyenhuis was described as a mean, strict, and somewhat abusive stepfather. As a young man, John Walvoord was captivated by the youngest of these children, Mary Flipse. Mary was the youngest of eight children born to Zeelanders Jan Flipse and Blazina Verhulst. She was born on November 4, 1872, in the Holland Township of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.
Mary would not have anything to do with John Walvoord because he wasn't a Christian. John was persistent, but Mary, a deep-rooted believer, was steadfast and refused because she believed in the Scripture that says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" Later, John trusted Christ, and after a while Mary finally allowed him to court her. A wedding date was soon set. But, John, who was an avid football player, had received a fairly nasty black eye from a rather raucous game and Mary refused to marry him until he was more presentable. They were finally married on December 26, 1899.
Mary Walvoord was a dedicated worker in the church. She was a Sunday School teacher and when her daughter, Ethel, was 3-weeks-old, she put her in the baby buggy, walked to church, and taught her Sunday School class. Mary was treasurer of the Missionary Society at one time. When she was young she wanted to be a missionary but she gave up because of the expense required to finance such an education. She was always missionary-minded. She told her experience in regard to her first public prayer. She said she would rather have taken a whipping than to pray in public.
In late 1909, when John and Mary were expecting their third child, some complications arose due to Mary being ill. She had always been sickly, even as a child. The doctor felt it would be dangerous for her to bear a child, and he strongly recommended that the pregnancy be aborted. Mary was convinced that the Lord wanted her to have the child and her faith was rewarded. Not only was a healthy baby boy born, but she regained her health and lived past the century mark. This baby boy, John Flipse Walvoord, would later become one of the most well known of the Walvoord family.
Wife:
Geraldine Delores Lundgren
Geraldine Delores Lundgren was born on September 6, 1914, in Geneva, Illinois. She was the fifth of six children born to native Swedes Gustaf Edward Lundgren and Emily Skoglund. Geraldine made a personal decision to accept Christ as her Savior at an early age. After developing avenues of ministry in music and youth programs in her church, she continued her education at Wheaton College and Northern Illinois University. It was during this time that her sister Harriet Lundgren began dating Ellwood Evans, a student from Evangelical Theological College (later renamed Dallas Theological Seminary). One Christmas holiday, another theology student traveled with Ellwood as he headed north to visit Harriet. When they arrived, Ellwood made the simple introduction, "Geraldine, I want you to meet my friend John Walvoord." John accepted the invitation to stay for dinner before traveling on to his parents' home in Wisconsin and over the next several years more than a few letters and visits cultivated their friendship into a lifelong romance. Deeply in love and convinced of God's will for their lives, John Walvoord and Geraldine Delores Lundgren were married on June 28, 1939. Geraldine partnered in her husband's Seminary ministry by launching and leading the Dallas Seminary Wives' Fellowship in 1953. This educational ministry to the spouses of what was then an all-male student body continued under her leadership for more than 40 years.
Sister:
Ethel Elise Walvoord
Ethel Elise Walvoord was born on September 9, 1900. She attended Sheboygan High School and graduated in 1918. She was involved in Debating Society, Glee Club, and Athletic Association all four years of high school. She was also a part of The Lake Breeze staff (the school yearbook), and the Dramatic Club. On July 25, 1922, she married Reverend Edward Charles Raue, a widower, in Sheboygan. They had two daughters: Mary Ann and Emilie Jane.
Brother:
Randall Henry Walvoord
Randall Henry Walvoord was born on March 16, 1904. He attended Sheboygan High School. Randall played basketball four years, football three years, and was involved in Dramatic Club and Glee Club his senior year. He graduated from Sheboygan High School in 1922. Randall Walvoord attended Carroll College in Waukesha for a couple of years and then went to The University of Wisconsin in Madison where he studied engineering. In the summers, Randall would go up to Door County, Wisconsin to pick cherries to earn money for college. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. On June 28, 1927, he married Elizabeth Katherine Marie Korn. Randall Walvoord became County Engineer in Racine. He played clarinet for the Racine City Orchestra and was also considered a good dancer. Randall and his family attended First Presbyterian Church in Racine where he was an elder.
When the Racine City Engineer was drafted to fight in World War II, Randall took over his responsibilities as well. He was recruited by J. I. Case Company to help with the war effort. Randall built wings for the B-26 attack bomber. After the war, Randall Walvoord continued to work at J. I. Case as a draftsman but didn't like the inside work. He went to work for Allis Chalmers (a Milwaukee company) as an outside sales engineer. He would go from plant to plant to see what kind of motors they needed. As the company expanded, he was given a choice to transfer to either New York City or Dallas, Texas. He didn't like New York and since his younger brother, John Walvoord, lived in nearby Ft. Worth he chose to make Dallas his new home. But before actually moving to Dallas, Randall was transferred to Allis Chalmers' Motor Division in Amarillo, Texas.
In 1945, Randall, Elizabeth, and their five children (Mary, David, Joann, John, and Randy), moved to Amarillo. Sometime after the move, Allis Chalmers closed their Amarillo Motor Division. G. E. Jones Electric Company took over Chalmers' business and Randall was offered a job in their Sales and Repair Department where he remained until he died. He was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.
