This course introduces the primary canonical divisions of Scripture. The Hebrew Bible (Tanach) is structured into three sections: the Torah (Law or Instruction), which establishes covenant, identity, and divine order; the Nevi’im (Prophets), which interpret Israel’s history through calls to faithfulness, justice, and repentance; and the Ketuvim (Writings), which express wisdom, worship, reflection, and lived experience. They will develop a foundation for theological and philosophical study.

The Book of Genesis holds foundational significance for theological, philosophical, historical, and ethical study. As the opening text of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, Genesis establishes the core worldview upon which much of Western religious thought is built. Studying Genesis is essential because it provides the intellectual and spiritual framework for understanding humanity, God, creation, morality, and covenantal relationships.

The Book of Psalms occupies a unique and vital place within biblical literature, serving as both a theological text and a profound expression of human experience. Studying Psalms is especially important at the college level because it integrates intellectual inquiry with personal, communal, and spiritual reflection. The Psalms offer unparalleled insight into the emotional and spiritual life of humanity. This honest portrayal of human emotion affirms that faith is not detached from struggle.

the Book of Psalms is central to biblical theology and worship. It shapes how God is addressed, praised, questioned, and trusted throughout Scripture. Many theological themes—such as God’s sovereignty, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and covenantal love—are articulated poetically in the Psalms and later echoed in both Jewish and Christian traditions. The Psalms also function as a bridge between theology and practice, demonstrating how belief is lived out through prayer and communal worship.

The Book of Isaiah stands as one of the most influential and theologically rich texts in biblical literature. As a major prophetic work, Isaiah addresses themes of justice, holiness, judgment, hope, and redemption with remarkable depth and literary power. Studying Isaiah at the college level is essential because it bridges theology, history, ethics, and social responsibility, offering enduring insight into both the character of God and the moral obligations of humanity.

Isaiah provides a profound vision of God’s holiness and sovereignty. The prophet’s encounter with God in Isaiah 6 establishes a theological foundation centered on divine transcendence, moral purity, and authority over nations and history. This vision shapes the reader’s understanding of worship, repentance, and obedience, while also framing human responsibility in light of God’s ethical demands. For students, Isaiah challenges passive or abstract conceptions of faith.

The dispensation of Innocence presents the original design and intention of God for humanity. In this period, humans are portrayed as created in the image of God, living in direct fellowship with Him and within a harmonious created order. Studying this state allows students to explore key theological concepts such as human dignity, freedom, stewardship, and obedience before the introduction of sin. This framework is critical for understanding later doctrines.

The dispensation of Conscience reveals the development of moral awareness following the fall. With the knowledge of good and evil, humanity becomes accountable not only to divine command but also to an internal moral compass. Studying this dispensation allows students to explore how conscience functions as a guide for ethical behavior and how moral responsibility persists even without formal legal structures. This has significant implications for discussions in philosophy, ethics, and theology.

The dispensation of Human Government establishes the biblical foundation for societal structure and civil authority. In Genesis 9, God institutes principles of governance, including the responsibility to preserve life and administer justice. Studying this dispensation allows students to examine how authority is understood as a delegated responsibility rather than a human invention. This framework informs later biblical teachings on leadership, law, and social order.

The dispensation of Promise, traditionally understood as beginning with the call of Abraham and extending to the giving of the Mosaic Law, is a central period in biblical theology and dispensational studies. This dispensation emphasizes God’s covenantal promises to Abraham and his descendants, highlighting faith, divine initiative, and the unfolding plan of redemption. Studying the dispensation of Promise at the college level is essential because it deepens the student's understanding.

The dispensation of Law, traditionally understood as beginning with the giving of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai and extending to the advent of Christ, occupies a central place in biblical theology and dispensational studies. This period marks a decisive stage in God’s relationship with Israel and reveals the role of divine law in shaping moral, religious, and communal life. Studying the dispensation of Law at the college level is essential because it clarifies the function of law in Scripture.

The dispensation of Grace, traditionally understood as the period beginning with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and continuing through the present church age, is a cornerstone of Christian theology and dispensational studies. Studying this dispensation at the college level is essential because it clarifies the nature of salvation, the role of the Church, and the transformative implications of grace for individual and communal life. Its study equips college students with doctrinal depth.

The dispensation of the Fullness of Times provides a unifying framework for understanding Scripture as a progressive and purposeful revelation. Referenced in passages such as Ephesians 1:10, this dispensation emphasizes God’s intention to gather all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. For students, this offers a theological lens through which the diverse dispensations of Scripture are seen not as isolated periods, but as interconnected stages moving toward fulfillment.

The Book of Matthew holds a central place in the New Testament and is essential to college-level study of biblical theology, history, and ethics. As a Gospel written with a strong Jewish context, Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and authoritative teacher, bridging the Old and New Testaments. Studying Matthew is important because it deepens understanding of Christology, discipleship, and the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew contributes significantly to Christian theology through its portrayal of the Kingdom of Heaven. The parables in Matthew invite reflection on divine authority, justice, mercy, and judgment, offering insight into how God’s reign challenges human values and structures. These teachings encourage critical engagement with social, religious, and political assumptions. Its study equips college students with theological depth, moral insight, and interpretive clarity, making it a cornerstone.

One of the reasons for studying the Gospel of John is its high Christology. From its opening prologue, John presents Jesus not merely as a historical teacher or prophet, but as the eternal Word (Logos) who existed with God and was God. This framing introduces students to complex theological questions concerning incarnation, divinity, and preexistence. Understanding Christian doctrines provides a foundation for later theological reflection in areas as theology and soteriology, and monotheism.

Studying the Gospel of John contributes to a holistic understanding of the New Testament. Its differences from the Synoptic Gospels highlight the diversity of early Christian witness and theology. By comparing John with other Gospel accounts, students gain insight into how theological reflection develops within specific historical and cultural contexts. This comparative approach strengthens historical awareness and deepens appreciation for the richness of biblical tradition.

This test will confirm the intake of information and the student's ability to process theological and philosophical information, the intent of the school.