W. Robert Godfrey

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He is president emeritus and professor emeritus of church history at Westminster Seminary California. He is the featured teacher for the six-part Ligonier teaching series A Survey of Church History. His many books include God’s Pattern for Creation, Reformation Sketches, An Unexpected Journey, Learning to Love the Psalms, and Saving the Reformation.

  • The Imago Dei, Human Dignity, and the Present Crisis Media Resource by

    Psalms 8:4

    Christians have a message of dignity and hope to give to a watching world in times of crisis. In this conversation with Ligonier’s President, Chris Larson, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey discusses the lessons we can learn from Scripture and church history as we seek to honor the Lord in troubling times. Questions: What lessons can we learn from Christians who have faced plagues and pandemics before us? (2:12) How did some of the heroes of church history handle periods of plague and distress? (4:07) What is the source of human dignity? (7:07) Did Adam continue to bear God’s image … View Resource

  • Ask Ligonier with W. Robert Godfrey (February 2020) Media Resource by

    On February 18th, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey joined us as a special guest on our Ask Ligonier team and answered your biblical and theological questions live online. This special online event was streamed live on Ligonier’s blog, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Questions: What should discipleship look like in the local church? (2:19) Are the TV preachers that talk about health and prosperity the false teachers Jesus talked about? (3:26) Aside from God’s Word, what book has had the greatest impact on your life and ministry? (4:24) … View Resource

  • Speaking the Truth in Love Media Resource by , , , , ,

    A panel discussion with Tim Challies, W. Robert Godfrey, Daniel Henderson, Steven Lawson, Albert Mohler, and Robert VanDoodewaard. Questions: What are the most pressing needs for the church in Canada? (00:56) What unique challenges do Protestant churches face in historically Roman Catholic Quebec? (03:05) How should Christians respond to hate-speech legislation and the rising social stigma of Christianity in the West? (04:16) How have Christians throughout the ages addressed biblical illiteracy? (06:33) How are Canadian Christians and churches responding to the apparent loss of Christianity’s cultural influence in Canada? (08:09) What similarities and differences exist between the current state … View Resource

  • Come, Lord Jesus Media Resource by

    Revelation 22

    As we approach the end of our survey of the book of Revelation, we will reflect on major themes of John’s conclusion to this book and major themes of Revelation as a whole. Dr. Godfrey powerfully paraphrases this book’s final message to its readers: “God is more glorious than you think. Life is not what you see. Life is not even what you think. It’s always better. God is more glorious. Sin is more serious. Evil is more powerful, suffering is greater, time is shorter, and Jesus is stronger.” View Resource

  • The Final Judgment Media Resource by

    Revelation 20:3-21:3

    After describing the fall of Babylon, the defeat of the beast, and the chaining of the dragon, John at last turns his attention to the eternal destruction that awaits the dragon in the lake of fire. Not only will God pass judgment on the dragon, but He will also resurrect every person who has ever lived to give an account for their actions. To those whose names appear in the Book of Life He promises an eternity of new life in a new heaven and new earth. View Resource

  • The New Jerusalem Media Resource by

    Revelation 21:4-27

    After describing Christ’s ultimate victory over the dragon, the beast, and rebellious humanity, John turns his attention to the glorious future that awaits all those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. As we survey the final chapters of Revelation, we encounter lofty descriptions and otherworldly imagery that our finite minds can barely fathom. Though John tells us many things that we cannot yet understand, he nevertheless offers us the clear and beautiful hope of a day that is quickly coming when God will dwell with us and we will be His people. View Resource

  • Questions Answered Media Resource by

    Even though the basic message of Revelation is simple enough for any Christian to understand, a lifetime is still not long enough to learn everything that this book has to offer. In this final lesson, Dr. Godfrey turns his attention to common questions that arise from studying this book. Whether all your questions are answered or not, his hope is that you have been richly blessed through this study of Revelation and that you will continue to be blessed as you seek to know Christ and to make Him known to others. View Resource

  • The Mark & the Call to Endure Media Resource by

    Revelation 13:18-14:13

    No matter how fiercely Satan may attempt to subdue God’s people, his efforts will end in failure. This principle is powerfully seen at the end of Revelation’s fourth cycle, with its description of the mark of the beast and the final victory of God’s people. As the focus of John’s visions begins to shift from the church’s perseverance to the judgment that awaits the wicked, the pastoral thrust of John’s message remains the same: repent and persevere. View Resource

  • Plagues, Armageddon, & the Wrath of God Media Resource by

    Revelation 16:10-21

    As we approach the final cycle of Revelation, John recapitulates major themes of this book with increasing clarity and intensity. In this lesson, which completes the sixth cycle, we find that the wicked persist in their wickedness, the righteous are called to be always alert and ready, and all heavenly and earthly powers will one day bow before the triumphant Lamb. View Resource

  • The Splendor & Fall of Babylon the Great Media Resource by

    Revelation 17:1-18:8

    Revelation’s seventh cycle begins with a vivid and detailed description of Babylon. Appearing as a prostitute who has seduced many nations and peoples, Babylon exudes arrogance, indulgence, and self-glorification. However exalted and unconquerable she may appear, the angels announce that her doom is certain. In this lesson, Dr. Godfrey will examine John’s account of Babylon the great, noting the warning, hope, and encouragement that this narrative offers to God’s people. View Resource

  • The Two Beasts Media Resource by

    Revelation 12:13-13:18

    In one of the most famous sections of the book of Revelation, John imparts a vision of the great dragon, Satan, looming by the side of the sea and summoning forth a powerful beast to wage war against God’s people. To reinforce this beast’s power, a second beast emerges from the earth and seeks to persuade all people to worship the first beast. This unholy trinity, which dominates the central literary cycle of Revelation, has prompted debate, discussion, and speculation among interpreters for centuries. In this lesson, Dr. Godfrey will examine this vivid passage and reveal its message of practical … View Resource

  • The Victorious Rider & the Chained Dragon Media Resource by

    Revelation 19:11-20:6

    The final chapters of Revelation present God’s victory in increasingly clear and decisive terms. In this lesson, we will first examine what Revelation teaches about Jesus’ triumph over the beast. Finally, we will discuss the period of one thousand years described in Revelation 20. Because God is in complete control and has limited Satan’s power, the church can faithfully and fearlessly carry out her mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. View Resource

  • The Vindication of the Saints Media Resource by

    Revelation 14:14-16:9

    God will leave nothing undone. As John continues to relate his heavenly vision, the unfolding story of Revelation is one of completion. When the harvest of God’s elect is ready to be gathered, Jesus will welcome every saint into His fold; when the hour of judgment arrives, God will answer the martyrs’ unresolved cry for justice; when the heavenly host observe God’s treatment of the righteous and the wicked, they will erupt with praise and adoration for His holiness, justice, and truth. Christians in all ages can take heart that God is at work and will not fail to accomplish … View Resource

  • The Wicked Lament & the Saints Rejoice Media Resource by

    Revelation 18:9-19:10

    After describing the hubris and fall of the great prostitute Babylon, John describes the dismayed reaction of the global powers who benefited from her indulgent reign. In contrast to the bitter sorrow of the wicked at Babylon’s demise, John also presents the chorus of praise that erupts from the poor and lowly when this oppressive mistress meets her end. He then points his readers forward to the glorious scene surrounding the marriage supper of the Lamb, when the church will emerge as a dazzling bride ready to take her place at Jesus’ side. View Resource

  • Fifth & Sixth Trumpets Media Resource by

    Revelation 9:5-11:3

    As the third literary cycle continues to describe judgment poured out on the earth, some difficult questions emerge. When the forces of evil appear to be so strong, how do we know that God is greater? In the face of intense suffering, why do more people not turn to Jesus? Why has God chosen to reveal some parts of His plan but not others? In this lesson, Dr. Godfrey will examine these questions and other complex features of these passages, finding hope in God’s sovereign power and faithful care for His people. View Resource