When 5,000+ folks adjourn for the lunch hour it can seem like a new olympic event. There are a limited number of fast food restaurants (and the fancy ones are too expensive and slow). My strategy: let my friend Ron walk back to the hotel, while I jogged west a couple of blocks to an “out of the way” Quiznos sub shop. Right! The line overflowed the little shop when I got there! But, practicing my patience, 20 minutes later I had our two hot subs and was off to the hotel for lunch with Ron.

Session #5 — Dr R.C. SPROUL
I was 30 minutes early to hear Dr Sproul Wednesday afternoon. I’ve met him a couple of times over the years, and consider myself a student of his (albeit at a distance). He’s a ‘father in the faith’ to me and to so many. My eyes welled with tears to see the clear signs of age (and illness) upon him. He arrived in a wheelchair (due to troubles with vertigo), and spoke while sitting at the pulpit on a bar stool. But none of this hindered his passion for the Word or for his task!

His topic was: The Curse Motif of the Atonement. You cannot grasp of the work of the cross without consideration of the wrath it displays against sin. “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” the Bible says [Gal. 3:13]. Jesus, the Son of God, sinless Lord of heaven, hung on a tree! Dr Sproul opened texts from the OT in order to explain this passage in Galatians 3, and the context of God’s blessing and curse. RC preached a powerful message, not only as a serious theologian, but as the lover of God’s glory and the souls of men under the curse. I was much moved, and blessed.

A wonderful panel discussion followed, with great questions and simple (but profound) answers shared. How I long for such doctrine-loving camaraderie with other pastors in my own area!

Session #6 — Dr. Albert MOHLER
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? is a line from the great hymn by Wesley, which Dr Mohler quoted at the outset of his address. The cross ought always raise our hearts and minds in endless wonder — how is it that we should gain life by the death of Christ? Specifically his address on the doctrine of the atonement (on “penal substitution”) focused on why men hate this doctrine so much. In the midst of this far reaching academic message much was learned, and the conclusion seemed to hinge on the difference between human forgiveness and that of God — Who cannot simply forgive men (and condone their sin), but must maintain His justice and punish every sin.

I am so glad that Jesus died in my place, satisfying the Law’s demands, brining me peace.