We are completely and firmly committed to the truth and authority of the Scriptures as the inspired, inerrant, infallible revelation of God. We believe that the Bible is absolutely trustworthy and accurate in every detail, including in matters of science, history, doctrine and prophecy. We believe that it is fully complete and sufficient as the basis for dealing with every question of life.

The approach to Biblical interpretation that is both taught and modeled in the Scriptures is one that is consistently grammatical and historical in nature. Consequently, the Bible as a whole and in every part is to be understood in light of the historical and literary context in which it was written. In practical terms, this means that the Word of God is to be interpreted according to a literal grammatical-historical hermeneutic based upon a normal reading of the text. Such a hermeneutic allows for the different styles of its authors, the different literary genres, and the use of figures of speech, symbolism and types, but avoids the subjective and inconsistent interpretations that result from allegorical, mystical or neo-orthodox approaches.

Although some opponents would claim that dispensationalists interpret the Bible according to a “dispensational hermeneutic,” we believe that dispensationalism is actually the product of a consistent grammatical-historical hermeneutic. The Bible reveals that God administers His program and purposes on the earth in various ways according to specific responsibilities, conditions and commandments He has given man. These dispensations are not distinguished by various ways of salvation, but rather by ways of life and tests of man’s obedience to God’s revealed will during particular periods of time. These revealed dispensations include, but are not limited to, the past dispensation of the Mosaic Law (which began with the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai), the present dispensation of the church age (which began on the day of Pentecost), and the future dispensation of the millennial kingdom (which will be preceded by the pre-millennial, pre-tribulational rapture of the believers of the church age and inaugurated by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth).

Given our commitment to the Word of God, we believe that it is very important for every student to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and also be able to communicate this truth to others. To accomplish this we have designed the core curriculum such that for many of these courses there is continuity, progression and comprehensive integration.

We begin laying a foundation during the first five weeks of the first quarter, when first-year students take several basic courses before they join the second-year students in the Bible exposition courses taught by the guest lecturers. These courses are Personal Evangelism (10 class-hours), Bible Study Methods (30 class-hours), Survey of Theology (30 class-hours) and Old Testament Backgrounds (10 class-hours). Beginning in week six students begin the Comprehensive Bible Survey course which is taught by the resident faculty. Later in the year, New Testament Backgrounds (10 class-hours) is taught in a guest lecturer slot, prior to students beginning the New Testament portion of the Bible Survey course. Then the Biblical Communication courses help the student learn to effectively communicate what they have learned.