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Q&A with Richard Blaylock

Evan: Tell us about yourself?

Dr. Blaylock: I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I served in pastoral ministry before moving to the USA in 2011 to pursue my theological education. I studied at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, completing my MDiv in 2014 and my PhD in 2021. It was also during my time at seminary that I met my lovely wife, Caitlin. We were married in 2013 and we now have three children: Addi (6), Ellie (4), and Tobiah (2 months). In 2022, I was given the opportunity to join the faculty at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. We now live south of Portland and are members of a wonderful church called Saving Grace Church. I am amazed at how kind the Lord has been and continues to be to me!

Evan: What led you to write this 2 volume work? 

Dr. Blaylock: The work is the published version of my dissertation. I decided to write on the subject of divine reprobating activity for a few reasons. First, I discovered that there was very little written on the subject, especially from the vantage point of biblical theology. Second, I wanted to demonstrate the viability and helpfulness of biblical theology by examining a difficult concept through the lenses of BT. Third, and most importantly, I wrote the work because I believe everyday Christians need help to wrestle honestly with the biblical texts that describe God influencing individuals or groups towards wicked behavior for the purpose of condemning them. While my book is aimed at an academic audience, I hope that both volumes might influence commentators and pastors who might then provide churchgoers with better resources to help them understand and even appreciate these difficult texts.

Evan: What did you enjoy about the dissertation process?

Dr. Blaylock: That it is finished! But in all seriousness, it was a great joy to study under Tom Schreiner. I also enjoyed the support and camaraderie of my friends in the PhD program. And, while writing the dissertation was not always fun, I did enjoy learning much more about what God has revealed about himself in his Word. 

Evan: What do you hope readers take away from these 2 volumes?

Dr. Blaylock: I do hope that readers will be convinced by my argument that the biblical authors present divine reprobating activity as a significant and complex biblical theme. But more than that, I hope readers come away with a greater awareness of and appreciation for the holiness, the supremacy, and the sovereignty of God. I also hope the book helps readers see that even the hard things God reveals in his Word are for our good and for his glory. 

Thank you so much Dr. Blaylock! Richard was the first person I met on the campus of SBTS and he has been an encouraging friend since we first met. Continue to pray for him, his family, his church, and ministry at Western Seminary!

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Evan Knies is an elder of North Hills Church in West Monroe, LA. He serves as the publisher for Courier Publishing and teaches at Claiborne Christian School. He is the husband of Lauren and father to Maesyn. He is a graduate of Boyce College and Southern Seminary.