Who is R. A. Torrey?

Early Life and Education

Reuben Archer Torrey, commonly known as R. A. Torrey, was born on January 28, 1856, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Raised in a religious environment, he demonstrated a deep interest in both spiritual and intellectual pursuits from a young age. After studying at Yale University, he went on to attend the Yale Divinity School, recognizing an early call to serve in gospel ministry. During his collegiate years, he developed a keen understanding of Scripture, noting passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

His theological training also involved personal study of biblical languages, equipping him to engage in thorough exegesis. This prepared him to encounter a diverse array of viewpoints on Christian doctrine and to craft thoughtful, biblically grounded responses.

Call to Ministry

Following his academic preparation, Torrey sensed a compelling call to full-time ministry. Early on, he served in various pastoral capacities, supporting local churches and sharing the message of salvation, which he believed was rooted in the resurrection of Christ, as attested in Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Influenced by earlier revivalists, Torrey joined Dwight L. Moody’s evangelistic efforts. His role soon expanded to helping organize and lead ministries that focused on training believers in scriptural understanding and global evangelism.

Evangelistic Crusades and Global Influence

R. A. Torrey’s evangelistic campaigns reached across North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. His fervent preaching often centered on the power of the Holy Spirit, pointing to biblical evidence such as John 16:13: “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” Torrey’s messages confronted skepticism while affirming both the miracle accounts in the New Testament and God’s ongoing power to heal and restore.

During these global tours, Torrey shared stories of lives transformed by faith in Christ, emphasizing that these modern testimonies reflect the same miraculous work described in the Bible. He upheld the notion that true salvation involves a changed heart and life, grounded in a very real, living God who works outside the constraints of mere human understanding.

Institute Leadership and Pastoral Work

Among Torrey’s most significant leadership roles was his service as superintendent of the Chicago Evangelization Society, later known as the Moody Bible Institute. He also became the founding dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola), established to equip students for missionary endeavors and pastoral service. Under Torrey’s leadership, these institutions emphasized the study of Scripture as the infallible Word of God, in line with verses like Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Additionally, Torrey pastored churches in Chicago and Los Angeles. His sermons consistently conveyed the urgency of proclaiming the gospel worldwide, urging listeners to prepare their hearts in light of Christ’s imminent return.

Writings and Publications

Torrey’s writings covered a broad theological spectrum, from the nature of salvation to the reliability of Scripture. Some of his most influential works include:

1. “How to Pray” – A practical guide emphasizing the believer’s personal fellowship with God.

2. “The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit” – A comprehensive study of the Holy Spirit’s role in the believer’s life and in the church.

3. “What the Bible Teaches” – A systematic examination of core doctrines, often referencing numerous passages to illustrate the consistent witness of Scripture.

4. “Treasury of Scripture Knowledge” (he contributed to various topical references) – A volume linking Scripture with Scripture to reveal the harmony of God’s Word.

In these texts, Torrey underscored that each doctrine of the faith interlocks seamlessly with every other. He highlighted archaeological findings from the Holy Land, which, in his view, helped verify events recorded in the Old and New Testaments. These findings, he asserted, add another layer of confirmation, aligning with Luke’s thorough historical detail.

Theological Emphases

Torrey championed several key theological positions:

• Authority of Scripture: Convinced that the biblical manuscripts are trustworthy, he believed God’s Word remains consistent and true. He frequently cited the historicity of Old Testament accounts and the New Testament’s reliability, supporting the idea that doctrinal unity can be found from Genesis to Revelation.

• Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: Torrey taught extensively on the Spirit’s guidance in daily Christian life, comforting believers and equipping them for service.

• Salvation through Christ Alone: Grounded in John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,’” Torrey’s evangelistic campaigns centered on pointing individuals toward a personal faith in Christ’s resurrection as the key to eternal life.

• Emphasis on Prayer and Revival: He encouraged fervent prayer, believing that God can and does intervene miraculously in response to the heartfelt petitions of His people.

• Biblical Creation: Torrey held a firm belief that the universe and life originated by the direct act of God, consistent with a plain reading of Genesis 1–2. Although scientific interpretations vary, he maintained that authentic examination of nature ultimately harmonizes with Scripture, echoing Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities…have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship.”

Impact on the Fundamentalist Movement

R. A. Torrey’s influence extended into the broader fundamentalist movement that emphasized biblical inerrancy, the literal nature of biblical miracles, and the central doctrines of atonement and resurrection. His leadership helped shape conferences where speakers would defend the faith from a biblical standpoint, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and calling believers to uphold the truths handed down through the apostles (see Jude 3).

His apologetic efforts—which included references to early manuscript evidence and the internal consistency of Scripture—bolstered confidence among many that the Old and New Testament documents remain accurate and historically grounded.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Torrey’s legacy endures in several ways:

• Institutional Legacy: The ongoing work of the Moody Bible Institute and Biola University stands as a testament to Torrey’s vision of equipping believers with a robust biblical education.

• Global Evangelism: His crusades inspired countless evangelists to continue the labor of sharing the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Teaching Resources: Torrey’s books remain widely read, offering practical guidance on prayer, Holy Spirit empowerment, and effective evangelism. His clear, Scripture-centered approach continues to resonate with readers seeking sincere spiritual nourishment.

• Commitment to Scriptural Authority: Modern apologetic ministries often cite Torrey’s exposition of biblical inerrancy as a template for defending the integrity of the Scriptures.

His influence can be seen in contemporary revivals, new missionary ventures, and fresh scholarly interactions with archaeological and geological discoveries that corroborate biblical narratives. The continued interest in his works confirms the enduring power of his emphasis on Scripture as “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

Conclusion

R. A. Torrey remains an exemplar of devoted ministry, scholarship, and practical Christian living. He tirelessly devoted himself to advancing the gospel message grounded in Christ’s resurrection, promoting thorough knowledge of Scripture, and fostering life-changing encounters with God. His numerous writings, global campaigns, and institutional contributions demonstrate his abiding commitment to conveying biblical truth in a way that engages both the heart and intellect.

Throughout his life, Torrey pointed fellow believers back to the core foundation of Scripture, challenging them to undertake not only personal study but also communal devotion, echoing the Bereans’ approach: “Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11).

In every respect, R. A. Torrey’s enduring impact testifies that a life firmly anchored to Scripture and empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit can effectively champion the truth of the gospel and inspire others to follow the risen Christ.