dissent in word or action from any of the College’s Tier 2 theological commitments.
Our Tier 2 doctrines are those which express beliefs that are distinctive to the College, and which serve to differentiate the College as a theological institution. Trustees, and faculty teaching required Bible and/or Theology courses, as well as courses that satisfy a Bible elective, must consent to the College’s Tier 2 doctrines.
TIER 1 – ESSENTIAL FAITH Article 1.1. The Scriptures —We believe that the original writings 1 of the Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments in their entirety, are verbally inspired of God and thus inerrant in what they affirm. These Scriptures constitute our only absolute authority in all matters of faith and practice. 2 Article 2. The Godhead — We believe in the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, being one God eternally existent in three persons, equal in every divine perfection. 4 Article 3. The Person and Work of Christ — We believe in the deity and humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ, one person possessing two natures, making Him fully God and fully man. 5 In His deity, He is Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In His humanity, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death for sinners, arose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. 6 Article 4.1. The Holy Spirit — We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead, who convicts, regenerates, and indwells every believer in Christ. 7 Article 5.1. Humanity’s Creation and Fall — We believe that humankind is a special creation of God, made in His image, male and female; that Adam disobeyed his Creator and incurred spiritual death, total corruption, and divine condemnation; and that because of this every person is a sinner by nature and practice, in need of divine salvation. 10 Article 6.1. Salvation — We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed His blood to make atonement for the sins of all humanity. On the basis of His substitutionary death and resurrection, all who repent and believe receive God’s gift of eternal life. 12
TIER 2 – DISTINCTIVE FAITH
Article 1.2. The Scriptures —We believe in the historical, grammatical, and contextual interpretation of the Bible, which reveals divinely determined dispensations defining humanity’s responsibilities under God in successive ages. 3
Article 4.2. The Holy Spirit — We believe that the Holy Spirit baptizes and seals all believers in Christ, and fills those who are yielded to Him. 8 We affirm that the Holy Spirit gives gifts of service to all believers. 9 Article 5.2. Humanity’s Creation and Fall — We believe that Adam and Eve were historical figures, not merely literary characters. 11 We affirm a historical Fall.
Article 6.2. Salvation —We believe that salvation is given wholly by grace, so that the believer is eternally secure. 13 We further believe that God’s design for believers is to manifest their salvation by a life that is pleasing to God and set apart unto Him, and that for this purpose every believer is provided positional and progressive sanctification in this life, and ultimate or perfective sanctification in the next. 14
8 P H I L O S O P H Y , M I S S I O N , A N D O B J E C T I V E S O F WO R D O F L I F E B I B L E I N S T I T U T E
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