Bible colleges are becoming more prominent in the United States. More Christians have had their fill of the secular educational system and are seeking out institutions which are definitively Christian based. However, because of this increase in Biblical colleges, one has to assess the merit of such colleges. One way in which to ensure that your Bible College of choice is of worth is to view their doctrinal statement (sometimes referred to only as the statement of faith).
Why does a doctrinal statement matter?
A doctrinal statement (or a statement of faith) lets you know where a college stands as far as their beliefs. You may be surprised to find that a great many Biblical colleges do not have such a statement. These colleges should be avoided. A college that cannot definitively state what they believe and what they do not believe cannot be expected to educate you in your beliefs successfully. On the other hand, if a college does present a doctrinal statement, you need to look for the following topics:
• Does the college’s doctrine derive from the bible or from denominational tradition? Many denominational bible colleges are just so, denominational. Where it is true that the bible is taught at these colleges, and that there are a great deal of prestigious denominational colleges, one should take caution as to whether the bible is at the forefront or if the denominational doctrines are.
• Does the college believe in progressive or continual revelation? Doctrines which believe in progressive revelation believe that the bible was presented from Genesis to Revelation revealing the plan of God. In Genesis little was known to man about God’s plan, but by Revelation the whole plan has been given. There is no new information that God will give us about his plan. Continuous revelation states that God continues to give new information as to his plan for mankind. Though this is a personal decision as to one’s beliefs, the question should arise that “if God can give a man a new truth that is above the bible, what is to say which religion is correct so long as god gave them the revelation.”
• How is the bible, God, and Jesus presented? It may surprise some to know that not all Bible colleges think that the bible is the word of God. Many of these bible colleges use the bible more of a theology book or a history book. For the Christian this should be a red flag to avoid. A Christian should also seek a college that teaches on the divinity of God and Jesus. Other teachings are secular doctrines in disguise.
International Christian College and Seminar (ICCS) would like to offer you a valuable education based on a solid statement of faith. We work from the bible and believe that it is the spoken word of God. We are a non-denominational college meaning that you will not receive one variation of the gospel. It is presented as it is written so that you can go out into the world.
If you are interested in more information please visit our website http://iccsonlinebiblecollege.com/ or call us at 1.877.391.3741. We offer an array of degrees. Financial aid is available so that anyone can enroll.