Statement of Purpose

The purpose of Plymouth Christian School is to strive to “train up a child in the way he should go,” for the Lord has promised that “when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  The home, the church, and the school each have the God-given responsibility to bring up our children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  While none are able to properly do this of themselves, we must pray and strive to place God and His infallible Word at the center of all subjects studied, instruction given, and policies developed.  Behavior and guidance are directed according to Biblical principles.  Religious instruction is based on the Bible and presented from a truly reformed perspective in accordance with our Doctrinal Standards: The Heidelberg Catechism, The Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dort.  Instruction will be given in all subjects needed for our daily life.  Therefore, not only Biblical Studies is taught, but also a wide range of academic subjects of which each course attempts to draw its basis and theme from the Scripture which “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).

Philosophy of Education

The word philosophy can be defined as “the beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group; a system of philosophical concepts; a theory underlying a sphere of thoughts; a search for truth through logical reasoning; or as a pursuit of wisdom.”  Our philosophy of Christian education comprises our beliefs and our attitudes, as well as our search for, and pursuit of the truth in education.  Specifically, we must address the following questions:

1. What is our basis of truth and education?
2. What core truths do we believe?
3. What are our purposes of education?
4. What are our general objectives in education?
5. What are some of our specific objectives in education?

I. Basis of Truth and Education

We believe that the basis of truth and education must be grounded in the Triune God and His infallible Word. All Core Beliefs, all purposes of education, and all general objectives of education must be based upon principles established in the infallible sixty-six books of sacred Scripture.

II. Core Beliefs

Our Reformed philosophy of Christian education is based on certain Core Beliefs, which we hold to be true.  These Core Beliefs are first and foremost to be found in God’s Word, The Holy Bible.  God’s Word is the only authoritative and infallible source of all Core Beliefs at Plymouth Christian Schools (PCS).  These Core Beliefs are explained in our doctrinal standards: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dort, which are all grounded in God’s Word.  God’s Word and these doctrinal standards form the foundation for the Netherlands Reformed tradition of the School.  The Netherlands Reformed tradition is further explained in Rev. G.H. Kersten’s Reformed Dogmatics.  A short summary of the Core Beliefs of PCS is as follows:

God’s Attributes

We believe that there is one true God, and that He is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, omnipresent, independent, omniscient, indivisible, almighty, perfectly wise, just, gracious and the overflowing fountain of all good.  “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.  Amen” (I Timothy 1:17).

The Trinity

We believe that this God, though One in essence, has revealed Himself in three distinct and coequal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (I John 5:7).

Special and General Revelation

We believe that God has revealed Himself to man by two means: first, by general revelation through His creation, His providence, and man’s conscience; secondly, He makes Himself far more clearly and fully known by special revelation through His Word, the Holy Bible. “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”(Romans 1:20).“But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith”(Romans 16:26).

Infallibility and Inspiration of the Bible

We believe that the Bible is not the reflection of the will of man, but that holy men of God spake as they were inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21). The Bible is the complete and only infallible Word of God delivered to mankind, essential to know unto salvation.  In the English language, we believe that this Word is most accurately and soundly conveyed to us by the King James Version.

Perfect Creation

We believe that this Word of God clearly tells us that God’s creation took place on six (6) literal 24-hour days.  

We believe God’s Word not only teaches the truth about God but also about man.  We believe that God created man perfect and upright, and after His own image in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27). “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created them” (Colossians 3:10). “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

We believe God created marriage to be between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:18-25).  God teaches us in His Word that this marriage union between one man and one woman reflects the relationship Christ has with His Church (Ephesians 5:21-33).   

We believe God created us in His image and each person is created male or female (Genesis 1:27).   Those who reject their biological, God given, sex at birth, reject God’s perfect design for them.

We believe God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity may be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

Fall/Redemption

We believe that man willingly subjected himself to sin and fell from his holy state.  Consequently all are conceived and born in sin and will die in sin, unless regenerated by the Spirit of God to find complete salvation, by grace, through faith, in the one Mediator, Jesus Christ.  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”  (Romans 5:12).  “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).  

External/Internal Covenant

We believe that although infant baptism places us under the privileges of an external (non-saving) covenant relationship with God, we need the personal regenerating work of the Holy Spirit to bring us into the covenant of grace in an internal (saving) covenant relationship with God.  We therefore reject the error of “presumptive regeneration” which teaches that covenantal/ baptized children are to be considered regenerated and sanctified in Christ until the contrary should become evident from their doctrine and conduct when they become older.  “For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly: and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter: whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28-29).  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”  (John 3:3).  

Christ, the only Mediator

We believe in the One and only Mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who in one Person is both God and Man:

“Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead” (Apostles’ Creed).

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

 

Five Points of Calvinism

Man’s Total Depravity

“Therefore all men are conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, incapable of saving good, prone to evil, dead in sin, and in bondage thereto, and without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, they are neither able nor willing to return to God, to reform the depravity of their nature, or to dispose themselves to reformation.” (Canons of Dort – Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine, Article 3)

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).  “God looked down from heaven upon the children of men; to see if there were any that did understand that did seek God.  Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 53:2-3).

Unconditional Election

“Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, He hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of His own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault from their primitive state of rectitude into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom He from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of salvation. This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by Him, and effectually to call and draw them to His communion by His Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification; and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of His Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of His mercy and for the praise of His glorious grace.” (Canons of Dort – First Head of Doctrine, Article 7)

“For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:15-16).

Limited Atonement

“It was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby He confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation and given to Him by the Father.” (Excerpt from Canons of Dort – Second Head of Doctrine, Article 7)

“I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine” (John 17:9).

Irresistible Grace

“And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed His part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. Whereupon the will thus renewed is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence, becomes itself active. Wherefore also, man is himself rightly said to believe and repent, by virtue of that grace received.” (Canons of Dort – Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine, Article 12)

“No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him:  and I will raise him up at the last day.  It is written in the prophets, “And they shall be all taught of God.  Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me” (John 6:44-45).

The Perseverance of the Saints  

“Whom God calls, according to His purpose, to the communion of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and regenerates by the Holy Spirit, He delivers also from the dominion and slavery of sin in this life; though not altogether from the body of sin and from the infirmities of the flesh, so long as they continue in this world…By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace if left to their own strength. But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms and powerfully preserves them therein, even to the end.” (Canons of Dort – Fifth Head of Doctrine, Articles 1 & 3)

“And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

Five Solas of the Reformation

Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

God’s Word, the Bible, is the sole and sufficient authority by which all matters of faith and practice may be settled and is sufficient of itself to be the final authority of Christian Doctrine. Nothing is to be added to it, including new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 2:16-17)

Sola Gratia – Grace Alone

The salvation of a sinner is all of God’s grace alone.  No merit of man, either before or after regeneration, contributes to his salvation.  Salvation, from beginning to end, is God’s sovereign gift to the unworthy and undeserving. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Sola Fide – Faith Alone

The Justification of a sinner is received by faith alone without works of merit of any kind. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

Solus Christus – Christ Alone

Salvation is in and through Christ alone.  Christ’s atoning blood and perfect righteousness are the only hope of salvation for a sinner.  Nothing can and may be added to the complete finished work of Christ.  “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Soli Deo Gloria

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  Man can never add one drop of merit to his salvation. Thus, all glory is to God alone.  God’s supreme end in planning, purchasing and applying salvation is His own glory.  The chief end of those saved by grace is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  “For Mine own sake, even for Mine own sake, will I do it: For how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another.” (Isaiah 48:11)

We believe that the Word of God provides clear instruction not only for the way of salvation, but also for man’s everyday life in the world.  We believe that all spheres and domains of life, education inclusive, must be subject to the ordinances and glory of God.  “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).

III. Purposes of Education

Upon this Biblical and theological base our purposes of Christian education are founded.  These purposes are as follows:

1. We must provide education for our children based upon God and His Word because it is God’s command.  “For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born: who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments” (Psalm 78:5-7).
2. We must provide Christian education because it is our parental responsibility.  We have the same covenantal responsibility as Israel in the Old Testament to instruct our baptized (circumcised) children.  At baptism we are required as parents to answer “yes” to the following question: Whether you promise and intend to see these children, when come to the years of discretion (whereof you are either parents or witness), instructed and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, or help or cause them to be instructed therein, to the utmost of your power?“Therefore shall ye lay up these My words in your heart and in your souls, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.  And ye shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).
3. Education must teach the truth and strive to observe the interrelationship of the truths of God’s Word.  Based on God’s Word, education must provide absolute answers, rather than wavering speculations.  “For the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth.”  (Psalm 33:4)  “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).
4. Education must strive to teach wisdom – a proper use of knowledge – under the humble admission of dependence upon the Holy Spirit who alone can make sinners wise unto salvation.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
5. Education’s prime concern must be the spiritual needs of each student – his/her being prepared for the eternal life to come.  Being totally depraved by nature, children (like adults) stand in desperate need of the regenerating and converting work of God.  Christian education is a means which God may use and bless to this end.  Hence, we are responsible to use these means fully.  “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
6. Education is training for daily life on earth.  As all life is under Divine ordinance and direction, all studies must be taught in a Biblical context.  Our School curriculum (subjects and courses of study) must be built around, and draw its basis and theme from the Word of God.  This must be done reverently and appropriately to avoid giving reason to disrespect God’s holy and precious Word.  “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
7. Education is moral training.  Our pedagogy (art of teaching), daily interaction, and discipline must be based upon Biblical principles.  “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:  but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Parents, teachers and church leaders must pray and plead upon the promise of God that, as a rule, a godly upbringing will be blessed:  “Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  We believe God teaches His people to plead, by making them beggars, and by cutting off all other avenues of help.  Aside from this teaching of God, we reject the error that man is able, of his own, to plead God’s promise and to, intellectually, expect an answer because He has promised to hear and do.

IV. General Objectives

From these purposes of Christian education, we may draw our general objectives of education.  The primary objective of true Christian education is that God’s Name may be honored and glorified in the realm of education.  The second major objective is that students may be blessed with a saving knowledge of the Lord and that their lives may be dedications of service to Him in all things, loving God above all and their neighbors as themselves.  In stating these major objectives, as well as the general objectives which follow, we must emphasize two things.

1. In teaching, we are completely dependent upon the Holy Spirit to reach these objectives.  Only God can renew the heart.  We may and must emphasize the use of the means of grace, but we are subject to God’s blessing for the desired result, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).  “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every Man?  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (I Corinthians 3:5-7).
2. For a student to truly meet the objectives outlined below, spirit-wrought saving faith must both be implanted and be in exercise.  “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7b).  “God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).  “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

A Student’s Spiritual Needs

1. To teach the Bible as God’s inspired, Infallible Word, as an absolute rule for life and to develop attitudes of love and respect toward it.
   
2. To teach the basic Biblical doctrines which include God’s absolute sovereignty over all things.  Fallen man remains fully responsible and accountable to his Creator as created good and upright.  However, no appeal suggesting man is capable of generating saving faith may be made based on man’s responsibility.
   
3. To stress the need of personal experiential conversion for each person which takes place through a Divine order of:  misery, deliverance, thankfulness, wherein the prevailing enmity against a sovereign God is discovered and broken.
   
4. To stress the responsibility and accountability of each hearer of the gospel to whom God’s salvation is freely offered.
   
5. To teach the personal responsibility of each individual in church life and in society.

A Student’s Personal and Social Development

1. To help the student learn what it means to be a human being:  spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
   
2. To promote an understanding of each individual’s responsibility to develop and use their God-given talents and abilities to their fullest potential in a manner pleasing in God’s sight and to the benefit of others.
   
3. To teach the value of time as a God-given commodity.
   
4. To stress Biblical attitudes toward material possessions and individual responsibility as stewards in this regard.
   
5. To promote a spirit of love and respect toward others and the social realization of our need of others.
   
6. To develop biblical attitudes toward friendship, marriage, family, work, society, and human relations.
   
7. To stress proper attitudes toward authority and obedience, to promote self-discipline, and a desire to honor God’s authority above all.
   
8. To promote proper health habits, and wise use and physical fitness of the body God has given us.
   
9. To teach the personal responsibility of each person’s involvement in family, church, school, and society.

A Student’s Academic and Skill-Training Development

1. To promote high academic standards for each individual as laboring diligently to develop the talents God has given.
   
2. To encourage good study habits as striving to fulfill our God-given responsibilities.
   
3. To develop creative and critical thinking for future vocational callings and other God-given responsibilities in life.
   
4. To teach the basic skills needed in relating with others in this life; reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics.
   
5. To provide a solid basis in historical heritage, geography, and world conditions, as they relate to the unfolding of God’s plan and concern for others.
   
6. To develop an awareness and appreciation for God’s creation with its laws and characteristics, and man’s responsibility in using it wisely.
   
7. To develop creative, mechanical, musical, or other God-given talents to be used in a manner pleasing in His sight and for the benefit of others.

IV. Specific Objectives

1. K-12 learning principle:  Students learn best with a variety of research-supported instructional methods to promote student engagement, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and accommodate individual learning styles.  All lessons must in some way help the student understand how he is to think, speak, and act responsibly before God.  Instruction may be diverse from day to day, but it must relate to some part of a unified whole.  Both deductive and inductive teaching should be used.  Sometimes the general rule is given and explained; students then apply the rule to particular situations.  Inductive teaching, however, provides a variety of exploratory activities, which must lead to a general conclusion.  Both the Staff Member and student are active in the learning process.  A variety of activities must challenge the student to memorize, discover, evaluate, form hypotheses, draw conclusions, imagine, explore, analyze, and synthesize.
2. K-12 learning principle:  Students learn best when there is formative and summative assessment to guide instruction and provide regular, timely, constructive feedback to give students a sense of accomplishment and direction for further growth. Students must be given encouraging, immediate feedback.  Written and oral comments in addition to grades must be given to help reinforce lesson goals.  Intellectual growth is measured through daily assignments, frequent quizzes and tests, classroom performance, and some standardized examination.  This information is relayed to parents through conferences, progress notices, and report cards.
3. K-12 learning principle:  Students learn best in a safe, supportive, structured, Christian environment. As Staff Members provide instruction to students, classroom discipline must be structured so that constructive learning can take place.  Sometimes individual quietness reigns; at other times group interaction occurs.  The Staff Member must have and enforce a set of rules.  Students must respect the authority of the Staff Member.  Proper attitudes toward Divine and human authority must be maintained.
4. K-12 learning principle:  Students learn best given clear and realistic learning goals that include meaningful applications and promote growth of God-given talents.  Our objective, therefore, is to develop within students the knowledge of creation, a spirit of cooperation with fellow men, and a vital relationship with God by actively teaching, evaluating, and disciplining.