Pat Robertson: ‘He Lived a Life of Virtue and Righteousness’

Pat Robertson will be forever remembered for his countless accomplishments and pioneering spirit in the Christian broadcasting realm. But it was his uncompromising character and integrity that will bring him numerous blessings before the Lord.

Kingdom leaders throughout the global paid heartfelt tribute to the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University, one of the leading Christian venues of higher education worldwide:

Charisma Media Founder and CEO Stephen Strang said of Robertson: “Pat Robertson will be remembered as a giant among other Christian leaders. His legacy in media, his support of conservative values in the political realm and his founding of Regent University mean his influence will continue for generations. He was an early charismatic and helped that movement get off the ground.

“Then, over the years, he was a voice of reason. He was also an example of integrity. Even though his critics loved to trash him, he lived a life of virtue and righteousness. This comes out in his book, “I Have Walked With the Living God,” which is his autobiography that I had the privilege of publishing. Even though I’m a generation younger, I got to know him well and always considered him an example to emulate.”

Evangelist Franklin Graham recognized Robertson’s friendship, and that with Graham’s father, Billy Graham, who passed away in Feb. 2018.

“Pat Robertson, a great friend to my father, to me and to our ministries, has graduated to a new address in heaven,” Franklin Graham said. “Heaven is real and awaits everyone who puts their faith and trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Pat had an influence on me. I was always impressed with his boldness. He just spoke the truth and he was willing to take the heat.

“I will miss Pat, but I know that I will see him again one day. I’m sure that his family would appreciate our prayers.”

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

Turning Point ministry leader David Jeremiah said in a statement: “A kind and gracious servant went to be with Jesus today. Having had the opportunity to know Pat, it was clear he wanted everyone he met to experience the love of Christ and salvation for themselves. He was bold and brave, steadfast in his commitment to serve the kingdom of God with his many gifting’s. He’ll indeed be missed, yet his legacy of sharing the gospel—on the airwaves, worldwide—carries on. Praise God for that.”

Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors and author of the Charisma House book “Peace for Your Mind, Hope for Your Heart, wrote:

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Robertson, a Christian powerhouse, who dedicated his life to glorifying the Lord. His impact will live on for generations to come, as someone who remained steadfast in his Christian faith and values, no matter what was thrown his way. During this time, we are praying for his family’s peace and strength as they navigate this difficult loss.”

Doug Stringer, Founder and CEO of Somebody Cares International, wrote in an email:

“Today the Lord called home another giant in the faith. We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Pat Robertson who founded and led CBN, Operation Blessing, Regent University and more. A man of great faith and charity, Pat left an indelible mark of the gospel around the world; but also on our lives and ministry. His unwavering commitment to building the kingdom of God paired with his heart of compassion opened the door for millions of dollars’ worth of aid to flow through Somebody Cares chapters around the country in response to natural disasters and personal crisis. And while the ministries he led have helped us have a great impact in the communities we serve, Pat personally had a profound impact on many individuals lives—including ours. Our Vice President, Jodie Chiricosta, was honored to work closely with Pat from time to time during her years at Regent University and Operation Blessing. She saw first-hand his zeal for the Lord, integrity, determination, wisdom and quiet generosity—qualities that have impacted her life. I was also personally impacted by His graciousness on several occasions. Pat’s ministry was instrumental in drawing me back to Christ, connecting me to a church and setting him on the path of ministry.”

In a released statement, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said: “I am grateful for the vision and courage of Pat Robertson. My first formal introduction into the world of government and political action was in the wake of his run for president and the creation of the Christian Coalition. It was a shaping experience to serve as chairman of the coalition in Baton Rouge many years ago. Pat’s vision and legacy as a man of God and a man of action will live on and continue to inspire.”

Regent University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. William L. Hathaway, said: “Dr. Robertson was a globally-renowned leader, broadcaster, philanthropist, educator, author, accomplished businessman and—most importantly—a faithful servant of God who dedicated his life to glorifying the Lord and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

John Ashcroft, who served as the 79th Attorney General for the United States and is a distinguished professor at Regent, said online: “His legacy is a life well-lived in loving and faithful obedience to Jesus Christ and His glorious gospel.”

Here are some comments from other prominent kingdom leaders:

Jay Sekulow, American Center for Law and Justice: “Today we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Dr. Pat Robertson, who has gone on to be with the Lord. Pat was prolific in his lifetime of ministry, founding the American Center for Law and Justice, Regent University, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and the 700 Club. His incredible accomplishments and example of Christian living are a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come. Thank you for everything, Pat.”

Sam Rodriguez, President, NHCLC: “Pat Robertson single-handedly transformed the world of broadcast journalism. To a great degree, he can be described as a modern-day Joshua who brought down the wall separating Christianity from broadcast journalism. Way beyond the legacy of CBN, the favor upon Dr. Robertson’s life cannot and will not be denied. As the founder of Regent University, he reconciled once again faith with the highest level of academic rigor. Yet, at the end of the day, Pat was primarily an evangelist. His desire and commitment to sharing the gospel of Jesus with everyone without exception make Pat Robertson a Christian leader who, without one iota of doubt, changed the world.”

“Sadly, within the last six months, a generation of Christian leaders has passed—Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Jack Hayford, and now, Dr. Pat Robertson. All of these men were dear friends and had a profound spiritual impact on our nation. Dr. Robertson was a giant among Christian leaders and contributed enormously to the cause of Christ. He led multiple millions to a saving knowledge of the gospel, and heaven will be populated by people who came under Pat’s influence. He pioneered Christian radio and television, paving the way for many of us who came behind.We will miss him, especially now that America is experiencing a spiritual crisis. Pat always had a clear perspective on morality and truth, and he had the courage to stand for righteousness, whether it was popular or not.”

Pastor T.D. Jakes: “Pat Robertson was a trailblazer who offered the world the best of his service. Anyone that knew him, knows he was a fearless leader. … Pat was a maverick and had his own way of getting things done. We didn’t always agree and our views differed occasionally. Knowing him personally allowed me to see many notable aspects to him that those who didn’t know him, weren’t always aware of. He was often controversial; in spite of that, his achievements remain undoubtedly noteworthy.”

Dr. Billy Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University and Empowered21: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Robertson. Dr. Robertson was a visionary innovator. His legacy reached beyond religious broadcasting to touch the world. He was a special friend of @OralRobertsU and  @empowered21. We send our love and prayers to the Robertson family.”  

Matthew Barnett, Founder of the LA Dream Center: “Sad at the loss of Pat Robertson. Twice during COVID he called me on the phone and told me not to give up and wrote two personal large checks from his own pocket to help us feed thousands. [That’s] just the kind of man he was off television.”

Nick Hall, Founder and President of Pulse: “Pat Robertson’s life was one of tremendous impact, and he was always incredibly kind and gracious to me. As an evangelist, his message impacted millions through live and digital efforts. I will never forget hearing his voice in my home as the 700 Club was on. A true innovator and statesman, his legacy lives on.”

Pastor John Hagee: “Heaven gained a general in the army of God with the passing of Pat Robertson. He is not gone, for we know where he is. Let us be happy for heaven’s gain and pray peace over the loved ones he leaves behind. Thank you Pat, for paving the way for millions to know the love of God.”

Pastor Allen Jackson, World Outreach Church, Murfreesboro, Tenn.: “Pat Robertson was a courageous leader! His bold faith and visionary approach resulted in a legacy of CBN and Regents University. His gentle but determined strength was a voice of Biblical wisdom for us all.  He will be greatly missed.” {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.