STATEMENT (ARTICLES) OF FAITH
The general doctrinal position of Seminario Biblico Rio Grande may be described as adherent to the view of man’s universal depravity, his free will, and the security of the believer; dispensational in interpretation and biblically fundamental in doctrine. We hold to the pre-tribulation rapture of the saints and the fullness of the Holy Spirit as the heritage and inheritance of all believers in Christ. We do not hold the “Pentecostal” interpretation of the work of the Holy Spirit, nor tongues as the evidence of the fullness of the Spirit, nor an “experience-related” Christian life. Each worker and board member is required annually to subscribe to the Statement of Faith without mental reservations.
WE BELIEVE:
SECTION 1: OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired in all its parts and is the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore is truth without any admixture of error. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tested. II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21; Mt. 1:22; John 10:35; Isa.8:20.
SECTION 2: OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; infinitely glorious in holiness, and worthy of all worship, honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Ex. 20:2; Mt. 28:19, 20; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11.
SECTION 3: OF GOD THE SON
We believe that the eternal Son of God became incarnate as the Lord Jesus Christ, who is true God and true Man, having been begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, a virgin. John 1:14; Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:27,35.
SECTION 4: OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation of the universe; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ; and that He seals, indwells, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps every believer. We also hold that believers are admonished to be filled with the Spirit. Gen. 1:1-3; Mt. 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; 4:14; 24:49; John 1:33; 14:16, 17, 26; 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Rom. 8:14-16,26-27; I Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:18.
SECTION 5: OF THE DEVIL, OR SATAN
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the evil god of this age, that he directs and energizes all the powers of darkness, and that he is destined to the judgment of eternal justice in the lake of fire. Mt. 4:1,3; II Cor. 4:4; Rev. 20:10.
SECTION 6: OF THE CREATION
We believe the Genesis account of creation and that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. Gen. 1, 2; Col. 1:16, 17; John 1:3.
SECTION 7: OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in innocence in the spiritual image of God, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless state, in consequence of which all men are now sinners by nature and by choice; and that, therefore, all men are under the just condemnation of God, without defense or excuse. Gen. 3:1-6; Rom. 1:18-32; 5:10-19; Eph. 2:1-3.
SECTION 8: OF THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by God’s grace through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself the nature of men, yet without sin; that He honored the divine law by His perfect, personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for the sins of all men; that His atonement did not consist of setting men an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord bearing the sins of men in His own body upon the Cross; that having bodily risen from the dead, He is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, and, uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.Isa. 53:4-7; Mt. 18:11, 28:6-7; Mark 16:6, 19; Luke 24:26, 51; John 3:16; 20:27; Acts 1:9-11; 15:11; Rom. 3:24-25; I Cor. 15:3-4; II Cor. 5:21; Phil. 2:7; I Tim. 1:5; Heb. 2:14, 17; 5:9-10; 8:6; 12:2; I John 2:1; 4:10; Rev. 3:21
SECTION 9: OF GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION
We believe that in order to be saved from the guilt and penalty of sin and to enter the Kingdom of God, the sinner must be born again of the Spirit of God; that the new birth is an instantaneous act of creation, not a process; that in the new birth the sinner dead in trespasses and sins is made a new creation, a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life as the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner beyond our comprehension solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with the Word of God, so as to secure the voluntary obedience of the sinner to the gospel; that the proper evidence of the new birth appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. John 3:3, 7-8; Acts 16:30-33; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:17, 19; Eph. 2:1, 8-10; Col. 2:13; I Pet. 1:23; II Pet. 1:4.
SECTION 10: OF THE JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great salvation blessing which Christ secures to those who believe in Him is justification, which includes the pardon of all sin and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. This justification is given, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which man renders to God, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Acts 13:31, 38-39; Rom. 3:21-26; 5:1, 9;8:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.
SECTION 11: OF THE CHURCH
Of The Local church -We believe that a local church is a congregation of born-again believers, associated by mutual faith for fellowship, edification and service; observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are pastors or elders and deacons whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we further believe that the true mission of the Church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 2:42, 47; 6:1-7; 14:23; 20:17, 28; I Cor. 11:23-32; Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:15-17; I Pet. 5:1-3.
Of The True Church -We believe that the true church consists of all believers on the Lord Jesus Christ and is the Bride of Christ which will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air at His return, Christ being the Bridegroom. I Cor. 12:12-13; I Thes. 4:13-17; Eph. 5:22-32; Rev. 19:7-9.
SECTION 12: OF THE SECURITY OF THE SAINTS
We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ, having been sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption. Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30; John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:35-39; Phil. 1:6; Jude 1:24.
SECTION 13: OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His sight; while those who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in life and after death in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. Gen. 18:23; Prov. 14:12; Mal. 3:18; Mt. 25:34-41; John 3:31; Rom. 6:17, 18, 23; I John 5:19; II Thes. 1:7-9.
SECTION 14: OF THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except in things clearly opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth. Ex. 18:22; 2 Sam. 23:3; Dan. 3:17-18; Mt. 22:21; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; I Pet. 2:13-14.
SECTION 15: OF THE PERSONAL, VISIBLE, PRE-MILLENNIAL RETURN OF CHRIST AND REALTED EVENTS
A. We believe in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds to rapture His church. I Thes. 4:13-18; James 5:8; Heb. 9:28.
B. We believe in the resurrection of the righteous dead. I Cor. 15:42-44,52; I Thes. 4:13-18.
C. We believe in the transformation of the bodies of the living believers in Christ at the rapture. I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thes. 4:13-18; Phil 3:20-21.
D. We believe in the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus to the earth to occupy the throne of David. 2 Sam. 7:8-16; Isa. 9:6-7; Zech. 14:4,9; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:29,30; 15:14-17.
E. We believe in the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. Psa. 72:8; Isa. 32:1; 11:4-5; I Cor. 15:25; Rev. 20:1-6.
SECTION 16: SUBSCRIPTION TO THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
During September each year, or as soon thereafter as practical, each Board member, Faculty and Staff member and Officer shall be required to subscribe in writing, to the official articles of Faith. Any new member of the Staff or Board shall be required to sign the Articles of Faith upon appointment.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Seminario Biblico Rio Grande is a faith-based mission supported through the voluntary offerings of God’s people. Most of the operating expenses are covered by donations. Since the financial support of each staff member comes from church and individual donations, costs are lower.
1. UNAPOLOGETICALLY COMMITTED TO THE SCRIPTURES
The Seminary firmly holds that the Holy Bible in its original form was verbally and fully inspired by God, and is completely reliable and without any addition of error. Both the original writings of the Old and New Testaments are without error and infallible, and are the absolute authority of faith and practice.
2. AN INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO FULFILL GOD’S CALL TO MINISTER AT SEMINARIO BIBLICO RIO GRANDE
The basic motivation of each person who works at Rio Grande Bible Seminary is a clear sense that God has called him or her to minister in this place. Our motivation for our service is not rooted in the advancement of a career, the attainment of a position, the accomplishment of personal goals, or financial remuneration. Rather, we are here to serve the Spanish-speaking Church, according to our mission statement. Furthermore, faith in God’s willingness to provide for individual and institutional financial needs characterizes every worker, administrator, and board member of Seminario Biblico Rio Grande. Thus, each individual and each ministry trusts in God as provider, and not in the mission, nor in any mission official. By God’s call, each staff member is personally committed to the evangelism of the lost and the discipling of the converted to bring them into a local church.
3. COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL INTEGRITY
Each individual at Seminario Biblico Rio Grande strives to conduct himself or herself so that the person and character of the Lord Jesus Christ is obviously seen in all aspects of our lives. We take very seriously the admonition of Scripture to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) so that we can clearly present the Gospel to the world around us (1 Peter 2:9; 3:15-16). Each individual board member and staff member of Seminario Biblico Rio Grande cares deeply about integrity, honesty, openness, and sensitivity to others.
4. COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY
Rio Grande Bible Seminary emphasizes a spirit or attitude of equality before the Lord on the part of all staff. Each member who is called by God to Seminario Biblico Rio Grande dedicates his or her gifts to fulfill the goals of the Institute. In an organization, levels of authority and responsibility are needed; in such a spirit of equality it becomes easy to accept the vision and goals of spiritual leadership. As evidence of this openness to the Lord, to the workers, and to the donors, the leadership is committed to sharing important principles of action, plans, and information affecting the ministry; and they will do so frequently.
5. A COMMITMENT TO A FOUNDATION OF FAITH
The basic principle of Seminario Biblico Rio Grande is that the work of the Lord, if done according to the Lord’s way, will never lack the Lord’s support. Seminario Biblico Rio Grande looks to the Lord for the provision of personnel, finances, and expects them in due time. We believe that God’s timely provision becomes a measure of what He would have us do. This perspective does not eliminate proper planning, nor does it eliminate making opportunities known as they arise. It does, however, provide an assurance as to our motivation in presenting our funding and staffing needs.
6. A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Seminario Biblico Rio Grande maintains a balance between an academic institution seeking excellence and a mission agency. It is therefore a member of both IFMA and ABHE.
7. A COMMITMENT TO REMAIN INTERNATIONAL
Our perspective is definitely toward the church in Latin America, then to the rest of the world; thus the Seminario Biblico Rio Grande seeks to accommodate a particularly Latin emphasis, culture, and worldview, as long as they are biblical. Seminario Biblico Rio Grande, therefore, is intentionally international. We believe this emphasis best expresses the nature of the body of Christ in the world. We believe that we will be more effective in ministry if we incorporate the richness of cultural diversity in our membership.
8. A COMMITMENT TO BE NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Seminario Biblico Rio Grande is intentionally non-denominational so that it can minister to the wider body of Christ that shares the same doctrinal distinctives expressed in our Statement of Faith. Our ability to work together in unity, no matter what our denominational affiliation provides a profound statement of our unity in Christ (Eph. 4:1-6).
9. A COMMITMENT TO THE HISPANIC CHURCH
The Staff of Seminario Biblico Rio Grande embraces an ongoing commitment to the preparation of leaders for the Spanish-speaking Church. We desire to produce men and women who have accepted the missionary mandate of the Word of God.
10. A COMMITMENT TO OPEN ACCESS TO FISCAL INFORMATION
Seminario Biblico Rio Grande is a Member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accounting as well as the Canadian Council of Christian Non-Profit Organizations. Anyone is free to request and receive pertinent access to how funds are obtained and how they are used.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The general doctrinal position of Rio Grande Bible Ministries may be described as adherent to the view of man’s universal depravity, his free will, and the security of the believer; dispensational in interpretation and biblically fundamental in doctrine. We hold to the pre-tribulation rapture of the saints and the fullness of the Holy Spirit as the heritage and inheritance of all believers in Christ. We do not hold the “Pentecostal” interpretation of the work of the Holy Spirit, nor tongues as the evidence of the fullness of the Spirit, nor an “experience-related” Christian life. Each worker and board member is required annually to subscribe to the Statement of Faith without mental reservations.
Rio Grande Bible Ministries is incorporated as a religious, nonprofit organization under the laws of the State of Texas. Its tax-deductible receipts are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and its financial records are audited annually by an independent accounting firm. Copies of our audited financial statements are available to the public upon request. Rio Grande is accountable to the Association for Biblical Higher Education, and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The authorization to function in Texas is overseen by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) is an accrediting agency in the United States nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The ABHE is inter-denominational but requires annual affirmation of a common statement of beliefs. The association is a full member of the International Council of Evangelical Theological Education, operating under the auspices of the World Evangelical Alliance. Seminario Biblico Rio Grande is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808) to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate levels.
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) is an accreditation agency to promote fiscal integrity and sound financial practices among member organizations. It comprises over 2,000 evengelical Christian organizations which qualify for tax-exempt, nonprofit status and receive tax-deductible contributions.
Files with public information for the year ending June 30, 2023.
