Holy Bible: NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible

by Anonymous, Richard L. Pratt Jr.

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 - 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 Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Westminster Larger Catechism. - In-text maps, charts, and graphs. - Concordance.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian

2400 pages, Leather Bound

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Bible! I only wish it came in a better translation. In my opinion it has the best annotations of any study Bible, with the possible exception of the new ESV Study Bible. It has great maps, diagrams, and theological articles. Also it has the complete text of Reformed Doctrinal Standards at the back (Heidelburg, Belgic, The Canons of Dort, and Westminster-including both Shorter and Larger Catechism) with footnotes referencing referencing them at related Scriptures. If you can put up with the NIV, and if you can find it, this is a great Bible.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had this study bible been released ten years earlier, it would still be in print and command a larger usage. The idea is great: solid, Reformed study notes with a modern translation, not to mention a collection of the Confessions with decent essays. This is a good, solid format. However, it suffers from a number of drawbacks, some of which are simply providential while others are of the editors' own doing.

Cons:
1) Without being overly critical of the NIV text, the majority of modern day Reformed folks simply prefer the ESV over the NIV. I know, that's a generalization, but it appears to be justified. To be fair, it would have been difficult to procure the ESV text at that time, but there is no reason that Pratt could not have used the NASB or the NKJV. In fact, later Reformed project's such as Sproul's do use the NKJV.

2) While this bible has some features that the ESV study Bible does not, Grudem's project simply eclipsed it. The ESV Study Bible aims at a wider audience while at the same time going deeper into the study notes.

3) Besides the inclusion of the Confession's, this Bible does not offer anything not already found in Sproul's *New Geneva* or Grudem's *ESV Study Bible.* Granted, this bible purports itself to be Reformed in outlook beyond that of soteriology (something Grudem's probably cannot say), but still doesn't offer anything different from Sproul's, whereas Sproul's can claim are more literalistic text.

[Aaron Vriesman]

"Second to None" As a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church, this Study Bible is indispensable to me. It offers a solid evangelical & Reformed perspective on many difficult passages, as well as in the articles on many topics of interest:
What is salvation and how do I get it?
Can I resist the Holy Spirit?
Why was Jesus resurrected?
What does it mean to be "in Christ"?
Can I lose my salvation?
Are we in the last days?
Can I be possessed by a demon?
...and many more. If you want to know what you believe and why, this Bible will help you move from reading to understanding. It is the best Study Bible currently on the shelf.

[Mike E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite study Bible because the study notes (by Pratt, Frame & Packer) link the reader to the various doctrinal standards of historic protestantism: Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Westminster Larger Catechism. No other study Bible does this. The standards are printed in a readable and accessible format in the back of the Bible. Footnotes point you to the relevant section.

[Patrick]

This is my normal study Bible. It has virtually the same study notes as the "New Geneva Study Bible", but uses an NIV translation instead of NKJV or ESV. It also includes the major confessions and catechisms of the Reformed churches.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always reading. #1 Book.

[Eddie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite study Bible. Wish it was still in print as I would love to have in a soft cover. My favorite all around Bible.

Will never "finish" reading this one.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed notes. My primary study Bible.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my main study Bible for several years. A fantastic resource.

[Jack Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Bible brings the entire Bible full circle, from predicting Christ to the return of Christ. What was taught in Genesis is still taught in Revelation as to how to behave while here on earth. Without being too revealing, the Apostle John, who walked with Christ, describes events to yet take place with extravagant symbolism that rivals any prophet that came before him. A prophet, himself, John writes what he is told and what he sees. The book, like all other books of the Bible, is Divine.

This reader comes away from reading Revelation with this intended message: If, after reading this book, one's direction is not pointed toward the straight and narrow path which is necessary to enter the Gates of Heaven, then the path one is on will be harder to alter.

[Lady Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My church administers a Daily Reading schedule, whereby you read the OT once and the NT twice every year. It has been so much a part of my routine life for 25+ years that it never occurs to me to mark it "read" annually.

I enjoy the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible for its notes and articles.

[Stephen Gordons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great supplemental materials, such as Reformation documents. Good notes on points of Reformed theology, however, interpretations of exegetical problems was not always entirely satisfying.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend this Study Bible for individual study or for a Bible study group.