Reformation Bible College: A Beacon of Reformed Education

Reformation Bible College (RBC) stands as a unique institution in the landscape of higher education, committed to training students to deeply understand the Bible and their faith, equipping them to live it out in every aspect of the world. Founded in 2011 by Dr. R.C. Sproul, RBC offers a distinctively Reformed education, emphasizing biblical truth, theological rigor, and the cultivation of Christian character.

The Motto and Core Values

RBC's motto, "Post Tenebras Lux" ("After Darkness, Light"), embodies the spirit of the Protestant Reformation. This motto, a rallying cry for the Reformation, is a visual representation of the institution's foundation, resting upon the pillars of history, truth, and faith.

History: Acknowledges God's sovereign actions throughout time, recognizing Him as the author and finisher of all creation.
Truth: Emphasizes the high regard for God's truth as revealed in His Holy Word, the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
Faith: Highlights salvation as a gift from God through faith, not earned by works or human merit.

A Unique Position in Higher Education

RBC fills a crucial gap among institutions of higher education. It is a distinctly Christian college, firmly rooted in and governed by theological convictions. While both Christian liberal arts colleges and Bible colleges exist, RBC offers something exceptional compared to both.

Christian liberal arts colleges provide a broad curriculum in the humanities but may lack extensive biblical and theological offerings. On the other hand, Bible colleges, while emphasizing biblical instruction, often lack robust programs in the humanities and may not always be Reformed in their theological orientation.

RBC distinguishes itself by offering a curriculum that balances rigorous theological training with engagement in the great works of literature, history, and philosophy. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education grounded in biblical truth and informed by the wisdom of the Western tradition.

The Curriculum: A Foundation for Life and Ministry

The core of RBC's curriculum includes hermeneutics, biblical survey courses, systematic theology, and great works of literature, art, and music. Students also study church history, biblical theology, and apologetics. Modern philosophy is also explored to equip students to engage with contemporary thought.

Dr. R.C. Sproul designed and implemented this curriculum. It represents the college he would have wanted to attend, and it represents the hallmarks of his long and faithful ministry.

The B.A. in Theology is the flagship program, providing students with a guided tour through the Reformed classical tradition, covering biblical studies, church history, philosophy, and literature. This program is designed to provide a solid foundation for ministry, graduate studies, or any vocation where a deep understanding of theology is valued.

Degree Program Options

B.A. in Theology: The flagship program, providing a guided tour through the Reformed classical tradition, covering biblical studies, church history, philosophy, and literature.
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Track: Offers a direct path to a Master of Divinity at various seminaries, allowing students to earn a B.A. and M.Div. in six years.
- Master of Arts in Counseling (M.A.) Track: Offers a direct path to a Master of Arts in Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, allowing students to earn a B.A. from RBC and an M.A. from WTS in as few as five years. Students may begin graduate coursework online at WTS after completing 90 credits on campus at RBC.
Program in Teaching Methods and Practices: Offers courses in the teaching methods and practices of the Reformed classical tradition.

Discipleship: More Than Just Education

RBC believes that education entails discipleship. The college is not simply content with imparting knowledge but aims to see renewed minds and transformed lives. Theology is essential to life and leads to a life of service and worship of the true and holy God. The college seeks to shape the character of its students, producing men and women of conviction who will proclaim and contend for the gospel, navigate challenges, and serve the church humbly, faithfully, and boldly.

The Faculty: Scholars and Mentors

RBC's faculty consists of distinguished scholars grounded in the Reformed tradition. They are passionate about seeing students shaped by the holiness of God. The faculty intentionally spends time with students in conversation, prayer, fellowship, and worship.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

Online Programs: Expanding Access to Reformed Education

RBC is taking steps to expand access to its unique education through online programs. The Foundation Year Online program provides young Christians with a solid theological foundation for their chosen vocation or continued education.

In the fall semester, students study apologetics. In the spring, they review the development of Christianity from the Reformation to the present and study the Old Testament texts known as the Writings. Students also examine the existence and attributes of the triune God in The Doctrine of God.

Redefining the Bible College

RBC is striving to redefine what a Bible college is and can be. Inspired by the model of John Calvin’s Geneva Academy, RBC focuses on teaching the content of the Bible through a Reformed lens. It rejects anti-intellectualism and the minimal academic expectations that often accompany it.

The administration and faculty of RBC believe that the command to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind impacts the way we approach every aspect of education. This is reflected in the challenging curriculum, the faculty, and the specific requirements of individual courses.

A Call to Reverence and Worship

The study of theology should cause us to have more reverence for the majesty of God. Theology leads us to worship God in reverence and in awe and gives us a coherent sense and understanding of God’s Word, helping us fit all of the pieces together into a beautiful whole.

Preparing for the Future

RBC prepares students for a lifetime of faithful service in God’s kingdom, whether they are called to missions, church ministry, counseling, or teaching in the growing movement of classical Christian schools. The college also prepares students for pastoral ministry or further academic training with a thorough understanding of biblical studies, systematic theology, languages, classical literature, history, and philosophy.

A Community of Purpose

At RBC, students study, grow, serve, and worship with a close-knit community intentionally focused on building meaningful and lasting friendships. Friendships are built and community has been fostered as students have come together for various events.

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