GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK - Biola University

7. In the desire to attain common goals and to ensure orderly community life, the subordination of
some individual prerogative may be necessary. Specifically, as servants of Christ we are called to
practice forbearance. Christian freedom includes the option of not doing some things in order to
contribute to the good of the larger community (I Corinthians 8:9-13; 9:19-23; 10:23-11:1).
8. Certain actions are expressly prohibited in the Scriptures and are, therefore, wrong. Christians
are responsible to avoid those practices that are called sinful in Scripture. Similarly, Scripture
comments on some actions that are matters of individual conviction based on a given situation. In this
latter area, care must be exercised so as not to judge one another or to cause another to stumble or to fall
(Matthew 7:1; Romans 14:1-23).
9. Christians are not asked to live the Christian life simply based on their own moral character and
strength. God has provided the authoritative Word of God, the guiding power of the indwelling Holy
Spirit, and the counsel of the Church. Christians are expected to study and obey the Scriptures, to
cultivate a heart attitude that allows for the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit and to give serious
consideration to the counsel of the people of God (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:19-21; I John 2:27, 5:1-6).
10. The Christian's obligation to separate himself from worldliness is important to an understanding
of Biola‘s behavioral standards (Romans 12:2; I John 2:15) "Worldliness" is a subtle issue involving
uncritical conformity to the prevailing spirit of the age. One‘s disposition concerning such matters as
materialism, secularism, isolationism, security, success, injustice, hedonism and moral relativism must
stand in perpetual review.
General Principles
Although there is much we share in common as a community of believers, there is a need to understand
that we also come as individuals with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Biola University both
desires to recognize the rich individuality of our community and seeks to establish norms that will
enhance the effective functioning of this body. Therefore, it is important that individuals understand that
certain underlying principles exist which needs to be exhibited in the behavior and character of a
maturing person in Christ. The following general principles reflect these expectations. That each
student: rich individuality of our community and seeks to establish norms that will enhance the effective
functioning of this body. Therefore, it is important that individuals understand that certain underlying
principles exist which needs to be exhibited in the behavior and character of a maturing person in Christ.
The following general principles reflect these expectations. That each student:
1. Has voluntarily joined the Biola community. The student by virtue of enrollment agrees to accept
the rights and responsibilities of membership within this Christian community.
2. Will seek to understand those who come from different backgrounds but with a common faith in
Jesus Christ.
3. Understands that our journey toward maturity entails not only freedom, but also limits.
4. Demonstrates the positive attributes of our new life in Christ as indicated in Scripture (Romans
12:6-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:12-17; II Peter 1:5-9).
5. Works to understand the rights and needs of the community, even at the sacrifice of individual
rights.
6. Assumes responsibility for their own actions in order to be persons who speak the truth and
demonstrate an understanding of their individual role before God and to the community.
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