Biblical Studies Print

Since we acknowledge the Bible as our final rule in all matters of faith and practice, Biblial Studies is at the heart of our curriculum. The first year Old and New Testament Survey provides a survey of the whole Bible, emphasizing the deductive method of Bible study and the content of both Old and New Testaments. There is also a first year module which focuses on principles of interpretation. Subsequent years move on to in-depth exegesis of the Biblical text. The practical use of the Bible in devotion and ministry is emphasized throughout.

 

Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology (BI 1)

(15 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Explain how the recognition of Scripture as both human and divine affects its interpretation. Interpret Scripture as a revelation from God given in the words of human beings.

  • Understand and apply general principles for interpreting the Bible, including: the spiral of understanding; presuppositions; historical and literary context; flow of thought.

  • Understand and apply principles for interpreting specific types of text in the Bible (e.g. narrative, discourse, etc.).

  • Apply the Scripture to life issues.

  • Effectively use standard tools for biblical interpretation, including: Bible atlas and dictionary, computer-based tools, concordance, etc..

  • Explain the central message of the Bible—namely the person and work of Jesus Christ—and interpret Scripture in relation to this message. Explain philosophically why it is correct to interpret Scripture Christocentrically.

  • Show how major themes (e.g. kingdom and covenant) are worked out progressively through Scripture.

  • Apply the principles of Biblical Theology and hermeneutics in practical ministry.

 

Old and New Testament Survey (ONT 1)

(30 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Show an understanding of the basic chronology and geography of the Bible.

  • Explain how the recognition of Scripture as both human and divine affects its interpretation. Interpret Scripture as a revelation from God given in the words of human beings.

  • Outline the basic structure of the Old and New Testament canons.

  • Apply the inductive method of Bible study to discover the message of books and chapters of the Bible.

  • Discover and explain the central message of a number of Bible books and chapters.

  • Develop the habit of regular, meaningful Bible reading in private and family devotions.

 

Overview and Exegesis of the Old Testament (OT 2)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate a general knowledge and understanding of the Old Testament based on secondary sources.

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the Pentateuch, including issues like authorship, date, theological message, place in the canon, and principles of interpretation.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected texts from the Pentateuch (e.g. the Book of Genesis).

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the Former Prophets.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected texts from the Former Prophets (e.g. the Books of Samuel).

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the Latter Prophets.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected texts from the Latter Prophets (e.g. the Books of Amos, Hosea and Jonah).

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the Writings.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected texts from the Psalms. Develop the habit of using the psalms as a basis for personal prayer.

  • Use the Old Testament effectively in the work of ministry.

 

Exegesis and Interpretation of the Old Testament (OT 3)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate an ability to work with Old Testament history on the basis of secondary and some primary sources.

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with some current hermeneutical issues and approaches, and an ability to evaluate and use them critically.

  • Explain and defend a Christ-centred approach to interpreting and preaching the Old Testament.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of texts from the Pentateuch (e.g. Deuteronomy).

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of significant texts from the Latter Prophets (e.g. Isaiah).

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of a selection of Psalms.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of Ezra-Nehemiah.

  • Use the Old Testament effectively in the work of ministry.

 

Advanced Exegesis and Interpretation of the Old Testament (OT 4)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate an ability to work with Old Testament history on the basis of secondary and primary sources.

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with some current hermeneutical issues and approaches, and an ability to evaluate and use them critically.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of major Old Testament texts (e.g. Leviticus, Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs).

  • Use the Old Testament effectively in ministry.

  • Apply the basic principles of Old Testament textual criticism.

 

Overview and Exegesis of the New Testament (NT 2)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate a general knowledge and understanding of New Testament history based on secondary sources.

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of Paul’s life and ministry, and of the Pauline literature.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected Pauline texts (e.g. 1 Thessalonians, Ephesians).

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the Synoptic Gospels.

  • Use commonly-accepted exegetical methods in the exegesis of selected texts from the Synoptic Gospels (e.g. the Book of Mark).

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the General Epistles and the Johannine Literature.

  • Use the New Testament effectively in the work of ministry.

 

Exegesis and Interpretation of the New Testament (NT 3)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate an ability to work with New Testament history on the basis of secondary and some primary sources.

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with some current hermeneutical issues and approaches, and an ability to evaluate and use them critically.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of the Johannine Literature.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of texts from the General Epistles (e.g. James).

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of significant Pauline texts (e.g. Romans).

  • Use the New Testament effectively in the work of ministry.

 

Advanced Exegesis and Interpretation of the New Testament (NT 4)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

  • Demonstrate an ability to work with New Testament history on the basis of secondary and primary sources.

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with current hermeneutical issues and approaches, and an ability to evaluate and use them critically.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of Luke-Acts.

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of texts from the General Epistles (e.g. Hebrews).

  • Use academically responsible, God-centred methods in the exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles.

  • Use the New Testament effectively in the work of ministry.

  • Apply the basic principles of New Testament textual criticism.
 

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4, ESV).

"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3, ESV).