When I was 19 years old, a good friend gave me a copy of a little book called Basic Christianity by John R.W. Stott that changed my life. Suddenly, all these “basic” doctrines of Christianity were expressed in a logical, though-provoking way. I remember being challenged not only to own what I believed, but also coming to understand to some degree the way in which scholarship fits together with a pastoral ministry.

Since then, I’ve read more from Stott, including relying heavily on the commentary series for which he was one of the main editors and authors. I maintain that these commentaries are the best tools I use, making the complex simple and applicable and understandable.

Ten years ago Timothy Dudley-Smith, his longtime associate at All Souls Church, Langham Place, wrote the following about the essence of the man:

To those who know and meet him, respect and affection go hand in hand. The world-figure is lost in personal friendship, disarming interest, unfeigned humility—and a dash of mischievous humour and charm. By contrast, he thinks of himself, as all Christians should but few of us achieve, as simply a beloved child of a heavenly Father; an unworthy servant of his friend and master, Jesus Christ; a sinner saved by grace to the glory and praise of God. (“Who Is John Stott?” All Souls Broadsheet [London], April/May 2001)

His  final published words came at the end of his last book, The Radical Disciple, published in 2010:

As I lay down my pen for the last time (literally, since I confess I am not computerized) at the age of eighty-eight, I venture to send this valedictory message to my readers. I am grateful for your encouragement, for many of you have written to me. Looking ahead, none of us of course knows what the future of printing and publishing may be. But I myself am confident that the future of books is assured and that, though they will be complemented, they will never be altogether replaced. For there is something unique about books. Our favorite books become very precious to us and we even develop with them an almost living and affectionate relationship. Is it an altogether fanciful fact that we handle, stroke and even smell them as tokens of our esteem and affection? I am not referring only to an author’s feeling for what he has written, but to all readers and their library. I have made it a rule not to quote from any book unless I have first handled it. So let me urge you to keep reading, and encourage your relatives and friends to do the same. For this is a much neglected means of grace. . . . Once again, farewell! (pp. 136-137)

Today I thank God for the life and ministry of this man, John Stott, who at the age of 90, went home to be with the Lord early yesterday. You can read more about Stott here.

(HT: JT)