Welcome to this present course entitled 'Salvation History'. This is a particularly valuable course, because it will give you an overall or panoramic view of all the Scriptures. You will be able to see God's purposes for all time, and the fact that He has always been about man's salvation, and will continue to work to the end-time to gather in His people.

As the course proceeds, you will be able to see for yourself how useful it is, and how it can help you to understand history. At first it may take a little time to adjust, but then it will come clear as to God's plan and purpose for His creation.

Following your application for the course, we will send you the first two lessons. There are sixteen lessons in all, as you will see below. When you complete your first lesson and answer the questions set for that lesson, you should immediately send your answers to us. We will then send you the next two lessons. Between the time of your sending the work and receiving those two lessons, you will be able to proceed with the second lesson. When you have completed your third lesson we will then send you the fifth and sixth lessons. This means that you will never be without a lesson at hand.

Study Method I requires essay style responses. Essays to the order of 150-250 words per question. According to the subject matter, some questions may require up to 500 words or more. We encourage you to follow the instructions on the attached sheet, 'Hints for Writing Essays'.

• Neat, clear presentation is necessary to facilitate your tutor's assessment.
• Write legibly at all times.
• Write on one side only of your paper.
• Leave a 3 cm margin on the left side of your paper.
• When using a typewriter, leave a one line space between lines.
• Be careful to read and answer the questions.
• Be sure that your answers are based soundly on Scripture.
• Refrain from an over-use of Bible quotations as a substitute for expressing your own grasp of the subject.
• Try to avoid 'parrot-fashion' repeating of words and ideas in the study materials.
• Put your student number, your name and address, and your tutor's name on the back of the last sheet.

Your attitude to your study will work for you if you are willing to say 'I want to increase my biblical knowledge and come to a deeper understanding of the truth, therefore I am determined to see this course through to completion'.

Further to this way of study, you can read extra material recommended in the Bibliography. In that Bibliography we have recommended certain Bible Helps. You do not have to buy these, but they certainly will be valuable books to have on your shelves.

Compulsory listening to audio cassettes BSSH 1-16 (now available as mp3 on CD)

Links with Your Tutor

You will be assigned to your own tutor who will see you through your course. You should feel free to ask for help where needed. Your tutor will return your homework with comments which will be helpful. Marks will be given, and you will receive a graded Certificate of Studies on completing your course.

Going the Course Alone

Some students will wish to do the course entirely on their own. This means they will wish to receive the sixteen lessons and do the course without the aid of the tutor. No Certificate of Studies can be given in this case.

Period of Study for the Course

Certificate of Studies Students

It is recommended that you persist continually in study so that you finish the course as soon as possible, without, however, putting yourself under stress. A good aim is to complete the questions within one month, or two months at the most. In the event of your study being interrupted or delayed through circumstances, do not give up your course. There is no time limit set for completion of the course, however to gain maximum benefit from your studies you should aim to complete the course within two years. A note to your tutor will be helpful. If for any reason you have to relinquish the course, please let your tutor know.

Certificate of Theology Students

A Certificate of Theology will be granted to a student who completes eight subjects which cover the following six categories: Doctrine; Old Testament; New Testament; History; Christian Ministries; Practical Christian Living.

The Sixteen Lessons of the Course

Lesson 1: Introduction to Salvation History

Lesson 2: Man, the Fall, and the Flood

Lesson 3: Families: Babel and Abraham

Lesson 4: Israel, Egypt and the Exodus

Lesson 5: Israel: The Judges and Samuel

Lesson 6: Israel and the Monarchy

Lesson 7: Israel: The Prophets and the Exile

Lesson 8: Israel, the Return, the Inter-Testamental Period

Lesson 9: Gospel History I: Jesus and the Ministry

Lesson 10: Gospel History II: Jesus and the End Events

Lesson 11: The Holy Spirit and the Early Church I: Pentecost: Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles

Lesson 12: The Holy Spirit and the Early Church II: Paul and the New Churches

Lesson 13: The Church, the Epistles, and the Plan of God

Lesson 14: The Things of the Revelation: History Outworking

Lesson 15: The End Things: The Parousia, Judgement, God's People

Lesson 16: Review of Salvation History