Declaration of Faith

Nescire est initium sapientiae

Not knowing is the beginning of wisdom.

Preamble

The American University of Science (“AUS” or “the University”) hereby establishes this Declaration of Faith as its official and binding theological statement. It defines the University’s Christian nature as rooted in the evangelical Protestant tradition, affirming the authority of Scripture alone (sola Scriptura), salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus), and the historic doctrines articulated in the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.

This document is written in conformity with the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, reflecting a synthesis of precise theological inquiry and the duly constituted governing authority of the Board of Governors acting under the University’s Charter and Bylaws. It serves as a lucid, public witness to students, faculty, administrators, and global constituencies regarding the religious identity of the University. This Declaration of Faith governs institutional identity and is binding on the University as an institution. It is implemented through duly adopted policies, faculty appointment standards, institutional procedures, and written agreements where applicable, and does not, by itself, create contractual obligations beyond those expressly incorporated into formal contracts, published policies, or governing instruments.

Article I - The Supremacy and Inerrancy of Scripture

AUS affirms the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the unique, divine, plenary and verbal inspiration of God. Holy Scripture is the only infallible and authoritative Word of God and is free from error of any sort in all matters with which it deals—scientific, historical, moral, and theological—as understood within the University’s evangelical Protestant confession.

The University affirms the perspicuity of Scripture and its sufficiency as the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Scripture is the supreme and final doctrinal authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, and Christian moral teaching as confessed by the University. The University implements and applies these doctrinal commitments through its Charter, Bylaws, Board governance actions, and duly adopted policies and procedures, and in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Article II - The Triune Godhead

The University confesses one eternal, transcendent, and omnipotent God, existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian unity of essence and distinction of Persons constitutes the cornerstone of the University’s intellectual, spiritual, and institutional life.

Article III - The Sovereignty of the Father

God the Father, the first Person of the Divine Trinity, is infinite Spirit—sovereign, eternal, and unchangeable in all His attributes. As the Architect of Providence and Sustainer of all creation, He is worthy of absolute honor, adoration, and institutional obedience.

Article IV - The Lordship of the Incarnate Son

AUS affirms the perfect, sinless humanity and absolute, full deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, indissolubly united in one divine-human Person.

The University confesses His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, virgin birth, substitutionary and redemptive sacrifice for the sin of the world, literal physical death, burial, bodily resurrection, and bodily ascension into heaven. Jesus Christ alone is the eternal Son of God and the sole Redeemer of humanity.

Article V - The Agency of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead, fully divine and personal, who convicts of sin, regenerates, indwells, and seals all believers in Christ.

The Holy Spirit empowers the faithful and distributes spiritual gifts according to His sovereign will; however, the manifestation of any particular gift is not required as evidence of salvation. He illumines believers in understanding truth and applies God’s Word in both spiritual growth and faithful scholarship within the University.

Article VI - Biblical Creation and Historicity

AUS affirms the special creation of the existing space-time universe by the direct act of God, and confesses the historicity of the Genesis creation account as received within the University’s evangelical Protestant tradition. The University distinguishes between doctrinal confession and the responsible academic study of scientific models and evidence; academic instruction is conducted with methodological rigor and ethical responsibility within the University’s stated commitments.

The University further affirms the full historicity and perspicuity of the biblical record of primeval history, including:

• The literal existence of Adam and Eve as the divinely created progenitors of all people;

• The literal Fall of humanity and the resulting divine curse upon creation;

• The worldwide, cataclysmic deluge in the days of Noah;

• The origin of nations and languages at the Tower of Babel.

Article VII - Redemption and Salvation by Grace

Salvation is the sovereign gift of God’s grace, provided solely on the basis of the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received only through personal faith in His person and work, apart from human merit or works, and results in justification, regeneration, and eternal life.

This redemptive truth animates the University’s mission to form graduates equipped for Gospel-centered global leadership and service.

Article VIII - Satan and Eternal Accountability

AUS acknowledges the existence of a personal, malevolent being called Satan, who acts as tempter and accuser in opposition to God and His purposes.

The University affirms that a place of eternal punishment has been prepared for Satan, and that all who die outside of Christ shall be subject to eternal punishment, while the redeemed shall enjoy eternal, conscious life in the presence of God.

Article IX - The Blessed Hope and Consummation

AUS confesses the future, personal, bodily return of Jesus Christ to judge sin, establish His eternal Kingdom, and consummate His purposes in creation and redemption with eternal rewards and punishments.