John Peyton

By the grace of God I was redeemed in 1984 and brought to Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and had the immense opportunity to sit under the teaching of John MacArthur from ’84–’91. In 1991 I was also introduced to Ligonier Ministries and the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul, along with the many teachers that R.C. brought to his conferences.

As ministry opportunities opened, I relocated to Seattle, and continued to serve Christ and His church in various capacities. As the Lord continued to increase my love for a more reformed perspective of redemption, I was introduced to the OPC and gained a deeper understanding of the redemptive plan of God from a Westminster perspective. As my personal study continued to expand I was introduced to a 1689 Federalist approach to the covenants, and found this to be much more in keeping with my understanding of progressive revelation and the nature and practices of the church, particularly regarding baptism, which I had held throughout my time in the OPC.

Throughout my journey to the celestial city, I have pursued my understanding of God and His redemptive plan through a non-formal path of study, drawing from a variety of perspectives. This has proven invaluable to me. Paul called us to “examine everything carefully,” and having been exposed to a variety of redemptive perspectives has indeed been a huge blessing to me.

In no other time throughout human history has our resources for understanding God and His Word been greater than it is today. “To whom much is given, much is required.” As Christians, He has given us new life in Christ, His Spirit within us, His Word to read, and eyes to read it with, along with so many additional resources to aid us in our understanding of Him and His redemptive plan. Paul exhorted Timothy to “take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” I can think of no greater joy than knowing and growing in my walk with Christ on my way to heaven.