The Alaska Bible Institute’s Doctrine and Influence

The Alaska Bible Institute’s Theology: A Reformed Perspective

For the Son of Man is come to seek and save that which was lost." Luke 19:10 KJV

In this blog post, we will examine the theological teachings of the Alaska Bible Institute (ABI) in Homer, Alaska, as framed by the spirit of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. For nearly sixty years, ABI has been an evangelical training school founded by Pastor Ray Arno.

Historical Overview of ABI

ABI was established in 1965 as the Alaska Native Bible Institute. Under Pastor Arno's leadership, it aimed to ground believers, especially Alaska Natives, in biblical teachings. By 1971, the school opened its doors to everyone and became simply the Alaska Bible Institute. Throughout its history, ABI has championed the motto of “training and equipping Christians for life and ministry” in a collegial and tuition-free environment. Generations of students have graduated from its two-year Bible program, located on a serene wooded campus off Mission Road.

While ABI’s statement of faith affirms key Christian doctrines like biblical authority and the Trinity, it often strays into distinctive teachings and controversies. The institute acknowledges its diverse staff and student body, representing various church backgrounds. In practice, however, ABI's leadership fosters a strong theological vision aligned more with Arminianism and charismatic practices, often critiquing Reformed theology as a “doctrine of demons.”

ABI’s Arminian Soteriology

The Role of Human Will

ABI’s understanding of salvation heavily emphasizes an Arminian perspective. This means human free will plays a significant role in how individuals respond to God. God’s election is based on foreseen faith, while grace remains resistible. Furthermore, true believers could potentially fall from salvation. ABI instructors remind students that God “is not willing that any should perish,” urging each person to freely choose Christ. Arminian views like these recently have lead ABI to portray Calvinism as an affront to the Gospel, something to be universalized and denounced.

John Owen, a notable figure in the Reformed tradition, denounced the exaltation of free will in Arminianism as a revival of Pelagian error. He argued that elevating human will undermines God’s sovereignty. Holy Scripture teaches that the human heart is enslaved to sin until liberated by God’s grace (Romans 8:7-8). ABI's teachings subtly shift the focus from God's grace to human choice, diminishing the glory due to Him alone.

Charismatic Practices and Their Implications

Continued Revelations

Along with its Arminian framework, ABI embraces charismatic practices. These involve the belief that miraculous gifts, such as prophecy and healing, continue today. Instructors encourage students to “listen for God’s voice,” often urging reliance on personal spiritual experiences.

In stark contrast, Reformed theology asserts the sufficiency of Scripture, holding that biblical revelation ceased with the apostles' deaths. Claims of ongoing revelation can lead to confusion in sound doctrine. This creates a concerning precedent for ABI as it shifts focus from the authority of the written Word.

Calvin warned against those who reject the sufficiency of Scripture, calling it “madness.” Thus, ABI's openness to charismatic gifts raises red flags regarding the school's alignment with historic Reformed faith.

Perseverance and Eternal Security in Salvation

Perseverance of the Saints

A significant doctrinal divide between Arminian and Reformed theology is the concept of perseverance of the saints. ABI teaches that believers can ultimately fall away through apostasy. This belief places an undue burden on individuals, leading them to question their salvation daily. The notion that eternal life is conditional upon human endurance undermines the biblical doctrine of God’s preserving grace.

In Reformed theology, however, those truly regenerated will be kept by God's power. The promises of Christ guarantee that His followers will never perish (John 10:28). ABI must reconcile the impact of its teachings with the necessary assurance that comes through reliance on God's power rather than human effort.

The Denunciation of Calvinism

Extreme Rhetoric

The extreme position that characterizes ABI’s critique of Calvinism as a “doctrine of demons” is not only alarming but also unhelpful. Such rhetoric effectively alienates a substantial portion of the Christian community. It creates barriers rather than fostering dialogue.

Reformed doctrines are grounded in earnest scriptural study; equating them with demonic influence is both baseless and divisive. Rather than choosing hostility, ABI should strive towards charitable discourse, recognizing the legitimacy of differing theological views.

ABI's Influence on the Local Community

ABI’s doctrinal positions have significantly shaped the Christian landscape of Homer, Alaska. Pastor Arno’s commitment to evangelism and local missions established a framework for active service through ABI. The school has produced many leaders who have served in various capacities within local churches and ministries.

However, ABI's influence has led to tensions within the broader community, particularly with Reformed traditions feeling marginalized. This tension must offer ABI an opportunity for reform, inviting an exploration of shared theological foundations rather than sharp divisions.

Conclusion

In this theological critique, we find much at stake regarding ABI’s teachings. The elevation of human free will, embrace of charismatic practices, and rejection of Calvinism as heretical call for serious deliberation. The community of ABI stands at a crossroads: it can either embrace theological clarity, fostering unity and sound doctrine, or risk alienation and continued division.

We fervently hope that ABI will embrace the notion of semper reformanda—always reforming according to the Word of God. Let the truths of the faith be upheld, leading its community into a fuller understanding of God’s grace and peace.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless… to the only God… be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25)

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Supporting Scripture and Historical References

• John 6:44, 6:63 – No one can come to Christ unless drawn by the Father; the flesh profits nothing (emphasizing human inability apart from grace).

• John 10:27-29 – Christ’s sheep never perish and cannot be snatched from His hand, assuring perseverance of the saints.

• Romans 8:28-39 – The golden chain of salvation (foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified) and assurance that nothing can separate believers from God’s love in Christ.

• Ephesians 1:3-12 – God’s eternal predestination of His people according to His will.

• Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) – Affirming preservation of the saints, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness.