Robert P. Lightner

Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Adjunct Professor in Theological Studies

Th.B., Baptist Bible Seminary, 1955; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1959; Th.D., 1964; M.L.A., Southern Methodist University, 1972.

Dr. Robert Lightner joined the Dallas Seminary faculty in 1968 after teaching for seven years at Baptist Bible College/Seminary in Johnson City, New York, and also teaches at the Seminary’s extension sites. A professor of all the doctrines of Systematic Theology, Dr. Lightner has authored twenty-three books, most of which are about these doctrines. Since the 1950s he has helped struggling churches and/or ones seeking a pastor by serving as interim pastor thirty-three times at twenty-four churches in Pennsylvania, New York, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. His overseas ministries include work in Venezuela, Peru, Paraguay, and London (Spurgeon’s Tabernacle).

• Publications

Books:

Portraits of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Wipf and Stock: 2007

"Savior’s Sufferings in Life" in Vital Christology Issues: Examining Contemporary and Classic Concerns
Wipf & Stock: 2006

"Consistency from Genesis to Revelation" in Revelation Hoofbeats
Xulon: 2003

The Epistles of First, Second, & Third John & Jude: Forgiveness, Love, and Courage
AMG Publishers: 2003

"The Epistles of First, Second, and Third John and Jude" in The Twenty-First Century New Testament Commentary
AMG: 2002

"Activities and Names of God" in A Bible Handbook to Revelation
Kregel: 2001

"Finding Hope in Forgiveness" in Hope Grows in Winter
Kregel: 2000

"The Nature and Purpose of the Church" in Fundamentals for the Twenty-First Century, The: Examining the Crucial Issues of the Christian Faith
Kregel: 2000

Safe in the Arms of Jesus: God's Provision for the Death of Those Who Cannot Believe
Kregel: 2000

"So Great Salvation—The Salvation of the Whole Person" in The Christian Educator's Handbook on Spiritual Formation
Baker: 1998

The God of the Bible and Other Gods: Is the Christian God Unique among World Religions?
Kregel: 1998

A Biblical Case for Total Inerrancy: How Jesus Viewed the Old Testament
Kregel: 1998

Angels, Satan, and Demons: Invisible Beings That Inhabit the Spiritual World
Word: 1998

The Last Days Handbook
Thomas Nelson: 1997

Sin, the Savior, and Salvation: The Theology of Everlasting Life
Kregel: 1996

"The Sovereign God and the Sinner" in Basic Theology Applied, A Practical Application of Basic Theology in Honor of Charles C. Ryrie and His Works
Victor: 1995

Handbook of Evangelical Theology: A Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and Review
Kregel: 1995

Manual De Los Postreros Días
Editorial Caribe: 1995

"Theonomy and Dispensationalism" in Living Ethically in the 90s
Victor: 1990

The Last Days Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Different Views of Prophecy, Who Believes What about Prophecy and Why
Thomas Nelson: 1990

Evangelical Theology: A Survey and Review
Baker: 1986

"Philippians" in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament
Victor: 1983

James: Apostle of Practical Christianity
Accent Books: 1982

"For Whom Did Christ Die?" in Walvoord: A Tribute
Moody: 1982

Neo-Evangelicalism Today
Regular Baptist Press: 1978

Speaking in Tongues and Divine Healing
Regular Baptist Press: 1978

The God of the Bible: An Introduction to the Doctrine of God
Baker: 1978

Truth for the Good Life
Accent: 1978

Heaven for Those Who Can't Believe
Regular Baptist Press: 1977

TM: Meditation That Transcends
Accent: 1976

Prophecy in the Ring
Accent: 1976

"Charismatic Movement" in Vital Issues of the Hour in the Light of God’s Word
Regular Baptist Press: 1973

The First Fundamental: God
Thomas Nelson: 1973

Church Union: a Layman's Guide
Regular Baptist Press: 1971

Triumph through Tragedy
R. Lightner: 1969

The Death Christ Died, A Biblical Case for Unlimited Atonement
Regular Baptist Press: 1967

The Saviour and the Scriptures
Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co.: 1966

The Tongues Tide
The Empire State Baptist Fellowship: 1964

Neo-liberalism
Regular Baptist Press: 1959

Journal Articles:

1. "Review of 'From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 158, no. 632 (2001). 485-486.
2. "Review of 'The Last Days According to Jesus.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 156 (1999). 242-243.
3. "Review of 'Immanuel: Jesus Christ, Cornerstone of Our Faith.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 156 (1999). 105-105.
4. "Review of 'The Sensate Culture: Western Civilization between Chaos and Transformation.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 156 (1999). 102-103.
5. "Review of 'Possessed by God: a New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 154 (1997). 375-375.
6. "Review of 'The Undiscovered Country.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 154 (1997). 231-231.
7. "Review of 'The Heart of Christianity.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 154 (1997). 231-231.
8. "Review of 'Hell on Trial: the Case for Eternal Punishment.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 153 (1996). 236-236.

9. "Review of 'Faith Alone: the Evangelical Doctrine of Justification.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 153 (1996). 234-234.
10. "Review of 'Dispensationalism.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 153 (1996). 112-112.
11. "Review of 'With Willful Intent: A Theology of Sin.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 152 (1995). 485-486.
12. "Review of 'Where Is Theology Going: Issues and Perspectives on the Future of Theology.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 152 (1995). 482-483.
13. "Review of 'Theology for the Community of God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 152 (1995). 232-233.
14. "Review of 'The Eternal Sonship of Christ.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 152 (1995). 106-107.
15. "Review of 'The Work of Christ.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 151 (1994). 493-493.
16. "Review of 'Heaven on Earth: the Social and Political Agendas of Dominion Theology.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 151 (1994). 365-365.

17. "Review of 'The People of God: Essays on the Believers' Church.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 151 (1994). 235-235.
18. "Review of 'Christ the Lord: the Reformation and Lordship Salvation.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 151 (1994). 121-121.
19. "Review of 'Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 151 (1994). 120-121.
20. "Review of 'Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Guide to Doctrinal Discernment.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 150 (1993). 114-115.
21. "Review of 'The Origins of Dispensationalism.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 149 (1992). 497-498.
22. "Review of 'Theonomy: A Reformed Critique.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 149 (1992). 106-107.
23. "Review of 'Christian Theology: An Eschatological Approach, V 2.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 492-493.
24. "Review of 'An Ember Still Glowing: Humankind As the Image of God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 496-496.

25. "Review of 'The New Chosen People.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 496-497.
26. "Review of 'Demons: A Biblically Based Perspective.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 239-240.
27. "Review of 'Biblical Ethics: An Introduction.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 240-240.
28. "Review of 'What Christians Believe: A Biblical and Historical Summary.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 148 (1991). 123-123.
29. "Review of 'The Nature and Character of God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 373-374.
30. "Review of 'Baptism: A Biblical Study.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 375-375.
31. "Review of 'Safe in the World: The Assurance of Our Salvation.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 378-378.
32. "Review of 'Saved in Eternity: The Assurance of Our Salvation.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 378-378.

33. "Review of 'The Grace of God, the Will of Man: A Case for Arminianism.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 236-236.
34. "Review of 'The Debate over Christian Reconstruction.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990). 113-114.
35. "Review of 'Is My Bible the Inspired Word of God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 459-459.
36. "Review of 'The Ways of the Spirit: The Indwelling Holy Spirit and the Christian.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 460-460.
37. "Review of 'Authority to Heal.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 461-461.
38. "Review of 'The Cross of Jesus.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 346-346.
39. "Review of 'Baptism: Its Purpose, Practice and Power.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 347-347.
40. "Review of 'The Making and Unmaking of an Evangelical Mind: The Case of Edward Carnell.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 348-348.

41. "Review of 'Knowing the Truth of God's Love: The One Thing We Can't Live Without.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 224-225.
42. "Review of 'Chosen for Life: An Introductory Guide to the Doctrine of Divine Election.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 225-225.
43. "Review of 'Knowing the Truth about the Resurrection.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 102-102.
44. "Review of 'Twisting the Truth.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 102-102.
45. "Review of 'The Handbook to Bible Study with a Guide to the Scofield Study System.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 106-106.
46. "Review of 'Jesus in His Own Perspective: An Examination of His Sayings, Actions, and Eschatological Titles.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 112-113.
47. "Review of 'Children of the Living God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 146 (1989). 115-115.
48. "Review of 'Evangelical Perspectives: Toward a Biblical Balance.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 457-458.

49. "Review of 'The Fatherhood of God.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 458-459.
50. "Review of 'What the Bible Says about God the Redeemer.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 458-458.
51. "Review of 'Authority and Interpretation: A Baptist Perspective.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 348-349.
52. "Review of 'Election and Perseverance.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 349-349.
53. "Review of 'Confronting Today's World: A Fundamentalist Looks at Social Issues.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 352-352.
54. "Review of 'By His Grace and for His Glory: a Historical, Theological, and Practical Study of the Doctrines of Grace in Baptist Life.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 219-220.
55. "Review of 'The Cross of Christ.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 220-221.
56. "Review of 'Ministry and the Miraculous: A Case Study at Fuller Theological Seminary.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 221-221.

57. "Review of 'Understanding the Atonement for the Mission of the Church.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 145 (1988). 106-107.
58. "Review of 'The New Nature.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 144 (1987). 466-466.
59. "Review of 'The Sovereign Spirit: Discerning His Gifts.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 144 (1987). 345-345.
60. "Review of 'Three Keys to Spiritual Renewal.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 144 (1987). 345-346.
61. "Review of 'The Atonement of the Death of Christ: In Faith, Revelation, and History.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 144 (1987). 110-110.
62. "Theological Perspectives on Theonomy, Pt 3 : A Dispensational Response to Theonomy." Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 228-245.
63. "Review of 'God's Foreknowledge and Man's Free Will.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 275-275.
64. "Review of 'Heaven and Hell: A Biblical and Theological Overview.'" Eternity 37, no. 7-8 (1986). 42-43.

65. "A Plea to Fellow Fundamentalists." Fundamentalist Journal 5, no. 6 (1986). 14-15.
66. "Theological Perspectives on Theonomy, Pt 2 : Nondispensational Responses to Theonomy." Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 134-145.
67. "Review of 'Paradise Restored: An Eschatology of Dominion.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 173-174.
68. "Theological Perspectives on Theonomy, Pt 1 : Theonomy and Dispensationalism." Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 26-36.
69. "Review of 'The Empty Cross of Jesus.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 143 (1986). 80-80.
70. "Review of 'Fundamentalism Today: What Makes It So Attractive?.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 142 (1985). 274-274.
71. "A Biblical Perspective on False Doctrine." Bibliotheca Sacra 142 (1985). 16-22.
72. "The Written Word and the Living Word." Fundamentalist Journal 2, no. 5 (1983). 32-33.

73. "Review of 'The Unbelievable Pre-Trib Origin: The Recent Discovery of a Well-Known Theory's Beginning - And Its Incredible Cover-Up!.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 131 (1974). 365-366.
74. "Review of 'Demons in the World Today.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 129 (1972). 264-264.
75. "Review of 'Salvation.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 128 (1971). 368-369.
76. "Review of 'All One Body We.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 128 (1971). 159-160.
77. "Review of 'The Holy Spirit.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 128 (1971). 155-155.
78. "Review of 'Decide for Yourself: A Theological Workbook.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 128 (1971). 73-74.
79. "Review of 'Are These the Last Days.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 127 (1970). 262-262.
80. "Review of 'The End Times.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 127 (1970). 170-170.

81. "Review of 'The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 127 (1970). 183-183.
82. "The Savior's Sufferings in Life." Bibliotheca Sacra 127 (1970). 26-37.
83. "Review of 'Does Inspiration Demand Inerrancy.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 126 (1969). 75-76.
84. "Review of 'The Doctrine and Administration of the Church.'" Bibliotheca Sacra 126 (1969). 78-79.