Never Mind the Study Bible: Study the Bible

One of the most commonly asked questions I get from people is, “What is the best study Bible for me to get?”  The answer that I used to give is different than the answer now.  I do respect, even appreciate, the labor that has gone into Study Bibles.  

I have not recommended any study Bible for several years.  This is because there are presuppositions built into the notes.  This is the natural, default position taken by many.  After all, these authors, like us, have been taught a certain viewpoint for years.  Another words, they suffer from a dreaded affliction known as “Ingrown Doctrine!”

Now, if you have ever suffered from an ingrown toenail you know that it has effects through your entire physical body!  Ouch!  

Spiritually speaking, when one reads into Scripture, he is the one creating his own reality.  Just like the ingrown toenail, this can lead to serious spiritual (and physical) pain.

In studying the Bible, a person really needs to take an unbiased view of Scripture.  This means to derive Truth out of the text rather than adding your own biases and presuppositions to the text.

These presuppositions come to us in many ways.  Many of these presuppositions are good, while many are not.  Regardless of whether good, or bad, the Bible itself should be the final, if not the only, authority that can be trusted.

Getting back to the introduction of this article, let’s look at whether, or not I recommend a study Bible:

The short answer is “no.” A good reference Bible is a much better place to go to.  Rather than interpreting the text for you references to other verses are used.  This also is not exclusive.  The greatest source of references is made through studying the Scriptures themselves.  

I must admit that it is wonderful to connect themes throughout the Bible, which remain unconnected because of being set upon a particular interpretation due to a tradition.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The bottom line is that traditions come and go.  Bible teachers come and go.  YouTube shall fall, etc.  Yet, the Word of God will endure!

Here is a timeless Truth:
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. – Matthew 24:35

Bob Picard
Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, Massachusetts 01527
info@godsgracebc.org
http://www.godsgracebc.org