Book Review: Systematic Theology Study Bible
Today, I’m reviewing the Systematic Theology Study Bible published by Crossway.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher. All views expressed are my own. This post includes Amazon affiliate links.
My Review
You know how social media feeds you things it thinks you want to see? Well, not too long ago, I came across a video of two women traveling across the country because they sensed the Holy Spirit wanted them to go to a certain city. Why? They didn’t know. They were just going. They had stopped along the way to film the video and share the vision “the Lord” had given them. One of the women picked up a book, and I thought, “Oh, good. She’s going to read some Scripture, and maybe the verses the Lord gave them will help this all make sense to me.” Not at all. What she was reading was her own journal of the dream she had and what she thought God said to her in it.
Nope. Huh-uh. If theology is not backed by Scripture, I want no part of it. And that’s why this Study Bible featuring “Theology Rooted in the Word of God” appealed to me.
One of the articles in the back is “What Is Doctrine and Why Is It Important?” That’s a very good question that many Believers have never considered and don’t care to be bothered with. The thing is: doctrine is important. The article defines it as “the way the central themes of God’s revelation in Scripture are summarized and taught.” And just like the ladies I mentioned above, it’s very easy to make up a set of beliefs based on whatever feels good, without knowing what God actually says.
I’ve only had this Study Bible for a week or two, so obviously I haven’t gotten very far into it, but I suspect I may not completely agree with the conclusions of the theologians who wrote the study notes. That’s okay. If they back their theology with Scripture, I can dig further into my own study to see how they arrived at that conclusion. Obviously, Bible scholars don’t always come to the same conclusion, but when study starts with and is based on the Word of God, then I’ve found differences in understanding tend to be minor. I’m looking forward to digging in deeper.
From the Publisher
Deeply Engage in Christian Doctrine with This Expanded Edition of the ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible
Theology should, first and foremost, be rooted in God’s Word. In order to develop a solid understanding of God, humanity, sin, salvation, and eternity, the ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible explores the doctrines of the Christian faith and how they arise from the pages of Scripture.
In this expanded edition, notes from the ESV Student Study Bible provide additional insight into the biblical text and make studying systematic theology easier than ever. Over 400 in-text mini-articles connect Christian beliefs to specific Bible passages, 25 articles explain important theological topics in greater depth, and introductions highlight the unique ways each book contributes to the whole of Christian theology. This resource will help Christians better connect what they believe about God with the very words of Scripture, strengthening their confidence in the truths of his Word.
- In-Depth Study Resource: Engages readers with the important doctrines of the Christian faith and its connections to Scripture
- Expanded Edition: Additional notes from the ESV Student Study Bible provide further explanation of the text
- Helpful Tools: Over 400 in-text summaries, 25 articles, book introductions, 12,000 study notes, an index of doctrines, sidebars, and more
- Thoroughly Developed: Created by a team of 26 editors and contributors
- 8-point Type
