The IFEBS is a not for profit online bible school offered by Yarah Ministries (Stichting BTO Yarah), the Netherlands, offering online education worldwide.
Yarah Ministries is an independent organization, not tied to any movement or denomination. In doctrine and life, the Yarah Ministry seeks connection with orthodox Protestant and classical evangelical views. Below you will find our Statement of Faith.
It is in the Bible that God makes Himself known to mankind and we are fully committed to the truth of God-breathed Scriptures as the only source of wisdom in all matters of faith and practice. We do not ask students to subscribe to all our views.
Our Mission
– Biblical education made available to everyone, regardless of their means, ability or background
Our Goal
– help building up the (local) congregations and believers with (free) Biblical training and education from an Evangelical perspective and foundation
Statement of Faith
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12, NIV
God
We believe in the Triune God, consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has revealed Himself through His Word, the Bible, and He is the creator of all things, both visible and invisible. Through Jesus Christ, God has brought salvation and new life to humanity, and He continues to sustain the church and all creation until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin named Mary. He is the embodiment of Eternal Life and the only true God. Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins, conquered death by rising from the dead, and through His suffering, death, and resurrection, He has opened the way to God for all humanity. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. (Matthew 1:23, John 3:16, Acts 4:12)
Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God and has been poured out upon believers. The Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian, leading them into all truth. The Spirit guides, empowers, and sanctifies believers, enabling them to live a life pleasing to God. (John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22-23)
Bible
While the Bible itself does not claim inerrancy, we believe that the Scriptures, in their original form, are the inspired and inerrant Word of God. The Bible is the primary source of knowledge and revelation about God and His will for humanity. It serves as the foundation and authoritative standard for our faith and teachings. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Creation and the Fall of Mankind
We believe that God created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them. Humans, Adam and Eve, were created in the image of God. However, through their disobedience, sin entered the world, and all humanity has fallen short of God’s intended purpose. Sin has marred the image of God within us, disrupted order, and subjected us to the powers of evil and death. (Genesis 1:27, Romans 5:12)
Grace
We believe that God’s grace is offered to everyone through Jesus Christ. It is up to each individual to choose to accept this grace through faith. Accepting God’s grace results in a new birth, whereby the believer is reconciled to God and becomes a child of God. We reject the doctrine of predestination and affirm that salvation is available to all who repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11, John 1:12)
Repentance and Rebirth
Through repentance and rebirth, the believer is added to the Body of Christ, which encompasses all born-again believers. Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God, while rebirth signifies a spiritual transformation and new life in Christ. (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 1:23)
Baptism
We believe in baptism as an act of obedience to the Bible. It symbolizes the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism is a public testimony of the believer’s commitment to follow Christ. While we affirm the importance of baptism, we recognize that salvation is not found in the act of baptism itself but through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:4, Acts 2:41)
The Church
The church is the body of Christ, consisting of all born-again believers. It is a global community of believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We acknowledge that no single church or denomination possesses the full truth, as unity in Christ is our ultimate goal. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:27)
Israel
We believe that Israel is the land and people chosen by God. The Christian church is grafted onto Israel, and God has not rejected His chosen people. Though temporarily set aside, Israel will be restored in the future and regain its position as the “People of God.” We affirm that the nation of Israel has been given the right by God to inhabit the land of Israel. (Romans 11:17-24, Jeremiah 31:35-36)
Return of Jesus and Millennial Kingdom
We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ to gather believers to Himself as He promised: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3).
Following His return and the rapture of the Church there will be a challenging period, which Jesus will ultimately bring to an end. The “Messianic Kingdom of Peace” will commence, with Jesus reigning as King for a thousand years. After this period, Jesus will judge the living and the dead, and God will create a New Heaven and New Earth. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 21:1)
» Download the IFEBS Statement of Faith (PDF)