John MacArthur (1939-2025) was raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist tradition, by his father, Jack MacArthur, an influential Baptist radio preacher. John MacArthur became known as one of the most influential expository preachers of his time and a prominent Calvinist theologian. He pastored the nondenominational Grace Community Church for 55 years and became president of Los Angeles Baptist College in 1985, which soon became known as The Master’s University. He founded Grace to You, a nationally syndicated radio and TV Bible teaching program which is now available today on most all social media platforms. He’s also one of my favorite Bible teachers. 

“Man-centered theology makes the sinner a victim rather than the perpetrator.” #JohnMacAuthur

While I think there’s more than one application for this quote, it suits me well as I believe it relates to my personal testimony of becoming a born again Christian. 

In short, I had a great childhood with the exception of some abuse and trauma. I first trusted in Christ when I was 12 years old although I don’t believe it was a saving faith. I was put in a confirmation class at our Methodist church with 24 other sixth graders. A Sunday morning group baptism service followed the completion of the confirmation class. I thought I was a Christian. I drifted away in my late teens and early twenties. 

Then, when was in my mid-twenties, I listened to Billy Graham presenting the gospel on TV one night. He explained that we’re all sinners in need of a Savior. I thought about it a lot. A couple of nights later I woke up in the middle of the night, thinking about all of the sin in my life and cried out to God. I believe this was the first time that I actually saw myself as a sinner. Prior to this time, I think I always saw myself as a good person and a victim. By the grace of God all of a sudden I was aware of my sin and I was sorry for it. For the first time in my life I repented of my sin and I placed my faith in Christ alone. It was at this time my life started changing toward God. I was born again. 

In retrospect there was no acknowledgment or repentance of sin in my life at age 12. There was no change in my life. I was not a Christian but assumed I was. That’s a dangerous place to be. While I enjoyed my time and the people at our church, I do not recommend any type of church that corrals a group of kids in a confirmation class followed by a group baptism service. God’s effectual call is sovereign and on His timeline, not man-made or man-centered  timelines.  

#SaturdaySayings

November 7, 2026