The MABS includes 24 core units which are taken on campus usually over a two to four year basis. The core units consist of the following courses:
BTS 500 Introduction to Biblical Studies
BTS 501 Hermeneutics
BTS 511 Creation and Covenant
BTS 521 Historical Background of the N.T.
BTS 513 Prophecy and Prophets in Context
BTS 515 Worship and Wisdom
BTS 522 Life, Ministry and Teaching of Christ
BTS 523 Life, Ministry and Theology of Paul
BTS 512 History of the Covenant People
BTS 524 General Epistles and Revelation
BTS 571 Contemporary Issues in Theology
BTS 572 Seminar in Applied Biblical Studies
In addition to these core classes 15 additional units will be taken in ministry application courses and elective courses.
BTS 500: Introduction to Biblical Studies (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on foundational issues in the field of Biblical Studies. Seminar topics include inspiration, origin, authority, canonicity, transmission, and translation. Students will be exposed to the assumptions of critical scholarship related to the Bible and an evangelical response to those assumptions. Issues of special introduction to selected portions of the Old and New Testaments will be treated with particular attention to the conclusions of modern “higher criticism.”
BTS 501: Hermeneutics (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on hermeneutical theory and practice related to the Biblical text. Attention is given to the philosophical and literary foundations that describe relationship between author, text and reader; the interpretative methodologies that are applied to various Scriptural genres; and the application of interpretative theory to specific passages of Scripture.
BTS 511: Creation and Covenant (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the biblical-theological study of the Pentateuch. Emphasis will be given to the foundational themes of creation and covenant as essential to biblical theology; the exploration of critical issues of authorship and composition; the discussion of interpretive options for crucial passages; and the formative influence of creation on the current public debate on origins and age of the earth.
BTS 512: History of Covenant People (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the history of Israel from the period of the patriarchs through the Babylonian exile. Emphasis will be given to placing the history of Israel against the backdrop of the ancient Near East, from the perspective that God used the nations surrounding her to accomplish His purposes for her and orchestrated world history around her. Further attention will be given to the historical method and historiography concerning ancient Israel. The current public debate on the status and legitimacy of modern Israel will also be considered.
BTS 513: Prophecy and Prophets in Context (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the Old Testament prophetical literature with attention given to historical backgrounds and context; internal message; theological themes; and issues of criticism.
BTS 515: Worship and Wisdom (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the practical application of the worship and wisdom literature of the Old Testament and its application to the contemporary church and the sanctification of every believer. Issues like the problem of pain, the value of worship and why do the wicked prosper will all be addressed. The student will learn to seek the answers for life in the true worship of God and in the wisdom of God provided in these books.
BTS 521: Historical Background of the New Testament (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the history, literature, and culture of the Inter-testamental period through the first century A.D.
BTS 522: Life, Ministry, and Theology of Christ (2 units)
A graduate-level study of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ, including his role as Messiah and as Son of God. Special attention will be given to the Jewish historical and cultural background of his life, to the implications of his true humanity, and to the modern alternative theories about the facts and meaning of his life.
BTS 523: Life, Ministry, and Theology of Paul (2 units)
A graduate-level seminar focusing on the writings of Paul. Attention is given to historical and cultural settings; messages, theological themes, and analysis of selected passages.
BTS 524: General Epistles and Revelation (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the General Epistles and the Revelation. Emphasis will be placed on critical issues relating to authorship, acceptance into the canon, historic settings, messages, theological themes, and interpretive problems. Special emphasis will be placed on the eschatology of 2 Peter 3 and the Book of Revelation.
BTS 571: Contemporary Issues in Theology (2 units)
A culmination seminar that seeks to integrate biblical studies with Christian faith and ministry. Students will use an evangelical theological method to address contemporary trends and emphases in theology confronting the contemporary Christian church: Students will be exposed to a wide diversity of theological literature and perspectives within and beyond the evangelical spectrum.
BTS 572: Seminar in Applied Biblical Studies (2 unit)
A graduate seminar focusing on the application of biblical studies to the life of the believer. Attention will be given to the priority of Christ-likeness; the process by which this occurs in the life of the believer; and the role of discipling towards this objective. The uniqueness of the biblical process of change will addressed.
