ChristoPress Institute of Biblical Research Studies and Theological Education (CIBREST)
CIBREST / IJBRS
TEMPLATE FOR FULL ARTICLES
Below is the template for full articles, which differs from the template for research note articles that immediately follows after it.
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Use for |
Style |
Bible Text |
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Front Matter |
Abstract • Thesis Statement • Research Gap • Bible Version Used |
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Body Structure |
1.0 Introduction to 9.0 Conclusion |
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Referencing |
SBL/CIBREST style with authentic and verifiable sources |
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Minimum Length |
Not less than 3,000 words, excluding the abstract |
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Front Matter Place these elements before the main body of the article. |
Abstract
150–250 words. Briefly summarise the topic, purpose, methodology, major findings, recommendations, and conclusion.
Thesis Statement
State the central claim or controlling argument of the paper in one or two direct sentences.
Research Gap
Identify what is missing, unresolved, underexplored, or misinterpreted in existing scholarship.
Bible Version Used
State the translation adopted in the study. Default: KJV, except otherwise indicated.
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Compact Submission Format Front Matter: Abstract • Thesis Statement • Research Gap • Bible Version Used Body: 1.0 Introduction • 2.0 Scriptural Review • 3.0 Theo-Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks • 4.0 Key Theme Development • 5.0 Findings • 6.0 Discussion • 7.0 Impacts • 8.0 Recommendations • 9.0 Conclusion References/Bibliography: SBL/CIBREST Style |
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Body of the Article Use numbered headings consistently throughout the paper. |
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Section |
Purpose / Guidance |
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1.0 Introduction |
Introduce the topic, background, significance, and overall direction of the research. |
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1.1 Secular Literature Review |
Review interdisciplinary or non-confessional scholarship where relevant. |
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1.2 Christian Literature Review |
Review biblical, theological, historical, pastoral, and faith-based scholarship. |
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1.3 Research Problem |
State the problem clearly: what is unresolved, misread, lacking, or insufficiently treated? |
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1.4 Research Aim |
Present the overall purpose of the study in a concise paragraph. |
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1.5 Research Questions |
List the major questions guiding the research. |
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1.6 Research Methodology |
Explain the methodology, methods, and design used in the research. |
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2.0 Scriptural Review |
Provide critical exegesis, contextual analysis, lexical observations, and theological interpretation. |
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3.0 Theo-Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks |
Present the theology-governed interpretive framework guiding the study. |
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4.0 Key Theme Development |
Develop major themes arising from literature, scriptural review, and analysis. |
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5.0 Findings |
Present the principal findings clearly and directly. |
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6.0 Discussion |
Interpret the findings in relation to the problem, questions, scholarship, and Scripture. |
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7.0 Impacts |
State the positive impacts of the study on the church, society, and the individual believer. |
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8.0 Recommendations |
Offer practical, theological, academic, spiritual, or ministerial recommendations. |
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9.0 Conclusion |
Summarise the study, restate the argument, and close with theological and scholarly significance. |
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Recommended Biblical Research Methodologies Select what fits your study and explain your choice clearly. |
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1 |
Sola Scriptura research |
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2 |
Grounded Truth Theory |
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3 |
Scriptural review method |
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4 |
Qualitative research |
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5 |
Biblical hermeneutics |
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6 |
Historical-grammatical method |
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7 |
Exegetical analysis |
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8 |
Theological analysis |
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9 |
Conceptual analysis |
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10 |
Comparative literature review |
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Important Submission Note Use this as a final checklist before submission. |
• The full article should not be less than 3,000 words, excluding the abstract.
• Include proper scriptural review and sound exegetical treatment.
• State the research methodology, methods, and design clearly.
• Use a defined theological / theo-theoretical framework.
• Include original footnotes and in-text citations where required.
• Use authentic, verifiable sources and format references in SBL style.
RESEARCH NOTE TEMPLATE
A research note is a short, focused academic publication that communicates a specific finding, insight, methodological innovation, or preliminary result, especially a new discovery in a field, without the length and full structure of a standard research article. Research notes typically present the following:
· A preliminary or partial finding of a large study
· A new idea, concept, theory, or framework
· A targeted theoretical insight
· A clarification or critique of an existing argument
· An introduction of a methodological approach
· A brief exegesis of a specific passage in the Bible
· A theological insight or doctrinal clarification
· A proposal for a new framework
· Limited report but significant data
It is concept-driven and analytical. It answers the question, "What new idea or perspective am I contributing?”
ChristoPress Institute of Biblical Research Studies and Theological Education (CIBREST)
CIBREST/IJBRS RESEARCH NOTE TEMPLATE
(Theological / Biblical Research)
A polished and reusable template for short, focused theological and biblical research publications
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Purpose |
To present a precise insight, conceptual contribution, doctrinal clarification, or brief exegetical argument. |
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Word Count |
1,500-3,000 words |
Research Note Focus: This format is concept-driven and analytical. It answers the question, “What new idea or perspective am I contributing?”
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What a Research Note May Present • Preliminary or partial findings of a larger study • A new idea, concept, theory, or framework • A targeted theoretical or doctrinal insight • A brief exegesis of a specific biblical passage |
Design and Content Reminders • Keep the note focused on one contribution • Use 5-10 key Scriptures for the scriptural review • Maintain tight academic prose with clear transitions • Use SBL style for references and authentic sources only |
Front Matter
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Title |
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A concise, focused title of 10-15 words maximum. • It must reflect one clear idea or contribution. |
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Abstract (100-200 words) |
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Brief background in 1-2 sentences. • Problem or gap. • Your main idea or framework. • Method (for example, scriptural plus analytical). • Key conclusion. |
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Keywords (4-6 words) |
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For example: Keywords: grounded truth theory, scriptural authority, biblical methodology, faith theology, scriptural review. |
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Thesis Statement (1-2 sentences) |
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A sharp, direct statement of your central argument. |
Body Structure
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1.0 Introduction (200-400 words) |
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Context of the issue. • Why it matters. • The gap or tension. • End with your main claim. |
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2.0 Scriptural Review (300-600 words) |
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Use 5-10 key Scriptures, preferably KJV unless otherwise indicated. • Provide brief exegesis. • Show clearly how Scripture grounds your argument. |
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3.0 Core Argument / Conceptual Insight (600-1,200 words) |
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This is the heart of the research note. • Explain your main idea, framework, or concept. • Define the key components carefully. • Keep the entire section tightly focused on one contribution. |
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4.0 Brief Discussion (200-400 words) |
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State the implications of your idea. • Highlight strengths. • Address possible objections or tensions. • Optionally interact briefly with one or two scholars. |
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6.0 Conclusion (150-300 words) |
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Restate the main contribution. • Show its significance. • Keep the ending concise and forward-looking. |
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References / Bibliography (SBL Style) |
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Include the Bible (KJV by default, except otherwise indicated). • Add 3-10 scholarly sources, such as books or journal articles. • Include only authentic and verifiable sources actually used in the paper. |
Compact Writing Guide
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Recommended Flow • Title • Abstract • Keywords • Thesis Statement • Introduction • Scriptural Review |
Continue With • Core Argument / Conceptual Insight • Brief Discussion • Conclusion • References / Bibliography |
Important Note: The full research note should remain within 1,500-3,000 words and should preserve sound scriptural grounding, concise exegetical engagement, conceptual clarity, and authentic SBL/CIBREST references.