Let me try to answer this question in two phases. First of all, the translation of the Bible text.
TRANSLATION
Our generation is so blessed. In contrast to former periods in history where access to the word of God was very rare, there are many good Bible translations available to us in the English language today. How we thank God for this. It is simply a fact of history to say that many have paid the ultimate price (forfeiting their very lives) so that we would have access to the word of God in our native tongue.
Because there are so many translations available to us, if the version used from the pulpit is not the same one we have brought to the service it is often difficult to follow a preacher’s sermon. Personally, I mainly use the English Standard Version (ESV). I like it both for its diligent effort to be true to the original text (Hebrew in the Old Testament and koine Greek in the New) and for its great readability. Usually one of these things suffers in Bible translation, but this is not the case with the ESV. It is both highly accurate and easy to read, and these features make it a remarkable translation.
EXPLANATORY STUDY NOTES
Of course, it is the text of the Bible that is inspired not the notes we might find in the margins. This is an extremely important distinction that should always be remembered. However, it can be so helpful to have something of the historical background available to us at our fingertips, as well as useful and practical explanatory notes. Yet not every study Bible out there can be recommended. Some show very poor scholarship or else they have an agenda to articulate extreme views.
It is a high and holy calling to lead people in the things of God and great care is needed to help guide God’s people in the way of truth. This is certainly the case when it comes to providing study notes in a Bible. Because of this, for many years, I would never recommend a Bible with study notes. It is better to have no notes at all, than to be steered in the wrong direction. However, in terms of the two things that I believe to be most important features of a Study Bible – accurate translation and helpful and reliable (sure guide) study notes – I would most recommend the Reformation Study Bible in the ESV. It is also the one I use in my preaching.
ONE ISSUE
There is one doctrine in the Reformation Study Bible that I would disagree with that (from time to time) is promoted in the marginal notes. This is the doctrine of infant baptism (or paedo baptism). With Dr. R. C. Sproul (the editor) being a Presbyterean minister, subscribing to the Westminister Confession of Faith, this comes as no surprise. With all due respect to Dr. Sproul and the Westminster Confession, I do not believe the New Testament teaches the baptism of infants. However, this doctrine/teaching is mentioned rarely (less than 1% of the time) which means that more than 99% of the remaining notes are both insightful and helpful. Having pointed out this one caution, I feel I can then recommend the study Bible wholeheartedly. I would go so far as to say that I believe the Reformation Study Bible is the best study Bible presently available to us in the English language.
Here’s an 8 minute video by Dr. R. C. Sproul showing the historical background as well as some of the features of the Reformation Study Bible:
If you would like information concerning purchasing this unique Study Bible, you can click on this banner and go to the Ligonier store:
That’s my study bible! I have used it for a few years now, and it’s been great. Before this I used the NIV Study Bible, which was also very good, but the notes were not from a strictly Reformed perspective. But it’s always good to hear the other side of the argument, to better understand your own position. Still, I really do like the Reformation Study Bible, especially the “Theological Notes,” which are basically one-page (or less) summaries of Biblical doctrines, some of which are emphasized in the Reformed faith, and others which all Christians ought to be able to sign off on. Once in a while I come across a verse which Arminians use to argue against Calvinism and I will say, “I’ll bet my Reformation Study Bible can answer that one!” Usually yes, but sometimes no. Sometimes you get a verse which it seems every Arminian web site on the Web uses against Calvinism, and you don’t see a Reformed explanation in the notes. Next time they update this Bible, someone should check with me to see which verses I would like them to expound on more fully. 🙂 But still, more often than not, it’s an excellent resource, and has been a great blessing to me.
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