Christian author and publisher Robert Wolgemuth, whose influence has shaped Christian literature for more than four decades, has died at the age of 77. His wife, Bible teacher Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, announced his passing in a moving post on Saturday, calling his final moments “a sacred, glorious moment” and “an incredible gift from the Lord.”

Just days earlier, Nancy told followers that her husband was “approaching the finish line.” In her update Saturday, she wrote that Robert had now safely arrived at his eternal destination. “Whenever Robert traveled any distance… when he reached his destination, he would text me a single word: Safe,” she wrote. “I’m writing to let you know that Robert is ‘safe.’ My ‘DH’ (dear husband) has arrived at his final destination. He is safely Home.”

Nancy described the final hours in the hospital as family and close friends gathered at Robert’s bedside, singing hymns, praying, and keeping vigil. Some of his children and grandchildren, unable to arrive in time, said goodbye via FaceTime. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Nancy played the hymn “Come to Jesus,” which concludes with the lines, “And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye… fly to Jesus and live.”

“On the phrase, ‘with your final heartbeat,’ Robert took a gasping breath,” she recalled. “It was to be his last.” As the room fell silent, Robert’s brother whispered, “He just flew to Jesus!”

While grieving deeply, Nancy expressed confidence that her husband is now more alive than ever. “This faithful, courageous, precious man of God has entered his eternal rest and reward — not because of anything he did to deserve it, but because of the magnificent, redeeming grace and love of Christ.” She added that the Lord gave them “an amazing ten years together… to joyfully love and serve Him,” calling her husband “an exquisite treasure.”

Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship honored Wolgemuth as “a legend in Christian publishing,” noting that his work helped bring the New Believer’s Bible into print and later contributed to books that reached millions around the world. Laurie also shared a video of Robert reflecting on Heaven: “The anticipation of Heaven changes everything,” he said, describing death as going to sleep knowing “something amazing is going to happen.”

Robert Wolgemuth leaves behind a rich legacy in Christian publishing through his agency, Wolgemuth & Associates and his bestselling books, including Lies Men Believe, Gun Lap, and Finish Line. His books sold more than 2 million copies and earned multiple industry awards.

As Nancy reflected on the promise of Philippians 3:21 and the hymn “Safely Home,” she closed with hope: “Today there’s sorrow. But joy tomorrow. Safely home.”