Thursday, 08 December 1938 10:27 Written by Dr. Carl McIntire

(From Christian Beacon Vol. III – No. 44, Thursday, December 8, 1938)

“God Led to Faith” - Students Say

PLACE OF ANSWERED PRAYER

“What Faith Seminary Means to Me”, is the basis of the testimonies offered by the various students of Faith Theological Seminary, 14th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington, Del.

Faith Seminary opened its doors in October, 1937, as an institution of higher learning committed solely to the Bible as the Word of God, and the training of Christian ministers of the highest scholarship and consecration.

The seminary now, in its second year, has 27 students, all of whom are graduates of accredited universities and colleges.

The testimonies of the students follow. Those of the second year class are given first.

Stanley P. Allen

Glendale, Calif.; University of California

I thank my God for Faith Seminary and for the privilege of being a member of its student body.

The institution was founded to carry on an uncompromising witness to the Gospel, and that is, I believe, the most important one quality for a Christian movement to possess. Losing that, the institution will lose its justification and distinctiveness. Secondly, the doctrinal teaching is according to God’s Word, is not “off balance” in emphasis, and is free from the superficiality that pervades so much of Christendom. Thirdly, the fellowship is truly blessed - a benefit resulting logically from our right relationship to Christ. We are one in Him, and the daily blessings of our fellowship are constant joy.

Walter G. Cross, Jr.

Dunmore, Pa.; Hampden-Sydney College

“My God shall supply all your, need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 19).

I believed these words because they were in the Bible, but it was not until last year that I discovered what they really meant. If Faith Seminary did no more for me than teach that what He has promised He is able also to perform, my time here would be well spent. However, that is not all; for a sane, sound, and scholarly course of study under a competent and a deeply spiritual faculty is daily teaching us rightly to divide the Word of truth. I praise the Lord that I am privileged to attend this institution.

Homer P. Emerson

Wheaton, Ill.; Wheaton College

In the cry of the modern liberal theologians of "Back to Christ,” there is an overlooking of the fact that the Word of God is the only revealer of Christ. At Faith Theological Seminary we study that medium of revelation which God has graciously provided for our enlightenment in order to salvation. We are proud to be called a Bible seminary. As one who is looking forward to service in the foreign field I know of no school in which I might procure a more thorough preparation for my work in His vineyard.

Vernon C. Grounds

Clifton, N.J.; Rutgers University

Last year in August I was impelled to make a sudden decision, one which involved a complete change of my plans for seminary training. Almost overnight, so it seemed, I made up my mind to attend Faith. Yet as I review events since then, I know for a certainty that God graciously led me in my choice, even as He has promised: "I will guide thee with amine eye."

Rich indeed have been the months of study spent here in Wilmington. To me Faith Seminary has meant a deeper knowledge of God’s Holy Word, a knowledge based upon the sure foundation of exegesis out of the original languages. To me, moreover, Faith Seminary has meant contact with instructors who are godly, learned, and patient: men like those of whom the Epistle to the Hebrews says, "Whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." And then, too, Faith Seminary has meant fellowship with other young men of similar convictions, all dedicated to a defense of the everlasting Gospel; and that fellowship will be one of the precious memories of life.

Of course our Seminary is far from being Utopian in all its aspects, but it is so generally excellent that from the bottom of my heart I thank God that He has privileged me to study His Word and prepare for His glorious work here at Faith.

Robert Hastings

Collingdale, Pa.; Wheaton College

Faith Seminary has meant much to me in the past year, not alone from a scholastic viewpoint, but from the standpoint of the life of the seminary family. "The attitude of constant dependence upon God for all things is ever present, binding us to each other. But above all it draws us closer to the throne of Grace, to the Lord who is the source of all power.

Franklin T. Jensen

Baltimore, Md.; Colombia Bible College

At Faith Seminary we are equipped for the ministry intellectually and spiritually. The Word of God is the center of our curriculum and is the basis of our daily life in Christ. One finds it difficult to choose a seminary which is true to the Bible and of sound scholarship. Not only are these traits found at Faith, but one is soon aware of a dependence upon God for the supply of every spiritual and material need.

Norman Jerome

Barker, N. Y.; Taylor University

This is my second year at Faith Seminary, and I can honestly say that because of this the Lord has caused me to grow in the knowledge of the faith, and likewise to grow in the every day practice of faith. It is any conviction that God has raised up this true testimony to train us young men, whom He has called to preach His Word in all its faithfulness and integrity in these wicked days.

For the believer the hardest thing to do from a human standpoint is really the easiest for conscience’ sake. God honors this kind of Christian walk. The blessings that have been ours since coming here are on the one hand undeserved, and on the other hand so amazingly abundant to meet all needs.

La Verne Donaldson

Newton, Kansas; Wheaton College

Faith Seminary shows its value in its stress on the study of the original languages of the Scriptures. This acquisition of these tools of Bible study I expect to be of definite help to me. Not only these languages studied in themselves, but they are also used in other courses of Bible study, which would seem to assure a more accurate type of scholarship.

In its stand for the separated life, as well as other Christian doctrines, the Seminary has an appeal for many of us who believe in these necessary truths.

In addition to these merits is the emphasis on the devotional life. Chapel periods, prayer meetings, and a sharing in the services of the First Independent Church [of Wilmington] are an aid to the student’s private devotions.

The last advantage that I would list is that of a closer fellowship with the students and a deeper acquaintance with them, which is valuable.

John Janbaz

Camden, N.J.; Temple University

I certainly do want to thank the Lord for the way in which He opened up Faith Seminary for me.

When I heard the call from the Lord Jesus Christ to the ministry, I wondered what seminary I should attend in order to receive a proper training. I wanted to attend a school that was fundamental, premillennial, evangelistic, and also scholarly, so that I should be a properly trained servant of my Lord and Savior. During the latter part of my college career, Faith

Seminary was opened, and I felt that that was the school the Lord would have me attend.

Not only have I found the above named qualities incorporated in Faith Seminary, but also have discovered that it is a seminary founded on the Word of God and upheld by prayer. Thanks be to

God for a seminary where one can study to show himself "approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Boyd C. Lentz

Narberth, Pa.; Haverford College

I find in Faith Theological Seminary true Christian fellowship. Truly our fellowship is with the

Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Our fellowship with the Son causes us to expose and take our stand against all Modernists, who even deny the Lord that bought them. We have separated, ourselves from all fellowship with the unfruitful, works of darkness and do rather reprove them. By so doing we have lost opportunity for earthly advantage, choosing rather to enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (Phil. 1: 29) However, having turned from fellowship with apostasy, our fellowship now is in the Gospel. We have, therefore, found the Seminary the place of God’s blessing. Prayers are being answered, and souls are being saved through the ministry of the students. I am more than thankful to be one of the students at this institution which the Lord has raised up.

J. Norman McConnell

Upper Darby, Pa.; Wheaton College

Not alone to the praise of the Seminary, but to the glory of an ever-faithful Lord, I give this testimony. For while I have found Faith Seminary a place of rich spiritual fellowship and high and is sound scholarship, I have had renewed occasion to find the Lord Jesus Christ my abundantly satisfying portion.

Five years ago the quotation was given to me as I left my home to start college life: “He who has led thee hitherto will guide thee all thy journey through.” And this I have proved everyday since then. First to a strongly evangelical Christian college – than to an even stronger seminary, He has led. And more than that, He has provided for me in every place of His leading.

Now, because the keynote of the Lord’s dealing with me has been abiding faithfulness, I desire to be faithful to Him, and to be found to the praise of His glory.

Louis Pund, Jr.

West Collingswood, N.J.; Drexel College

Paul wrote, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

These words certainly describe our present day with its many sects and cults by which men hope to gain Heaven. But these philosophies are not modern; they are old stuff (Gal. 1:6-12; Col. 2:8); and those that reject the true Gospel are enemies of God (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

It is to prepare to defend the Church against this prevailing apostasy that I came to Faith Seminary. Here we are grounded in the original languages of God’s Word, but more than that, built up in the true faith so that we can ably proclaim the Gospel to “whosoever” (Mark 8:34-38).

Wilber B. Wallis

Pacoima, Calif.; University of California

A Christian minister must be “rooted and grounded in love" and "stablished in the faith." To this end he must have an exact, personal knowledge of the Bible, "that he may know the certainty of the things wherein he has been instructed.” I praise God that Faith Seminary has been founded to lead men by its testimony and instruction to this glorious certainty about God’s Word and its doctrines. Several things are essential: careful, scholarly study of the Bible, the Word of God, infallible rule of faith and practice, to find out just what it teaches; the cultivation of zeal and power in preaching the Word; edifying and comforting Christian fellowship; spiritual growth as we depend on Him for every blessing; a consistent personal testimony to an indifferent pagan generation. These things Faith emphasizes and nurtures by capable and consecrated instruction on the part of the faculty, and practical Gospel work on the part of students. I have found Faith to be a blessing: I’m glad I’m here.

Harold T. Kattmann

Berne, Ind.; Wheaton College

Faith Seminary would be just another seminary if it were not for two great facts which are basically the seminary’s reason for existence. They are (1) the doctrinal positions on the Deity of Jesus Christ and on the Bible as the infallible Word God. And (2) the consecrated and purposeful preparation of students for a scholarly and evangelical presentation of the Gospel. I am at this seminary because I love the Lord and want the best preparation for His service.

Jack W. Murray

Bellingham, Wash.; Wheaton College

We are seeking the highest intellectual training given to us be men who believe in personal holiness, in order that we might be spiritually as well as intellectually equipped. We believe that God reveals the deep things of His Word to those who are filled with His Spirit. This has been more perfectly realized in the past months. Our desire is to increase in “the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” because in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Gordon Nichols

Ridgewood, N.J.; Hampden-Sydney College

The most important thing for one to believe when teaching people concerning God and one’s relation to God is that the Bible is the Word of God, and is true from cover to cover. Above all, this should be the foundation upon which every seminary should stand, but very few do. And because Faith Seminary does teach that the Bible is infallible, I am studying here – that is the one reason. All other reasons for the existence of a seminary pale in the light of this great reason.

William H. Richie, Jr.

Moorestown, N.J.; Wheaton College

It is a God-given privilege to study at an institution such as Faith Theological Seminary, and for our blessings we thank Him who instituted this school. What a joy to grow in our knowledge of Scripture; what a tower of strength to our faith to scrutinize it carefully and thoroughly; what a blessing to know that the Holy Spirit can use our lives more effectively because we have become more thoroughly familiar with the Sword of the Spirit; what a thrill is ours to see Him daily provide our needs as we walk the life of utter dependence upon Him who cares enough to clothe the lilies of the field and number the hairs of our heads. And all this we receive through the Spirit-guided medium of a seminary which is unique in its stand upon the Word of God.

Let it be confessed that at first I did not properly evaluate our training here, nor the importance of care in the selection of a seminary. Once here, however, I grew in the conviction that Faith is not just another school, but that is direly needed in this day of gathering spiritual gloom. We praise neither our professors nor our directors for what they have done, but we give glory and thanks to Him who is our Teacher and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

John Sanderson

Baltimore, Md.; Wheaton College

I came to Faith Seminary last year for but one reason: I heard that it was to be founded on the Word of God. After more than a year, I am happy to report that I am more than satisfied with the stand of the seminary and its spiritual and scholastic ideals.

B. B. Smith

LaCrosse, Kans.; Indiana Central College

When the Lord told me one Sunday afternoon out in Kansas that Faith Theological Seminary was the place for me little knew then what a glorious thing He was doing. Though then so blind, I am now permitted to see, for He has shown me in entire inadequacy as a prophet of God unless thoroughly trained and properly in accord with His infinite will. Through scholarly defense and presentation of His revealed Word I pray that I may be worthy of His ordination as a soldier of the cross. I praise Him that Faith Theological Seminary was raised up as a testimony unto Him at the exact time that I needed Him most.

Philip R. Stutsman

Tacoma, Wash.; Wheaton College

At Faith Seminary we build our studies around the Word of God. Every day brings a fuller realization of God’s love and blessing to us. The high ideals of the seminary are adequately presented by a godly faculty. Faith Seminary is all that it purports to be, and more.

Winslow A. Collins

Collinsville, Conn.; Norwich University

Faith Theological Seminary is the only institution in this part of the country where I can hope to get the training I need for the work I believe the Lord would have me do. In this day of widespread and open apostasy, doubt, and unbelief of the only truly permanent thing available to sinful men, the Bible, I find in Faith Theological Seminary students like myself who believe the Bible I believe, and instructors whose teachings are designed not only to increase our knowledge of the Bible as such, but also to increase our faith in our Savior, our ability to use the Scriptures, and our skill in presenting them to people. Also at Faith, I have found real Christian friendship, and associated with Faith, many more friends, all with a really Christian attitude toward life and living. Such fellowship is all too scarce in the region from which I came.

In short, I have found here at Faith Theological Seminary God’s own answer to the dreams and aspirations of my Christian life, and I thank God for letting me come here.

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The testimonies of the members of the senior or third year class are as follows:

James W. Lipscomb

West Point, Miss.; Hampden-Sydney College

After spending some time in consideration and prayer as to what seminary I should attend, it was a source of real pleasure to me when the Lord opened up Faith and led me to it. My experiences since coming have resulted in a firmer conviction than before that this is where I should be. There are two main reasons for this: first, the uncompromising stand which Faith has taken in points of doctrine and Christian conduct; second, while absolute fidelity to the Word of God is maintained, it is not a blind or unreasoning faith, but is supported by able criticism of the best which "the critics" have to offer.

Joseph F. Misicka

Cicero, Ill.; Wheaton College

One of the disappointments that many men experience on entering the Lord’s work is the realization that their seminary training has been too theoretical for a matter-of-fact world. At Faith there is no minimizing of theory, but it is studied with a view to the practical application of it. Calvinism, which we believe is the proper interpretation of Scripture, should thoroughly equip men for a very practical Christian ministry, of soul-winning and building up of believers. This is what we have found it actually does, as taught at Faith Seminary.

I also praise God because the doctrine of our Lord’s premillennial return is clearly taught at Faith Seminary. The fact that some theologians have not understood this doctrine does not frighten us. Neither popes nor theologians are infallible, but God’s Word is, and the proper exegetical method reveals to us the precious doctrine of Christ’s premillennial coming, which, by the way, is a very practical doctrine.

Alvin J. Paine

Houghton, N. Y.; Wheaton College

There are three things which are preeminently responsible for my work at Faith. God was holding out a challenge to me—the challenge of a lost and dying world of social works and communistic whitewash. Preparation for this struggle and victory, I believed, embraced three things. I believed Faith had been providentially prepared to meet these needs. First of all, Faith accepts the inerrancy of the Word of God, as contained in the writings of the Old and New Testaments, coupled with literal or grammatico-historical exegesis thereof. Secondly, the scholarship is sound, and Faith affords a man the equipment which will enable him to stand among real scholars, regardless of their training. Thirdly, Faith believes and teaches a separated life, and the premillennial return of our Lord, which the Scriptures definitely teach. Why did I choose Faith Seminary? Because I believed it was the place God would have me.

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Those who are taking graduate work or the fourth year of study testify as follows:

F. Burton Toms

Wenonah, N. J.; Maryville College, Princeton Seminary

It is now by experience that I know Faith Seminary is truly named. When it was raised up last year I hoped that it would continue to be wholly God, and so standing indeed "for the faith" and "by faith." I thank God that this is true of Faith Seminary by the very nature of its existence.

Since it has little that- the world might esteem great, God forbids that it should "glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," in whom we die to the world of sin, to live constrained by His love. The Seminary thus emphasizes the necessity of lives separated from every weight and sin, for the world-wide giving of the Gospel. To this end it unites accurate scholarship with full belief in the Bible as the very "Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice."

The Seminary goes forward looking unto Jesus, aware of the imminence of His taking His own,

- to "appear with him in glory" (Col. 3: 4), for "if we suffer we shall also reign with him" (2 Tim. 2: 12).

It depends on Him, its Lord, to continue to provide, not only for its physical existence, but for its fruitfulness in declaring and defending the "Word of truth of the Gospel" for the saving of precious souls for whom He died.

W. Hobart Childs

Huntington, Mass.; Wheaton College, Westminster Theological Seminary

Faith Seminary does not seek to hold to any opinion whether popular or traditional unless the

Word of God plainly teaches us that it is true. We are led here by men whose lives are centered around the faithful revelation God has given of Himself, and the relation of mankind to Himself, which is given to us in the Bible.

Furthermore, the fellowship of students who are united in seeking to know the will of God, to love His Word, and to have their lives conformed to it is a source of great joy.

I wish to become a more effective witness to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I thank God for the privilege of making preparation at Faith Theological Seminary.