Name

The term "Verax" is derived from the Latin word in the Vulgate (Latin Bible) meaning "true". This word appears, for example, in the last book of the New Testament, Revelation 19:11. In this heavenly vision, a rider on a white horse - called by that name - appears in the sky. According to the context of this verse, the rider is Jesus Christ, who, as King of kings and Lord of lords, has been invested with authority to judge the world. To this supreme ruler who is also the redeemer of his people is the ministry of the Verax Institute dedicated.

Values

  • The Glory of God:

God is at the center. He created humanity, and He deserves all glory.

  • Love for one's neighbor:

We should be interested in and committed to our fellow human beings so that they may find peace with God and be spiritually uplifted.

  • Biblical orientation:

God has revealed himself in the Bible, which is the foundation of faith.

  • Healthy churches:

The writings of the Reformation and the Baptist understanding of baptism contribute to a life that pleases God.

  • Defense against spiritual seduction:

Studying and evaluating trends leads to a deeper understanding of undesirable developments in churches and society, encouraging people to take a stand.

Mission

The Verax Institute fulfills its mission of providing orientation at a time of confusion by focusing on two specific tasks:

  • Advancing an accurate understanding of the Bible:

Amidst a multiplicity of religious views the Institute offers biblical orientation. This is being done by biblical exposition, explication of theological topics, and the analysis of religious trends affecting churches.

  • Researching and critiquing global trends:

As a Christian apologist, Dr. Martin Erdmann is interested in the historical and ideological development of various ideologies that have emerged in the Western world over the last three centuries. These ideologies have served as the authoritative means for achieving utopian goals in their respective cultural and temporal manifestations. Against this backdrop, he examines current events and addresses relevant issues, such as transhumanism, liberalism, and progressivismus. In recent decades, mercantilism has again emerged as one of the dominant ideologies and is growing in importance as a religious, socio-political, and economic movement. Therefore, it is important to provide a well-founded counter-response from a Christian perspective.

Theological Position

The Bible (Old and New Testament) is the divine revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore is the only reliable source of truth und authority. Therefore all staff members at the Verax Institute agree to submit unreservedly to the comprehensive Lordship of Jesus Christ, in particular as it concerns the intellectual understanding, interpretation, and proclamation of biblical truth.

It is our studied conviction that the First London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1646 is the best written expression of our beliefs.

Baptist Ecclesiology: 1) believer's baptism; 2) church of the regenerate; 3) autonomy of the local church; 4) rejection of a state church system; 5) denial of a sacral society (theocracy)

Executive Committee

Dr. Martin Erdmann: Director
Zachary Doppelt: Pastor, Brasore Road Bible Church, Dayton, Ohio
Calvin Brain: S.I.M. Missionary