Studying the Bible is one of the most important things a believer should do. It develops fellowship with God (I John 1:3), builds our understanding of proper doctrine (I Timothy 4:23, II Timothy 3:16, Titus 1:9), cleanses us from the filth of the world and the flesh (Ephesians 5:26), and keeps our minds sane in a world that is hell-bent on going crazy (Acts 26:25).
But let's be honest: sometimes studying the Bible is easier said than done.
In a previous post, we looked at the "how" part of studying the Bible - the principles that should guide us as we engage in the task. Today we're going to look at some of the resources that God has graciously provided from the labor of other believers. So without further ado, here are the top six resources - ranked in order - that will help us study the Bible more efficiently.
#1: God's Word and Prayer
Let's be clear: all you really need is a copy of the KJV and the Holy Spirit's help through prayer. Everything else good is just an extra blessing, and should be examined carefully in light of God's word before embracing it as a resource.
As I mentioned in a previous post, Pastor Randall Townsend has a perfect, concise prayer that I try to say every time I open Scripture: "Lord, be with my heart. Keep me away from heresy. Teach me something good. Show me what the truth is. Amen.”
#2: A Help for Cross-Referencing
Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture is the best thing we can do when we study the Bible. The more we read the Bible, the more of it will be in our hearts and minds, and the more we will be able to cross-reference. But the Bible is a big book. It is living book, and it is a lifetime endeavor to learn it. There are many good tools to help us cross-reference, such as Strong's Exhaustive Concordance or Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible. Personally, I prefer The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. It is important to keep in mind, however, that not every cross-reference may be accurate. I have seen cross-references in many books and resources that are border-line heretical, reinforcing the importance of point number one above.
Access the The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge for free online at this link.
Buy The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge at this link or search for a used copy at places like Amazon, Ebay, AbeBooks, or Thriftbooks.
There is a new edition of The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, but I have no experience with that one - I suspect that one is more inclusive of modern translations.
#3: A Help for Unfamiliar Words
The Language of the King James Bible is arguably the pinnacle of the English language. The English we speak today is a poor, diluted substitute for the precision, beauty, and depth of the "King's English." However, modern English is the English that you and I speak, and so we will encounter words that either A) we don't know or B) have had their meaning warped over time. A good dictionary can be a valuable asset for studying the Bible. Here are a few I recommend:
Access Webster's 1828 Dictionary for free online at this link.
Purchase a copy of Webster's 1828 Dictionary at this link (hard copies tend to be expensive) or search for a used copy at places like Amazon, Ebay, AbeBooks, or Thriftbooks.
There are also free apps of Webster's 1828 Dictionary that you can download on your smartphone.
Purchase a copy of James Knox's By Definition: A Reader's Guide to the King James Bible at this link. Knox keeps his resources very affordable - this one is only $10.
Purchase a copy of White's Dictionary of the King James Language at this link; it is an outstanding resource, but unfortunately the two volumes only cover A-H.
Purchase a copy of Archaic Words and the Authorized Version by Lawrence Vance at this link; the focus is on demonstrating how the "archaic" words of the KJV are still used today, but it also functions as a dictionary.
Honorable Mentions:
It is not a dictionary, but Michael Wolski's Rightly Defining the Words of Truth does a great job of exploring the biblical meaning of several key words. Purchase a copy at this link.
It's also not a dictionary, but Gail Riplinger's The Dictionary Inside the King James Bible demonstrates how the Bible contains a system for helping us to define unfamiliar words, or how to determine the biblical meaning of familiar words. Purchase a copy at this link.
As a side note, never let words that you don't know in the Bible discourage you. Be honest: you often encounter words that you don't know, whether they are in the Bible or not! New words are just part of life.
#4: A Way to Record What the Lord Teaches You
If you honestly study Scripture with a humble heart, the Lord will illuminate it for you. Why do you think He wrote it for you? To play some sort of spiritual game of hide-and-seek? Of course not! It may take time and effort (that's just part of studying), but be patient. He will open His word for you, line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10). When He does show you things from His word, have a way to record it. Not only will it be a good reference for you as you continue to study, but it will also give you a wealth of material that you can pass on to other believers as the Lord provides opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, it will be an encouragement for you, especially during spiritually dry times. To be able to look back and see how much the Lord has revealed, how much He has taught you, will be a blessing. Here's what I use:
The "Notetaker's Bible" from Church Bible Publishers. It provides a large margin on the edge of each page for taking notes. The quality of the Bible is also outstanding for the price. Church Bible Publishers has other layouts if the Notetaker's doesn't appeal to you. Check out their options at this link
Pigma Micron 005 with archival ink in a variety of colors. It doesn't smudge easily, won't fade over time, and has minimal bleed-through on thin Bible pages. I use blue for my notes to easily distinguish it from Scripture, green for underlining in the text of Scripture itself because it is visible, but not intrusive while reading, and purple for notes from someone else that were so good that I wanted them in my Bible. I purchase them at a local art store, but they're also easily purchased online. For example, Amazon sells small sets at this link.
Scrap paper, post-it notes, and a pen. Sometimes I have a half-baked thought that I'm not ready to write in my Bible yet, and so I scribble it down elsewhere so I can return to it later.
#5: Study Bibles
We've gotten into more tenuous territory, so let's tread carefully here. A study Bible can be a wonderful thing, but remember that study notes are NOT the Bible. They are commentary on the Bible. No more, no less. The measure of a good study Bible is to ask "Does this provoke thought about God's word, or does it do my thinking for me?" Search the Scriptures for yourself! Remember that even a good study Bible is not going to be perfect.
Here are a the study Bibles I have in my collection, with some honest thoughts about each:
Rock of Ages Study Bible
This is my go-to recommended study Bible for new believers, or those making their first steps into dispensationalism or the language of the KJV. Don't let that stop you, though: it is a blessing for a mature believer too. The content is accessible, solid, dispensational, and expressed respectfully. I only recall two notes that I disagreed with, and they were relatively minor disagreements. Paperback copies go for as little as $15, but there are a variety of leather-bound copies available too. If you're interested, you can purchase one at this link.
The Old Scofield Reference Bible
Another solid choice, and usually the go-to Bible for KJV readers. Like the Rock of Ages, Scofield is dispensational, accessible, and respectful, but he does have several notes that I disagree with. This is a fine Bible to recommend for new believers, or those making their first steps into dispensationalism or the language of the KJV, although it does provide a little more depth for a mature believer. It is critical that you get the OLD Scofield - the new Scofield Bible contains problematic revisions to the "old" (original) notes. Hardcover copies go for as little as $25, but there are leather-bound copies available too. If you're interested, you can purchase one at this link.
The Common Man's Reference Bible
This study Bible contains the best cross-references I have ever seen, and the binding is high quality too. The study notes address political, economic, and social topics based on Scriptural principles, in addition to biblical doctrines. It is dispensational and the content is solid, but it might be a bit too abrasive for someone new to Bible-believing King James thinking. It is probably best suited for more experienced, mature believers. Hardcover copies go for as little as $20, but there is a leather-bound copy with wide margins for personal notes available too. If you're interested, you can purchase one directly from the author (David Hoffman) at this link. It is worth looking at the different extra features of the various editions before making your selection.
Ruckman Reference Bible
Yes, I know. The name "Ruckman" is divisive among Bible believers, but hear me out before you embrace or dismiss this resource. Like the Common Man's, the Ruckman Reference Bible is dispensational and addresses political, economic, and social topics in addition to biblical doctrines. The content is solid, however you must proceed with caution: it is extremely abrasive, and on a few occasions flat-out wrong. I certainly would not recommend this for a new believer or to anyone who would be easily offended. This is a great study Bible, but is best suited for those who can apply the principle "eat the meat and spit out the bones." Paperback copies go for as little as $20, but there are hardback and leather-bound copies available too. If you're interested, you can purchase one at this link.
The Henry Morris Study Bible
Henry Morris is considered the champion of creationism and a staunch advocate of science supporting the Bible. This study Bible is good, but inferior to the ones listed above, especially in cases where Morris attempts to "correct" the language in the King James. Hardback copies go for as little as $35, but there are leather-bound copies available too. If you're interested, you can purchase one at this link.
Bullinger's Companion Bible
Bullinger produced an excellent study Bible (although the page layout has always felt a little chaotic to me) with incredible insights. However, proceed with caution: Bullinger is "hyper-dispensational," meaning that sometimes he makes divisions in the Bible more extreme than is warranted by Scripture. This one is also pricey - the hardcovers go for around $50, and the leather copies are higher. If you're interested, you can purchase one at this link.
Honorable Mention:
Line Upon Line by J.G. Williams is not a "study Bible" in the sense that it does not have its notes alongside a full copy of Scripture. However, it is an outstanding commentary on the Bible that I highly recommend. It was originally designed as a correspondence course, so it poses questions to the readers frequently; I appreciate that because it lets me do some thinking of my own. It is available as both a hard copy and as a less-expensive PDF. Check it out at this link.
#6: A Few Good Comprehensive Resources
A few resources that compile a comprehensive look at Scripture can be valuable for connecting dots and seeing the "big picture." Some of the best in this vein are:
Dispensational Truth by Clarence Larkin does an excellent job with dispensationalism and prophecy. It is pricey at about $53, but it is worth every penny. You can purchase a copy directly from his estate at this link.
Kyle Stephen's Building Thereupon: How Sound Faith and Good Doctrine Are Properly Laid is about as comprehensive and reader-friendly as you can get, and perfectly blends doctrinal and practical issues. If I could only have one book of the four listed here, I think it might be this one. It is very affordable, especially considering it's value, at $35. You can purchase a copy at this link.
D2: The Next Step in Discipleship by Jeff Adams touches on a variety of topics in a very straightforward manner (it is worth it to get the "teacher's edition" of the book). $30 plus shipping adds up quickly for this one, but you won't be disappointed. You can purchase a copy at this link.
James Knox's Understanding the Old Testament and New Testament Survey provide good summaries of each book of the Bible. They are also inexpensive at $10-12 each. You can purchase them this link and this link.
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