2015-01 RSBPreview WelcomeGuide

8/9/2019 2015-01 RSBPreview WelcomeGuide

1/17

C I NI O


2/17

C O N T E N T S

5

6

8

1 0

1 2

1 4

1 6

1 8

2 0

2 2

2 4

2 6

2 8

W E L C O M E F R O M R . C . S P R O U L

W H A T W A S T H E R E F O R M A T I O N ?

T H E F I V E S O L A S

H I S T O R Y O F T H E R E F O R M A T I O N S T U D Y B I B L E

I G N I T I N G A B I B L E S T U D Y R E F O R M A T I O N

A R E F I N E D R E A D I N G E X P E R I E N C E

S T U D Y N O T E S

T H E O L O G I C A L N O T E S

M A P S A N D V I S U A L A I D S

C R E E D S A N D C O N F E S S I O N S

T O P I C A L A R T I C L E S

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Y O U R N E W R E S O U R C E L I B R A R Y

O P E N M Y E Y E S , T H A T I M A Y

B E H O L D W O N D R O U S T H I N G S

O U T O F Y O U R L A W .

P S A L M 1 1 9 : 1 8


3/17

5

D E A R F R I E N D

AS THE PSALMIST PRAYED in Psalm 119:1 8, “Open my eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of your law,” I have discovered time and time again the beauty,

authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word. That is why I consider it a real privilege to

share the Reformation Study Bible with you.

Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve assembled a team of seventy-five pastors and

scholars—men I trust—to help me preserve, refine, and expand what I believe are the

best stud y Bible notes we have to date. These notes have been forged by centuries

of Christian reflection and thought, including faithful Reformers who sacrificed

everything or—in some cases—lost their lives to ensure the next generation could

read and understand God’s Word.

We have labored to demonstrate the beauty and authority of Scriptu re in both the

design and function of this important discipleship resource. I pray it serves you well.

By God’s grace, may our eyes behold wondrous things.

In Christ,

R.C. Sproul

General Editor


4/17


5/17

9

To capture the basic theological principles that emerged

from the Protestant Reformation, the Reformers embraced

five Latin phrases that stood in stark contrast to unbiblical

teaching. Commonly referred to as the “five solas” (Latin for

“alone” or “only”), these phrases have continued to serve each

generation of Christians as clear statements on the Bible’s

authority, our only hope for salvation, and God’s purpose for

redemptive history.

“ F O R I N T H E C R O S S O F C H R I S T , A S I N A S P L E N D I D T H E A T E R ,

T H E I N C O M P A R A B L E G O O D N E S S O F G O D I S S E T B E F O R E T H E

W H O L E W O R L D . T H E G L O R Y O F G O D S H I N E S , I N D E E D , I N A L L

C R E A T U R E S O N H I G H A N D B E L O W , B U T N E V E R M O R E B R I G H T L Y

T H A N I N T H E C R O S S … . ”

— J O H N C A L V I N , F R E N C H P A S T O R A N D T H E O L O G I A N ( 1 5 0 9 – 1 5 6 4 )

S O L A S C R I P T U R A

S C R I P T U R E A L O N E

S O L A F I D E

F A I T H A L O N E

S O L U S C H R I S T U S

C H R I S T A L O N E

S O L A G R A T I A

G R A C E A L O N E

S O L I D E O G L O R I A

T O T H E G L O R Y O F G O D A L O N E

T H E F I V E S O L A S

8


6/17

1 0 1 1

H I S T O R Y O F T H E

R E F O R M A T I O N S T U D Y B I B L E

“ I T W A S G O D ’ S W O R D T H A T M A D E U S ; I S I T A N Y W O N D E R T H A T H I S

W O R D S H O U L D S U S T A I N U S ? ”

— C H A R L E S S P U R G E O N , E N G L I S H P A S T O R A N D T H E O L O G I A N ( 1 8 3 4 – 1 8 9 2 )

This Latin phrase engraved on

the Reformation Wall in Geneva,

Switzerland, embodies God’s faithfulness

to His church, which rediscovered the

light of the gospel in culturally and politically dark days. By

1560, the far-reaching effects of the Reformation were being

realized, including the translation and printing of the first

Geneva Bible—the Bible used by William Shakespeare as well

as the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. It was the first English Bible

containing study notes to help explain Scripture. More than

four hundred years later, Ligonier Ministries introduced the

New G enev a Stu dy B ible to a new generation through the vision

and editorial leadership of Dr. R.C. Sproul. This important

discipleship tool was later renamed the Refo rmat ion Study Bibl e

and has continued to be a treasured resource for Christians.

P O S T

T E N E B R A S

L U X

Af te r Da rk ne ss,

Li ght

Ma p of La ke Ge ne va an d su rr ou nd in g ar ea , si xt ee nt h ce nt ur y


7/17

I G N I T I N G

A B I B L E S T U D Y

R E F O R M A T I O N


8/17

1 4 1 5

“ T H E S C R I P T U R E I S A L I G H T A N D S H O W S U S T H E T R U E W A Y , B O T H

W H A T T O D O A N D W H A T T O H O P E . I T I S A D E F E N S E F R O M A L L

E R R O R , A N D A C O M F O R T I N A D V E R S I T Y T H A T W E D E S P A I R N O T , A N D

W A R N S U S I N P R O S P E R I T Y T H A T W E S I N N O T . ”

— W I L L I A M T Y N D A L E , E N G L I S H B I B L E T R A N S L A T O R ( 1 4 9 4 – 1 5 3 6 )

Like all other books, the Bible is a book designed to be read.

But in important ways, the Bible is not like any other book

beca use the ult imat e Au tho r o f t he B ible is God. In many

respects, it is God’s autobiography with a life-changing

message. Since He is holy, His Word is holy, and the content of

His Word is designed to make us holy. As we continue to read,

study, and meditate upon His Word, we can discover this

more and more. The Ref orm ation Stud y Bi ble provides a

refined reading experience that keeps the focus of each page

on Scripture and its Author.

SINGLE-COLUMN

TEXT

Elevates Scriptureand provides anatural reading style

UPDATED

INTRODUCTIONS

Provide additionalcontext with simpleoutlines

HELPFUL CROSS-

REFERENCES

Highlight otherverses and passageswithout distraction

BEAUTIFUL NEW

TYPOGRAPHY

Provides arefined readingexperience

A R E F I N E D R E A D I N G E X P E R I E N C E


9/17

1 71 6

S T U D Y N O T E S D R A W N F R O M

C E N T U R I E S O F C H U R C H R E F L E C T I O N

“ O L O R D , T H O U H A S T F O R M E D U S F O R T H Y S E L F , A N D O U R H E A R T I S

R E S T L E S S U N T I L I T F I N D S I T S R E S T I N T H E E . ”

— A U G U S T I N E O F H I P P O , N O R T H A F R I C A N P A S T O R ( 3 5 4 – 4 3 0 )

The Ref orm ation Stud y B ibl e’s notes have been written and

edited from the carefully preserved study and reflection of

the church over two millennia. In these notes, you’ll discover

vers e-by-v ers e i nsig ht into d iffi cult pass ages from many of

today’s distinguished pastors and trustworthy theologians.

The notes are not intended to be the final authority on

Scripture, but rather a reliable deposit of ongoing reflection

to guide each reader into the never-ending depths and riches

of God’s revelation in His Word.

THREE-COLUMN

STUDY NOTES

New designprovides anunparalleledstudy experiencefor any reader

IN-DEPTH

PERSONAL STUDY

Refined notescontinue to providetrusted wisdom,verse by verse

NEW

CONTENT

Includes thebest and latesttheological reflec-tion and the latestarchaeologicaldiscoveries

FAITHFUL

SCHOLARSHIP

Provides reliableguidance for thegrowing Christian


10/17

1 9

Theological notes from Dr. R.C. Sproul are provided

throughout the Ref orm ation Stud y B ibl e. Through accessible

summaries of important matters of the faith delivered “once

for all,” Dr. Sproul’s notes complement the verse-by-verse

study notes by bringing attention to broader subjects within

Scripture. Each note is rooted in a lifetime of faithful study

from this trusted pastor and th eologian devoted to helping

Christians know what they believe, why they believe it,

how to live it, and how to share it.

T H E O L O G I C A L N O T E S F R O M

A L I F E T I M E O F F R U I T F U L S T U D Y

ROOTED STUDY

Informed bytwo millennia ofChristian theology

TRUSTED INSIGHT

From one of today’smost trusted teach-ers of God’s Word

ACCESSIBLE NOTES

For most any ageor stage of theChristian life


11/17

2 12 0

M A P S T H A T B R I N G T H E B I B L E ’ S

G E O G R A P H Y T O L I F E

“ O U R C O N F I D E N C E I N C H R I S T D O E S N O T M A K E U S L A Z Y , N E G L I G E N T ,

O R C A R E L E S S , B U T O N T H E C O N T R A R Y I T A W A K E N S U S , U R G E S U S

O N , A N D M A K E S U S A C T I V E I N L I V I N G R I G H T E O U S L I V E S A N D D O I N G

G O O D . T H E R E I S N O S E L F - C O N F I D E N C E T O C O M P A R E W I T H T H I S . ”

— U L R I C H Z W I N G L I , S W I S S P A S T O R ( 1 4 8 4 – 1 5 3 1 )

Throughout the Ref orm ation Stud y B ibl e’s notes are award-

winning maps that highlight the importance of not only

knowing God’s Word, but also being able to clearly trace and

follow key moments throughout redemptive history. In-text

grayscale maps complement your study rather than distracting

from it while full-color maps in the back of the Bible provide

high-resolution versions. Each map layers beauty and

archaeological precision to create an informative visual aid

that lets you enjoy the scenery of S cripture as you read—

without getting lost while you do.

AWARD-WINNING

Archaeologicalprecision combinedwith quality andbeauty

HIGH-RESOLUTION

Clearly trace andfollow the steps ofredemptive history

COMPLEMENTARY

Carefully placedmaps to enrichfurther study

USER-FRIENDLY

Easy to read withhelpful notes andcaptions


12/17

2 32 2

C R E E D S A N D C O N F E S S I O N S T H A T

A N C H O R T H E C H U R C H T O S C R I P T U R E

“ T H E G O S P E L A L O N E I S S U F F I C I E N T T O R U L E T H E L I V E S O F

C H R I S T I A N S E V E R Y W H E R E . A N Y A D D I T I O N A L R U L E S M A D E T O

G O V E R N M E N ’ S C O N D U C T A D D E D N O T H I N G T O T H E P E R F E C T I O N

A L R E A D Y F O U N D I N T H E G O S P E L O F J E S U S C H R I S T . ”

— J O H N W Y C L I F F E , E N G L I S H T H E O L O G I A N ( 1 3 2 8 – 1 3 8 4 )

For further reflection and study, the Ref orm ation Stud y B ibl e

includes many historical creeds and confessions that continue

to summarize Christian truth. Subordinate to Scripture, these

statements reflect unified positions the church ha s embraced

and guarded for centuries as pastors and theologians have

painstakingly labored to clearly communicate essential

matters of doctrine and faith. Over time, these creeds and

confessions have been affirmed, refined, and reaffirmed with

bib lica l pr eci sio n a nd purp ose as a f ait hfu l t est imo ny in orde r

to continue equipping and encouraging Christians from one

generation to the next.

W e s t m i n s t e r A b b e y

LIST OF CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS:

Apostles’ Creed Nicene Creed Definition of Chalcedon

Heidelberg Catechism Belgic Confession Canons of Dort

Westminster Confession Westminster Larger Catechism

Westminster Shorter Catechism 1689 London Baptist Confession


13/17

2 52 4

T O P I C A L A R T I C L E S T O F U R T H E R

E N R I C H Y O U R S T U D Y

“ A M A N W I T H G O D I S A L W A Y S I N T H E M A J O R I T Y . ”

— J O H N K N O X , S C O T T I S H P A S T O R ( 1 5 1 4 – 1 5 7 2 )

Depth of study and breadth of study are provided in the new

edition of the Reform ation Study B ible through topical articles

written by trusted pastors and th eologians that introduce you

to various important subjects, including church history, textual

criticism, and more. These articles provide carefully researched

material to supplement your study of God’s Word and serve as

additional aids and references to further enrich your study.

LIST OF TOPICAL ARTICLES:

Apologetics Canonicity Covenant Theology Creeds and Confessions

Hermeneutics Inerrancy New Testament Textual Criticism

Old Testament Textual Criticism Preaching of the Reformation

The Reformation The Bible in Church History The Bible vs. Other Sacred Texts

Worship Interpreting Scripture

Al le go ry of Sy no d of Do rd re ch t, 16 18 -19 , by Ab ra ha m Va n De r Ey k


14/17

2 6 2 7

M A N Y C O N T R I B U T O R S .

O N E V O I C E .

“ G O D ’ S G R A C E I S T H E M O S T I N C R E D I B L E A N D I N S U R M O U N T A B L E

T R U T H E V E R T O B E R E V E A L E D T O T H E H U M A N H E A R T , W H I C H I S

W H Y G O D H A S G I V E N U S H I S H O L Y S P I R I T T O S U P E R I N T E N D T H E

P R O C E S S O F M O R E F U L L Y R E V E A L I N G T H E M A J E S T Y O F T H E W O R K

D O N E O N O U R B E H A L F B Y O U R S A V I O R . ”

— J O H N B U N Y A N , E N G L I S H P A S T O R ( 1 6 2 8 – 1 6 8 8 )

The Refo rmat ion Study Bibl e represents centuries of ongoing

theological study and biblical reflection. The study notes are

buil t an d inf luenc ed fr om t he b est theo logi cal reflec tion from

pastors and theologians throughout church history, including

the latest archaeological discoveries and reflection from pastors

and theologians today. With one voice, the study notes highlight

verse -by-ver se st udy roote d in the creed s an d con fessi ons

preceding the Reformation and those that flowed from it.

G E N E R A L

E D I T O R

R.C. Sproul

A S S O C I AT E

E D I T O R S

James M. Boice*

Edmund Clowney*

Sean Michael Lucas

Keith A. Mathison

L. Michael MoralesStephen J. Nichols

Roger Nicole*

J.I. Packer*

Burk Parsons

O L D T E S T A M E N T

E D I T O R S

T. Desmond Alexander

John D. Currid

Iain Duguid

Bryan Estelle

Mark D. Futato Sr.

John L. Mackay

Bruce K. Waltke*

N E W T E S T A M E N T

E D I T O R S

Gregory K. Beale

Dennis E. Johnson

Moisés Silva*

Guy Prentiss Waters

A S S I S TA N T

E D I T O R S

William B. Evans*

Kevin D. Gardner

Robert Rothwell

O L D T E S T A M E N T


Carl E. Armerding

Raymond B. Dillard*

William DumbrellMark D. Futato Sr.

Graeme Goldsworthy

J. Alan Groves*

R. Laird Harris*

Kenneth J. Howell

M.M. Kline*

Gary Knoppers

Donald Leggett*

V. Philips Long

Tremper Longman III

Allan A. MacRae*

J. Gordon McConville

Jeffrey Niehaus

Dirk H. Odendaal*

Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

Gary Pratico

Richard L. Pratt Jr.

Elmer Smick*

Marion Ann Taylor

Willem A. VanGemeren*

J. Robert Vannoy*Bruce K. Waltke

Barry Webb

Gordon Wenham

John Woodhouse

N E W T E S T A M E N T


Knox Chamblin*

Karl J. Cooper

Sinclair B. Ferguson

T. David Gordon

Wayne Grudem

Charles E. Hill

Kenneth J. Howell

Dennis Ireland

Dennis E. Johnson

Peter JonesReggie M. Kidd

Simon J. Kistemaker

W. Harold Mare*

Dan G. McCartney

Leon Morris*

Vern S. Poythress

Moisés Silva

R.C. Sproul

Frank Thielman

Joseph Trafton

T H E O L O G I C A L


T. Desmond Alexander

Sinclair B. Ferguson

W. Robert Godfrey

Michael S. Horton

Michael J. Kruger

Steven J. Lawson

Sean Michael LucasStephen J. Nichols

Burk Parsons

Mark Ross

R.C. Sproul Jr.

Derek W.H. Thomas

Robert Yarbrough

*Editors of previous editions of the Reformation Study Bible


15/17

2 9

Each Ref orm ati on Stud y Bi ble includes a robust library of

digital discipleship resources to enha nce your Bible study.

E-books from trusted pastors and t heologians, plus hundreds

of hours of in-depth teaching can be accessed and streamed

from your computer or mobile device. A lifetime of study

is yours as you behold wondrous things from God’s Word.

Ref orm ationSt udy Bib le. com /reg ist er

E A C H P U R C H A S E B U I L D S Y O U R

L I B R A R Y F O R A L I F E T I M E O F S T U D Y

E-BOOKS

Everyone’s aTheologianby Dr. R.C. Sproul

Five Things Every Christian

Needs to Grow by Dr. R.C. Sproul

By Grace Aloneby Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

In Christ Aloneby Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

The DaringMission of William Tyndaleby Dr. Steven J.Lawson

The Expository Genius of John Calvinby Dr. Steven J.Lawson

Believing God

by Dr. R.C.Sproul Jr.

TEACHING SERIES

Dust to Glory (57 messages)by Dr. R.C. Sproul

Attributes of God (16 messages)by Dr. Steven J.Lawson

A Survey of ChurchHistory, Volumes 1-4(49 messages)by Dr. W. RobertGodfrey

Lessons from the

Upper Room(12 messages)by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

What is Reformed Theology? (12 messages)by Dr. R.C. Sproul

Why We Trust the Bible(6 messages)by Dr. StephenNichols

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tabletalk A monthly Biblestudy magazinetrusted by morethan 200,000readers; 6-month

subscription

Ligonier Connect A global commu-nity learnng fromtrusted teacherstogether ; 3-monthsubscription


16/17

P R O D U C T F E A T U R E L I S T

FONT WELCOME REFERENCE

STYLE SIZE GILDING GUIDE CONCORDANCE RIBBONS

HARDCOVER 9.5/11 — Included Yes —

LEATHER-LIKE 9.5/11 Gold Included Yes Two (2)

GENUINE LEATHER 9.5/11 Gold Included Yes Three (3)

MONTANA COWHIDE 9.5/11 Gold Included Yes Five (5)PREMIUM LEATHER*

S T Y L E S / S U G G E ST E D R E T A I L

SLIPCASE ITEM 13-DIGIT SUGGESTED

STYLE (COLOR/MATERIAL) CODE ISBN RETAIL

WHITE HARDCOVER White/Softfeel RSB11S 978-1-56769-440-6 $60

CRIMSON HARDCOVER Crimson/Softfeel RSB12S 978-1-56769-441-3 $60

LIGHT GRAY LEATHER-LIKE Linen/Cloth RSB31S 978-1-56769-443-7 $80

LIGHT BROWN LEATHER-LIKE Linen/Cloth RSB32S 978-1-56769-444-4 $80

BLACK GENUINE LEATHER Black/Cloth RSB51S 978-1-56769-445-1 $100

BURGUNDY GENUINE LEATHER Burgundy/Cloth RSB52S 978-1-56769-446-8 $100 MONTANA COWHIDE Black/Cloth RSB71S 978-1-56769-447-5 $190 PREMIUM LEATHER* Clamshell Box

O R D E R I N G O N L I N E :

ReformationStudyBible.com

C H U R C H E S &

Books tore s :

[email protected]

800-220-7636 x1231

*AVAILABLE MAY 2015


17/17

Documents

2015-01 RSBPreview WelcomeGuide