Christian Reformed Theological Seminary Prospectus 2023-2024

DOWNLOAD Christian Reformed Theological Seminary PROSPECTUS

Evangelical

There are various currents in the reformed tradition, each with its own emphasis. We form part of the evangelical reformed current, which implies that we want to place into perspective man’s responsive involvement and co-operation with God’s work in his life.

We believe that God does not override man’s will in His Word, but rather that man’s will is incorporated in God’s all-embracing will. We believe this brings the required balance to the reformed teaching concerning salvation as well as the mission commission.

Therefore, the CRTS is also evangelical in its approach to training. As a result, students are directed to the need for frequent evangelistic campaigns and evangelistic services, characterized by a call to respond. For this very reason, the Seminary and Bible School put a high premium on world evangelization [missions].

We believe that every person should hear the Good News and that they can be reconciled with God in Jesus Christ.
Conversion is also emphasized as a continuous act of obedience. Every Christian must daily turn to God and increase in holy conduct in life. Serving as an example to us is Dr Andrew Murray, who years ago taught a similar emphasis in reformed theology.

Renewal

We support the reformed motto, ‘reformat reforms, which means ‘reformed reforming’, implying that reformers will always continue to reform. The CRTS realized that being reformed resides in healthy doctrine, but that this doctrine can have a contemporary and renewed application to contemporary circumstances and demands.

Being reformed includes the commitment to sound and conservative Biblical doctrine. In this regard, for instance, the Seminary is opposed to recent propagation for the retranslation of certain texts of the Bible to suit contemporary views and to consequently tone down or weaken matters on which the Bible strongly pronounces itself.

Instead, we prefer a continuous readiness to interpret doctrines afresh in the light of the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. In this regard, the Seminary’s emphasis on missions may serve as an example, as well as our sensitivity to the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, the Seminary prepares students to apply the sound doctrine in a contemporary and fresh manner, also in order to be sensitive to those cultural preferences that do not affect Biblical principles. In this regard, the renewing of public worship, ministry and fellowship can serve as examples.

The Seminary also endeavours to encourage Bible-based openness to the work and gifts of the Holy Spirit, of which the purpose is to equip believers to edify one another spiritually in local church situations, such as home cells, but also to reach out with the Gospel outside the church as Spirit-filled witnesses.