When the authority and interpretation of the Bible came under fierce criticism from liberal theologians, the establishment of SBC in 1952 became a testament to upholding Scripture, rightly understood, as the authority for faith, life, and morality. In this increasingly secular world, we at SBC remain convinced of the Bible¡¯s authority, which comes from the God who still speaks. The authority of the Bible can be witnessed in three aspects.
1. Biblical authority witnessed in Christian uniqueness
Through the Bible, God speaks to every culture, shaping the people of his kingdom through their preaching and teaching. The 200-year history of the Singapore church has demonstrated that the Bible has shaped local Christians, leading to the truth of the gospel influencing various levels of society and all walks of life.
In Asia, although Christian communities are not mainstream, their uniqueness amid their cultures has fostered the passing down of biblical truths from generation to generation, nurturing followers of Jesus Christ. These disciples quietly work for God¡¯s mission in their neighbourhoods, on school campuses, and in workplaces, loving God and loving others through their words and actions.
Theological education plays a crucial role in nurturing preachers, teachers, and ministers who faithfully guard biblical uniqueness. This is one of the core missions of SBC.
2. Biblical authority witnessed in universal values
God¡¯s Word validates and reinforces universal values held by different cultural and ethnic groups, such as love, justice, honesty, and goodness. Western missionaries left a valuable legacy of three modes of operation based on universal values from the Bible: establish churches upon the Word, promote education for all with universal values, and develop social care through selfless love.
In Singapore¡¯s multi-religious context, the particularist perspective of biblical faith stands out. The predominantly Chinese Christian community faces the challenge of maintaining the uniqueness of the faith while putting into practice universal values taught by the Bible and engaging in dialogue with other religious and cultural traditions. Schools founded by local churches demonstrate how this can be done.
Various denominations have established at least 70 primary and secondary schools, and also initiated several special education schools. These schools accept students from different religions and ethnic groups. These unashamedly Christian institutions provide an open and inclusive environment for students of other faiths or none, demonstrating a way to obey biblical authority over Christian lives in a pluralistic society.
3. Biblical authority witnessed in?theological education?
As a trusted theological education institution, SBC¡¯s faculty, staff, and students must submit to the authority of the Bible, living out biblical truths through faith, words, and actions. To effectively respond to church and social issues, we seek to foster students¡¯ critical thinking abilities, encouraging constant reflection on and renewed understanding of the Bible and theological traditions. This includes exploring how to understand and apply biblical teachings in diverse contexts.
Our mission is to cultivate preachers, missionaries, teachers, counsellors, worship leaders, and musician-pastors for churches and parachurch organizations. This is done through accredited degree programmes and lay training in essential doctrines, teaching methods, ministry skills, and discipleship methods. We have also been advancing in our development of teachers and thinkers for the church through the Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy programmes.
Furthermore, we have been collaborating with overseas institutions and organizations to promote theological education. Our recent partners include Durham University in the UK on the ¡°Equipping Christian Leaders in an Age of Science¡± (ECLAS) project, China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong on a Doctor of Practical Theology programme, and SHIELD Chinese Diaspora Missions United Alliance in Tokyo on theological education for overseas Chinese in Japan. We are also establishing formal and informal partnerships in various Southeast Asian regions.
Conclusion: The Bible witnesses to God still speaking
The authority of the Bible comes from the God who still speaks. Through the testimony of biblical authority in Christian uniqueness, universal values, and theological education, we have witnessed the Bible¡¯s continuing influence in society through God¡¯s people.
SBC¡¯s educational philosophy and principles respect the biblical text and adhere to biblical authority. In partnership with churches and parachurch organizations, we train church workers and lay leaders who serve as salt and light in over 50 countries locally and globally. May the Lord¡¯s churches partner with SBC, supporting us in prayer and resources, so we may continue to uphold the authority of the Bible and cultivate the next generation of servant leaders for his kingdom work.
