These constitute the basic framework of study.
Of particular note, this study is…
- Inspired Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16. Scripture, in its original form, is inerrant, inspired by God, and fully complete. We do not assume errors in the text, that it was added to, or inaccurate. It was inspired and written by the God who created the universe, and it is His book, and it is truth. Many schools of criticism hold the possibility of a vast number of passages as being “unauthentic”, and added by someone else. We consider such a liberal approach to be a worthless error, as waste of time in study and refuting (for the purpose of doctrine), and do not entertain such arguments.
- Sola Scriptura: “Only Scripture”. We make reference to historical sources, but only the cannonized 66 books of the Old and New Testament form our foundational core. No other basis for study is considered. Historical, cultural, and other sources are sometimes seen as confirming or pointing to something, but we recognize only Scripture for authority.
- Plain Scripture: An “at-face-value” approach. The Bible was written for all men and women, and not some elite code that is high and removed, requiring scholars only to interpret. We do not allow for gross misalignment of the text through over allegorization and excessive symbolization. We do, however, make room for figures of speech, such as the moon turning to blood as common language for a lunar eclipse, and others. As well, devices such as “prophetic titling”, such as calling Jerusalem Sodom and Egypt, or calling Rome “Babylon” via Daniel 2, are observed. The text should be read in its natural way, which allows for these devices. But, in general, the plain meaning of the text as it would be naturally understood is best employed.
- Orthodoxy: We reject views that are traditionally heretical by the church, such as an already-fulfilled, or non-existent Second Coming. There have been many differing opinions and interpretations of certain subjects, allowing for a wide variety of views, but certain viewpoints, clearly and historically identified as heretical, are upheld as such. As such, this study falls into the category of “orthodox preterism”, for those who wish to so classify such things.