My old Bible (KJV Thompson Chain) is on its last legs. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I was tempted to go out and buy a new Thompson Chain to replace it, but thought before I did, I would get a few opinions on other Bibles that I might want to consider first.
If you want to stay with your KJV I would recommend Zondervan's KJV Study Bible. It is the study notes from the NIV Study Bible and the text of the KJV.
If you don't mind switching to another version I would recommend the MacArthur Study Bible in NKJV or the Reformation Study Bible also in NKJV.
Or, even better, get them all and glean from several sources. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I really like my Thompson Chain Reference Bible (KJV), although I don't use the marginal cross references or notes that often. But I would agree with DocCas that the Reformation Study Bible (NKJV) is an excellent choice. As you know, I don't approve of any of the versions that are the product of Dynamic Equivalence translations. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I believe MacArthur's dispensationalism is beginning to moderate a bit. He is becoming less a classical dispensationalist and leaning more toward neo/progressive dispensationalism stateing that he is dispensational only in regards to eschatology and ecclesiology. He says, "Dispensationalism is a system of biblical interpretation that sees a distinction between God’s program for Israel and His dealings with the church. It’s really as simple as that." I believe the NT passages claiming for the church some of the promises made to Israel have forced him away from classic dispensationalism, even though I don't believe he was ever dispensational in his soteriology as were Scofield, Darby, Chafer, Pentecost, et alii.
Actually, I have several versions such as the NASB and the NKJV, but I want my main Bible to be a KJV. Ever heard of the Open Bible? Someone recommended that one to me years ago, but at the time I wasn't in the market.
The best STUDY NOTES that are out for a Bible is the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible. The problem is the NIV text, but the notes are well worth the cost of the Bible alone (over 20,000, 66 articles on Reformed Theology, WCF, HC, BC, CD, etc.). The ESV version is still in the works from what I understand. The most economical way of receiving one is to write IIIMill. If they are still running the special it is $27 (hardback, or $45 for top-grain leather, or bonded leather for $40) with free shipping.
The NASB Open Bible from Thomas Nelson is my main Bible. I got it back in the early 80s, so I don't know if they still published it or what changes they have made to it.
Although it does not have verse by verse study notes, its Biblical Cyclopedic Index is a great resource tool.
John Chaney
"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ."Colossians 2:7
DocCas said: I believe MacArthur's dispensationalism is beginning to moderate a bit. He is becoming less a classical dispensationalist and leaning more toward neo/progressive dispensationalism stateing that he is dispensational only in regards to eschatology and ecclesiology. He says, "Dispensationalism is a system of biblical interpretation that sees a distinction between God’s program for Israel and His dealings with the church. It’s really as simple as that." I believe the NT passages claiming for the church some of the promises made to Israel have forced him away from classic dispensationalism, even though I don't believe he was ever dispensational in his soteriology as were Scofield, Darby, Chafer, Pentecost, et alii.
You're right, he was never dispensational is his soteriology. MacArthur has taken great steps toward letting the systems go in favour of simply stating what the Bible says, and this is one example of that. However, I think he needs to go further toward deconstructing those individual sub-systems themselves. This he has done in varying degrees in relation to dispensationalism, like you point out, but like I said he needs to go further. It's one thing to say that there is a future for national Israel (something I hold to, based upon Romans 11); but this should not necessitate a belief that Ezekiel's temple is literal and that there will be literal animal sacrifices taking place during the Millennium (a belief I cannot help but find aberrant, and am mystified why he would hold to it), or that the rapture will be pre-Tribulational, etc. This is really the only bone I would have to pick with him.
Actually, I have several versions such as the NASB and the NKJV, but I want my main Bible to be a KJV.
Tom,
I really like my New Geneva Study Bible NKJV by Thomas Nelson. R.C. Sproul is the General Editor and has led a very good team of Reformed theologians who have contributed great theological notes throughout the Old and the New Testaments. There are few Study Bibles out there that do as good of a job explaining the Reformed Faith as this one does. I also believe this is the same publication as the New Reformation Study Bible, only the titles are different.
Since you are limiting your search to the King James Version have you looked at the The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: King James Version I haven't handled this Bible but I read an interesting review of it.
Quote
Reviewer: A reader
Of all of the Bibles I've ever seen or owned, this one is the best. Not only does it use the Authorized Version, but it also contains Strong's complete Hebrew and Greek dictionaries, a fantastic lexical aid for almost every word in the dictionaries, more cross references than you can imagine, and other stuff. Spiros Zodhiates commentary is sprinkled throughout and is informative, thought provoking, and leans heavily on the Reformed side. If I could only have 1 book with me and I wanted a Bible, commentary, Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek, and a huge list of cross references, this is the only study Bible that comes close.
I've also heard a rumor that the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible might be coming out in another version other than the NIV in the future. Possibly the NKJV. We'll have to wait and see if that comes true. However this Study Bible includes a great abundance of Reformed Study helps including the doctrinal standards of the Reformed Faith..
Quote
From the Back Cover
A fresh and conservative approach to studying the scriptures through the eyes of the Reformed Theological heritage The first NIV study Bible incorporating a summary of Reformed theology The NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible provides a theological conservative, balanced system of notes and articles that trace the Reformed Christian heritage back to its roots in the Reformation. Appropriate for both an academic and an informed lay audience, this Bible incorporates extensive study notes, as well as articles, charts, and graphs, that comment on Scripture from a distinctly Reformed perspective. Included is the complete text of each of the six major Reformed doctrinal standards, keyed in the study notes to relevant Scripture passages. Special features: · In-text theological articles focusing on topics relevant to Reformed believers · Extensive theological and study notes · Side-column reference system · Section and book introductions and outlines · Doctrinal standards of the Reformed Faith: Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Westminster Larger Catechism · In-text maps, charts, and graphs · Concordance
It looks like you're going to have to spend some time deciding what you like best.
Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
Amen! My wife bought me the SRSB for an anniversary gift last Sept and I can't reccomend it enough. Has all the helps and notes to help anyone do serious bible study. Also, the original Reformation Study Bible, (originally called the New Geneva Study Bible) in NKJV, is also very good. I have both bibles and would reccomend them to anyone. I have the SRSB in hard back though as I mainly use it as a reference and study tool, not a carry around bible for church and such. My Reformation Study bible is the one I use for devotional reading and church use. Love all the notes that are in it.
I contacted Ligonier yesterday, and received an e mail confirming (99% anyway) that the ESV version of the Reformation Bible (formerly Geneva Bible) will be available this spring or summer. I am sold on the ESV, and having it with the Reformation notes will be good. You can get the Thompson Chain on a disk if you use the computer for much of your studying. It will be nice if and when it comes in the ESV. My first bible after becomign a Christian was the Thompson Chain (52 years ago)KJV of course back then. I also have a Thompson in the NIV.
A good KJV Bible I have but hardly use any more is the Topical Reference Bible.It's Analytical. One of the first bibles I ever seen that had all the topics of the Bible listed in order. it was put out by Dugan Publishers years ago but I don't know if they still are in business or not. I loved that bible when I bought it years ago. Lot of good helps but no study notes.
Last edited by 4Ever_Learning; Sat Dec 18, 200412:50 AM.
Would Rick Warren get that easy a pass under similar circumstances <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bash.gif" alt="" />
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