Bachelor of Theology
Objectives
- To provide a firm foundation in Biblical teachings .
- To inculcate a positive attitude towards the practical issues of the society with a true Christian perspective.
- To awaken and edify the hidden skills in diversified fields of study.
- To expose them to various trends of Christian Mission and evangelism.
- To train them to defend their Christian commitment and take active part in mobilizing the people for Christian ministry.
Admission Requirements
- Any born again Christian, irrespective of denomination living in India, who has a passion to study God’s Word can apply.
- The candidate must have successfully completed the pre-University course (12th grade) or its equivalent.
- The candidate will have to pass an entrance examination in basic English, the Bible and General Knowledge.
- The candidate will have to be recommended/ sponsored by a Church/ or a Para-church organization.
Application and Registration
- Application forms and prospectus can be obtained on payment of Rs.200/-; the last date to receive the filled in application is on the 31st of April.
- Application after the due date will be considered with a late fee of Rs.50/- up to the 30th of May.
- Each student admitted will be given a Registration number and will be expected to complete B.Th program in three years from the year of registration. Extension of one year shall be considered if there is a valid reason and by paying the continuing fees.
Classes, Practical Work and Exams
- This a residential program conducted on the campus of BIHER. Classes are conducted from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. with a chapel service and lunch break. Students must attend all the classes scheduled for them. Attendance is recorded for each period of class.
- Attending the chapel service and other practical work is a compulsory requirement and part of the training.
- During the academic days, students are expected to concentrate on their studies and maintain good marks. Those who do not show interest in studies and fail in the exams will be asked to leave the institution after evaluation.
- The Academic Dean must approve request for leave, to be absent from class or practical work.
- Exams for the first and second semester will be conducted in November and March. Those who have failed in papers can re-write the exam paying the fees.
- Students will be eligible to receive the degree after completing all the requirements and clearing the fees. The faculty evaluation committee will evaluate each student and make recommendation to the Board.
- 11 Sections
- 22 Lessons
- 156 Weeks
General Epistles
Course Description
This course provides a detailed study of the General Epistles — Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, and Jude. These letters, written to a wider Christian audience, offer essential insights into faith, doctrine, Christian conduct, community life, and perseverance. The course examines historical background, literary structure, theological themes, and practical relevance. Special attention is given to authorship, intended recipients, purpose, and how these writings speak to contemporary Christian life and leadership.
Key themes explored include faith and works, perseverance in suffering, Christian ethics, guarding against false teachings, love and fellowship, and the supremacy of Christ.
Course Objectives
- To identify the historical and theological background of each General Epistle.
- To explain the key themes and messages presented in these writings.
- To analyze the theological contributions made by the General Epistles.
- To apply ethical and pastoral teachings from these letters in Christian life and ministry.
Course Outcomes
- Identify the authorship, background, and purpose of each General Epistle.
- Explain the major theological themes and practical instructions in these writings.
- Analyze the relationship between faith, works, perseverance, and Christian conduct.
- Apply the teachings of the General Epistles to contemporary Christian life and ministry.
Course Requirements
This course follows the Continuous Formative Evaluation (CFE) model designed to ensure consistent engagement and application of learning.
Reflection of the Week (Week 1, 15%)
Students will submit a summary paper based on Week 1 lectures. Assigned readings must be completed by the end of the week.
Quiz (Week 2, 15%)
A quiz will be conducted at the end of Week 2, covering topics discussed in Weeks 1 and 2. Assigned readings must be completed by the end of the week.
Interview Assignment (Week 3, 20%)
Students will interview a Christian family to observe how mutual respect and submission are practiced in marriage. The analysis should reflect how the principles of 1 Peter 3:1–7 are lived out in daily life, communication, and spirituality.
Subject Paper (10–15 Pages) (Week 4, 20%)
Students will write a research paper comparing the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament with the priesthood of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, with special emphasis on the Book of Hebrews. The paper should address origin, role, sacrifices, limitations, and the superiority of Christ under the New Covenant.
Final Exam (Week 5, 30%)
The final examination in Week 5 consists of three sections:
- Objective: Digital assessment of key concepts.
- Subjective: Written analysis through short and long-answer questions.
- Reflective: Integration of learning into personal faith and ministry understanding.
Course Assessment Summary
Component Marks Pass Mark Frequent Assessment (CFE) 70 28 Final CFE 30 12 Total 100 40 0Introduction to General Epistles | Hebrews
Reading Resource (5 Marks)
Topic: “Warning Against Drifting Away”
Page Number: 15–18
Book: Life Application Bible Commentary: Hebrews
Authors: Bruce B. Barton, Dave Veerman, and Linda K. Taylor.5General Epistles - Assignment
Self-Reflection (10 Marks)
Assignment: Write a self-reflection paper (3–5 pages) based on the topics discussed in Week 1 of the class.
Students are expected to thoughtfully summarize key insights and personal learning.0Hebrews | James
Reading Resource (5 Marks)
Topic: God’s Fatherly Correction & In God’s Gymnasium
Page Number: 260–265
Book: Preaching Through the Bible: Hebrews
Author: Michael Eaton.5Hebrews | James - Assignment
11 Peter & 2 Peter
Reading Resource (5 Marks)
Topic: Wedlock or Deadlock?
Page Number: 66–76
Book: Be Hopeful
Author: Warren W. Wiersbe.5- 6.11 Peter: Authorship, Date, Audience, Purpose
- 6.2Main Themes: Suffering and Glory, Holiness, Identity of Believers
- 6.3Submission and Authority, Hope in Christ
- 6.42 Peter: Authorship, Date, Audience, Purpose
- 6.5Main Themes: Growth in Christian, Warning Against False Teachers, The Lord’s Coming and Final Hope
1 Peter & 2 Peter - Assignment
Interview Assignment (15 Marks)
Topic: A Study on Mutual Respect and Submission in Marriage.
Students will conduct an interview and analyze how mutual respect and submission are practiced and expressed within the marital relationship.01, 2 & 3 John
Reading Resource (5 Marks)
Topic: Three Groups of Religious Sinners
Page Number: 18–26
Book: Test of Life
Author: Theodore H. Epp.51, 2 & 3 John - Assignment
Subject Assignment (15 Marks)
Topic: Comparison between the Levitical Priesthood and the Priesthood of Christ.
Students will analyze the origin, role, sacrifices, and limitations of the Levitical priesthood and compare it with the priesthood of Christ as revealed in the New Testament.0Jude
2Bibliography
- Barton, Bruce B., Dave Veerman and Linda K. Taylor. Life Application Bible Commentary: Hebrews. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2007.
- Barton, Bruce B., Dave Veerman and Neil Wilson. Life Application Bible Commentary: James. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2007.
- Barton, Bruce B., et al. Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Peter / Jude. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2007.
- Barton, Bruce B., et al. Life Application Bible Commentary: 1, 2 & 3 John. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2007.
- Bateman IV, Herbert W. Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews. Hyderabad: Authentic, 2008.
- Epp, Theodore H. Tests of Life. Lincoln: Back to the Bible, 1981.
- Eaton, Michael. Preaching Through the Bible: Hebrews. Tonbridge: International Theological Teaching Books, 2009.
- Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Hopeful. Illinois: SP Publications, Inc., 1982.
0
Contact
- +91 88833 08330
- PO Box 4, Palampur Post Office, Himachal Pradesh, India, 176061
- info@biher.education