What is the statement of faith in the frontier school of the Bible?
FSB affirms that the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God and inerrant in their original manuscripts. This means that Scripture is seen as completely trustworthy, authoritative, and without error. The statement asserts that the Bible is the only infallible rule for faith and practice.
For anyone considering attending a Bible college, understanding the institution's statement of faith is crucial. The statement of faith serves as the theological foundation upon which the school is built, guiding its teaching, community life, and mission. At Frontier School of the Bible (FSB), located in LaGrange, Wyoming, the statement of faith is a clear articulation of its core beliefs, rooted in evangelical, dispensational, and non-denominational Christian doctrine.
The Purpose of a Statement of Faith
In Christian educational settings, a statement of faith is not just a set of theological propositions; it is a declaration of the school’s identity and a compass for its direction. It outlines the non-negotiable beliefs that staff, faculty, and sometimes even students, are expected to uphold. This clarity ensures unity, doctrinal soundness, and transparency for prospective students and their families.
Overview of the Frontier School of the Bible
Frontier School of the Bible was founded in 1967 with the mission to equip men and women for effective ministry in rural and frontier regions, as well as the broader mission field. The school is known for its commitment to the authority of Scripture, practical ministry training, and fostering a close-knit community of faith. The statement of faith at FSB reflects these core priorities, emphasizing biblical truth and the centrality of the gospel in all aspects of the school’s life.
The Bible: The Inerrant Word of God
The first and foundational point in FSB’s statement of faith is its view of the Bible. FSB affirms that the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God and inerrant in their original manuscripts. This means that Scripture is seen as completely trustworthy, authoritative, and without error. The statement asserts that the Bible is the only infallible rule for faith and practice. This belief shapes every class, chapel, and conversation at FSB, as all teaching is grounded in the Bible’s truth.
The Triune God
FSB’s statement of faith upholds the doctrine of the Trinity: God exists eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are equal in essence yet distinct in function. This classic Christian belief affirms that God is both transcendent and immanent, actively involved in His creation and in the lives of believers. The statement emphasizes God’s holiness, sovereignty, and love, forming the basis for worship, prayer, and service at FSB.
Jesus Christ: His Person and Work
A central tenet of FSB’s faith statement is its teaching about Jesus Christ. FSB affirms the full deity and true humanity of Jesus, His virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death on the cross, bodily resurrection, and future return. The statement highlights the necessity of Christ’s atoning work for salvation and His ongoing ministry as the believer’s advocate and intercessor. This Christ-centered focus is evident in FSB’s curriculum and community life, encouraging students to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
The Holy Spirit and His Ministry
FSB’s statement of faith teaches that the Holy Spirit is fully God, involved in convicting individuals of their need for salvation, regenerating and indwelling believers, and empowering them for holy living and service. The statement typically includes a dispensational perspective, recognizing distinctions in the work of the Holy Spirit before and after Pentecost. Students at FSB are encouraged to depend on the Spirit for understanding Scripture, bearing spiritual fruit, and fulfilling God’s calling.
Humanity, Sin, and Salvation
The statement of faith at FSB addresses the nature of humanity and the problem of sin. It asserts that all people were created in God’s image but fell into sin through Adam’s disobedience, resulting in spiritual death and separation from God. Salvation, according to FSB, is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Good works and religious observance cannot earn salvation; rather, they are the result of a transformed life. This doctrine underscores the school’s emphasis on grace, personal faith, and evangelism.
The Church: The Body of Christ
FSB’s statement of faith describes the church as the universal body of Christ, composed of all true believers. It recognizes the importance of local congregations for worship, teaching, fellowship, and outreach. The statement typically supports the autonomy of local churches and encourages active participation in the life and mission of the church. Frontier School of the Bible trains students to serve in a variety of church contexts, reflecting its commitment to the health and growth of the global church.
The Future: Christ’s Return and Eternal Destiny
A significant aspect of FSB’s faith statement is its eschatological (end times) perspective. Influenced by dispensational theology, FSB affirms the imminent return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the judgment of believers and unbelievers, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. The school teaches a pretribulational rapture and a literal, physical return of Christ to earth. Believers will enjoy eternal life with God, while those who reject Christ face eternal separation. This hope motivates students to live with purpose and urgency.
The Distinctives of Frontier School of the Bible’s Faith Statement
While many evangelical institutions share similar doctrines, FSB’s statement of faith is notable for its clarity and dispensational distinctives. The school holds to a literal interpretation of Scripture, especially regarding prophecy and the end times. It distances itself from modern charismatic movements, emphasizing the sufficiency of Scripture and the completion of the apostolic era. FSB’s non-denominational stance allows it to welcome students from various backgrounds while maintaining theological integrity.
Why the Statement of Faith Matters
Prospective students and their families should pay close attention to FSB’s statement of faith, as it shapes every aspect of the educational experience. It determines what is taught in the classroom, how community life is structured, and the kind of leaders the school seeks to develop. By making its beliefs explicit, FSB fosters unity and guards against doctrinal confusion. Students who share these convictions will find an environment that supports spiritual growth and ministry preparation.
Living Out the Faith at FSB
At Frontier School of the Bible, the statement of faith is not merely a document; it is lived out daily in relationships, worship, study, and service. Faculty and staff model commitment to biblical truth and personal integrity, challenging students to do the same. Chapel services, small groups, and ministry opportunities provide practical contexts for applying doctrine to real life. The result is a vibrant community marked by devotion to Christ and readiness to serve wherever God leads.