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John F. Walvoord, long-time president of Dallas Theological Seminary and one of the most prominent evangelical scholars of his generation, died December 21 at 92, after a brief illness.

Mark Bailey, Dallas president, said, "The evangelical world owes a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Walvoord for being a man of conviction and compassion, and a true giant in the faith."

Walvoord was best known for his work on Bible prophecy. His Armageddon, Oil and the Middle East Crisis: What the Bible Says About the Future of the Middle East and the End of Western Civilization sold over 2 million copies and was printed in 16 languages.

Born May 10, 1910, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Walvoord attended Wheaton College in Illinois, graduating in 1931. That fall Walvoord entered the fledgling Dallas Seminary, where he earned his bachelor's and master's of theology degrees in 1934 and doctorate in theology (Th.D.) in 1936. He went on to receive a master of arts from Texas Christian University in 1945. Later, Liberty Baptist University and Wheaton College awarded him honorary doctorates.

Walvoord authored 30 books and contributed to 27 other books on biblical theology and the Christian faith.

Walvoord became Dallas president in 1953, and chancellor in 1986. During his tenure, seminary enrollment increased from 250 to 1,700 students, and the campus tripled in size. Under his guidance Dallas Seminary achieved widespread recognition for its evangelical, dispensational, and premillennial emphases. Dallas made him chancellor emeritus in 2001. He continued to teach courses and write articles until becoming ill several weeks ago.

"Dr. Walvoord was a spiritual statesman who had a profound influence on conservative evangelical theology," said Charles Swindoll, Dallas chancellor. "During his long tenure at Dallas Seminary, he trained thousands of pastors, missionaries, and seminary and Bible institute professors who have served in ministry around the world."

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Our earlier coverage includes:

Thank You, Dr. Walvoord | A former student remembers how the late leader of Dallas Seminary preached—and lived—grace. (Dec. 26, 2002)

John Walvoord Dead at 92 | Theologian noted for writings on Bible prophecy (Dec. 23, 2002)

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February 2003, Vol. 47, No. 2