The Reformation Study Bible
By RC Sproul and Keith Mathison
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 (logos.com), 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 MacArthur Study Bible
. But
as a great study tool and a more in-depth Study Bible than MacArthur's I would go with the Reformation Study Bible.
