SEMINARY CREST

About

The Crest of Evangelical Theological Seminary is representative of the distinguishing features which symbolize the seminary's presence in academia. Each of these symbols contains a meaning within itself and together they formulate the seminary's influence toward harmony in the Body of Christ.

EVANGELICAL

The meaning of "evangelical" expresses Christian principles which transcend denominational lines. Some of the distinctions among evangelical believers are Christ's sinless life, incarnation, death on the cross, bodily resurrection, and second coming. The specific doctrines of the Trinity, virgin birth, His miracles, coming judgment, and ultimate final decree on this world are held to be sacred.

TRINITY

The emblem of the triangle with the names: God, Christ, and Holy Spirit are representative of the Trinity. Although the name Trinity does not appear in the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity clearly does. Matthew 3:16, 17 states, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. And lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And lo a voice from heaven saying, `This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" From Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

CROSS

From the Greek stauros and the Latin crux. This instrument of punishment is where Jesus Christ died. He gave His life to redeem mankind so that people could be forgiven from their sins. Jesus suffered excruciating pain and contemptible humility on the cross. Matthew 27:24-51.

CROWN

The crown is an emblem of the ruling supremacy and kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible states in the book of Revelation 14:14, "Then the scene changed and I saw a white cloud, and someone sitting on it who looked like Jesus, who was called `The Son of Man,' with a crown of solid gold upon his head and a sharp sickle in his hand."

SHIELD

The shield is representative of the need for faith in the lives of the followers of Jesus Christ. As the shield was a defensive protection on the battlefield, so is the shield of faith for every Christian. Ephesians 6:16 states, "Above all taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

SWORD

This offensive weapon is described as the Word of God and also refers to the Bible. From Ephesians 6:17, "The sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God." The importance of knowing and understanding what the Bible states and believing the Bible to be the Word of God is absolutely essential for every Christian.

HOI CHRISTOI THEOU

The Greek word Christos specifies Jesus as the Messiah. It means "The Anointed One." In the Old Testament, the prophets were called hoi christoi Theou, the anointed of God. In our generation, this religious title can be representative of God's anointing upon each Christian. The Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 1:21, "But he, who makes us steadfast with you in joint fellowship with Christ and has anointed us, is God."