Keith Mathison Reflects on His Journey to Faith and Reformed Theology

Keith Mathison, a long-time contributor to Ligonier Ministries, recently shared the story of his conversion and theological development. Mathison recounts that he was not raised in a church, but as a high school student, he received a pocket New Testament from a stranger. Years later, during a difficult period in his life, he says God brought the book to his mind. After reading the Gospel of John throughout the night, he describes how the Lord opened his eyes and brought him to faith.

Following his conversion, Mathison initially adopted dispensationalist views after reading popular literature and attending Dallas Theological Seminary. However, he explains that his perspective shifted during his studies. He began to question the dispensationalist approach after a professor suggested that Old Testament sermons should be acceptable in a synagogue without mentioning Jesus, a concept Mathison found incompatible with the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Influenced by the critiques of R.C. Sproul and John Gerstner, Mathison eventually concluded that Reformed theology was more consistent with Scripture, leading him to transfer to Reformed Theological Seminary in 1992.