Reformation Study Bible-ESV

The Reformation Study Bible is a goldmine of information, commentary, random observation, and quick reference. Before I added my two-cents'-worth to the review pile, I wanted to spend a number of weeks using it as a both a study tool and devotional aid. In order to facilitate this, I actually purchased the digital version from Nelson rather than the print version. My Bible study is primarily done within the Libronix Digital Library System, so this was the most useful format for me. Therefore, my comments relate to content and not presentation in the book format. First off, I am glad that the Reformation Study Bible is offered with the ESV translation of the Bible based on both readability and a good attempt at being a translation that seeks to expose the underlying Greek text. This is my personal favorite translation, and I am happy with the large number of resources being quickly released to help me use this version. My favorite feature of this study Bible is the short essays throughout called "Theological Notes." In my opinion this Bible is worth its purchase price for these notes alone. Let me give you a flavor of what they cover by listing some titles: -The Image of God -Body & Soul, Male & Female -The Fall -God's Covenant of Grace -Infant Baptism -The Baptism of Jesus -The Unpardonable Sin -The Transfiguration of Jesus -Hell Next, a very large number of in-text maps are provided which make for excellent resources. Since they are presented in the context of a certain passage of Scripture, they are much more useful than the maps often provided at the end of Bibles or in Bible Atlases. The editors' hard work is obvious in making the maps easy to use to understand the text with which they are presented. Great work here. Many charts are also included which help get a birds-eye view of the text, especially when large amounts of information are presented throughout a number of chapters or when a logical progression of thought is particularly important or difficult to follow. The ones that are included are very useful, but I do wish that more charts had been created. I have seen a number of negative reviews based on individual issues with which reviewers disagree with this Bible. I will say that I have come across a number comment with which I mildly disagree or would have wished had been stated differently (discussion of creation). And there are a few topics with which I greatly disagree (infant baptism). Nevertheless, the historical Reformed position is presented, and on controversial issues, the opposing positions are mentioned. This is not a downfall of the Bible, in fact, I think that it is a strength. Positions are offered and defended rather than simply presenting innocuous historical fact or some inoffensive application as many other study Bibles do. Nevertheless, for that reason, if I was looking for a Bible as a gift to a learning believer which I would agree with on a wider-breadth of issues I would choose the MacArth

The Reformation Study Bible has long been the standard by which all other study Bibles are measured. Having it available in the English Standard Version, which many consider the best available English translation, simply raises the bar. With R.C. Sproul at the helm and the list of editors reading like a who's-who of Reformed theology, the reader can have confidence that he is in good hands with these notes. Among those who contributed are J. I. Packer, James Boice, Roger Nicole and Wayne Grudem. Philip Ryken spoke well when he said "this is the gold standard for study Bibles." Perhaps the greatest feature of the study notes is that when they address a controversial subject, the authors provide the differing viewpoints but then point out which is most consistent with Reformed theology. In the past I have been continually dismayed to see how many study Bibles remain noncommital on the tough issues. Adding to the value of this book are the doctrinal notes which appear throughout the Bible. These notes address such difficult topics as justification, election and the nature of the church. All of these topics are addressed from a consistently Reformed worldview. To summarize, if you are looking for a study Bible, you will not do better than this. It combines the scholarship and literary quality of the English Standard Version with the consistently Reformed perspectives of the study notes to make the best study Bible available today.

The five star rating is for the content of the Bible and is in comparison to other current "Study Bibles". This should be sold much more than it is in the Christian Book market, because it combines doctrinally sound notes from renowned authors. Some current Study Bible are quite good and have improved, but all too often they are "hyper-dispensational" in nature or have a tendency toward a pragmatic watering down of the message. As a "victim" of other faulty "application based" exegesis, I always found the Biblical meaning of text to be watered down. At first I was skeptical of this Bible, thinking it would be the same, but found that the notes did not "explain away" the text, rather it seems consistently helpful in a brief commentary fashion, even bringing up interesting historical events in church history. At the same time, they kept the same helpful overviews and outlines at the beginning of each book and have doctrinal notations and other studies elsewhere appropriately distributed.For those interested in the "physical" product details:One could wish for larger print, so if you have trouble with smaller print you may want to look for a regular large print Bible and purchase a "New Bible Commentary" separately for study.Considering the amount of notes, this was appropriate, because the Bible would be the size of a large dictionary in larger print. As for the genuine leather edition, Nelson does an good job, though I've found the leather to be a bit "stiffer" than Lockman foundation's genuine leather bound NASB bibles, but the binding is good and the leather appears to be good quality over all.In a nutshell... If you're looking for a Study Bible, want doctrinally sound exegesis and concise commentary, and can be content with the NKJV, this Bible is the one.Side note:To the disappointed reviewer who mentioned RC Sproul's "Knowing Scripture" I would only ask the question, "what was the intention of the statement RC made? Was it a general rule, or was it an absolute statement?" I too, was concerned because I read "Knowing Scripture", also... but I consider this a great alternative for the person who really wants a Study Bible yet wants doctrinally solid and concise commentary. I felt appropriate to defend Dr. Sproul, as some people try to make absolute rules out of current teachings without thoughtfully considering what is being taught.

Through God's grace and continued study of the Scriptures, I become acquainted with the truth of the sound Reformed doctrine not so long ago. I set out to find a study Bible to replace my various other study Bibles of the Arminian theological persuassion. I had originally intended to get a facsimile of an old Geneva Bible for the Reformed notes and commentary of John Calvin. Though, the cost was prohibitive and its archaic English prove impractical for regular consultation and study. I eventually got Calvin Commentaries on CD-ROM- while incredibly valuable-it still left me longing for a practical study Bible. Fortunately, I found out about the Reformation Study Bible. In the tradition of Reformers like Calvin, Luther, Owen and Spurgeon it combines the lucid and clear translation of the New King James version with reference notes and a concordance affirming the tenets of the Reformed Christian faith. I first heard of this study Bible after becoming acquainted with R.C. Sproul's ministry on the Internet. This study Bible has been a godsend for me. It elaborates on the doctrines of grace and possesses an incredibly useful concordance and is complimented by an appendix of articles explaining the five points of the Reformed faith. It makes frequent reference to the Westminister Confession of Faith, which is a nice touch. Perhaps my one qualm I have about this book is that the pages are too thin. It took me some time to find a highlighter/marker that wouldn't bleed through the pages.

The Geneva bible made an incredible impact in the lives of those who valued its clarity and ability to honor God. Today's new version is a breath of fresh air in a world of specialized bibles. This version is not just for women, or men or teenagers. This bible is for all who hunger for a good understanding of the Word. All Christians would be blessed in using this study bible to dig deeper into understanding the holiness of God and their own place in His creation.Footnotes, references, outlines, historical data, theological information . . . I find it more helpful than my Thompson Reference Bible and far better than my Ryrie. An excellent addition to your library for reference, but you'll find that this is the one that you'll end up reading every day.