From Rutherford Hall -- By: Jerry O’Neill
Journal: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal
Volume: RPTJ 04:2 (Spring 2018)
Article: From Rutherford Hall
Author: Jerry O’Neill
From Rutherford Hall
President of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
This is my last rendition of From Rutherford Hall. A good transition is coming. President-elect Barry York will assume the mantle of the presidency on July 1, 2018, and I am excited about that. To spend twenty-three years in the leadership of an organization and then to hand the baton to a man that can serve the next generation well is an overwhelming joy. Nothing could be as satisfying to me at this point. Hopefully, RPTS is just at the beginning of the good things that God has in store for us.
When Pastor David Reese visited the Seminary recently, he had us reflect on a theme that has become dear to my heart as I face retirement. It’s not a new theme, but it has taken on new meaning for me personally. Pastor Reese pointed us to this truth: My hope of heaven, and my perseverance in the path of righteousness, is not due to my strong faith or the fact that I have it all together. Much to the contrary! I don’t have it all together. But my assurance lies in the fact that Jesus prays for me. How striking that the apostle Peter, on the very day that Judas would betray the Savior, couldn’t even stay awake to pray for his own soul on the Mount of Olives (Lk. 22:39–46). But Jesus had prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail (Lk. 22:31). Three times Peter fell asleep; three times he denied his Lord. But Jesus had prayed that when Peter denied him, Peter’s faith would not fail and that he would turn and strengthen his brothers (Lk. 22:31). How powerfully God used him in the years following his denial of Jesus.
When I went home that night, my wife was not at home. As I reflected on Peter on the Mount of Olives and Hebrews 7:25 – “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” – my eyes filled up with tears. I began mumbling to myself and out loud, “I don’t deserve it; I don’t deserve His prayers.” He is able to save to the uttermost since He always lives to intercede for His people. Of course, we don’t deserve it. That is the point. But Jesus prays for us anyway!
The answer to the Westminster Shorter Catechism’s question 25 reads: “Christ executeth the office of a priest in His once offering up of Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God—and in making continual intercession for us.” I have always stressed the first half of the answer, and for good reason. That is the gospel, the once-for-all sacrifice to satisfy d...
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