Crossway is releasing a study Bible that has a tremendous goal in mind: to help readers see Christ in all of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures point to Christ in order that he might be honored and glorified. We read Jesus’ words in John that say,
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life and it is they that bear witness about me.” -John 5:39
Then in a wonderful post-resurrection story in Luke 24 we read about the interaction between two disciples and Jesus while walking to Emmaus.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” -Luke 24:27
It is clear that all of Scripture points to Jesus. They point to our need for a Savior, and the glorious fulfillment of this need in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord.
The team at Crossway has created a tremendous resource with this truth in mind in the Gospel Transformation Study Bible. This Bible hosts an abundance of study notes that help bring insight from all of Scripture to reveal these truths to us. These notes were compiled by over 50 pastors and scholars, all with the understanding and purpose of helping us to understand passages in both the Old and New Testament with the gospel of Jesus in mind.
In addition to the study notes, each book introduction has a section called, “The Gospel in [name of book]”. I love this! Ever wonder where you can see the gospel in Habakkuk? In Obadiah? In Jonah? Ok, maybe you have. But, with an introduction like this to every book of the Bible, we are sure to be able to better understand the Scripture in light of the gospel being present throughout.
The introductions are, by far, my favorite part of this study Bible. The notes are tremendous, and the articles, topical index, concordance, and daily reading plan are extremely useful for Bible study, devotions, and more. But to be able to sit down, and dig into a new book of the Bible perhaps, and be able to have an overview of the book with the gospel in mind, is beyond valuable. I think these introductions will provide you with guidance and insight and some “aha” moments that you may have been waiting for in your own personal study.
I’d like to share a quick bonus with you. If you are interested in a Bible Study Master Class with Pastor Bryan Chapell, senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian, then you will find it in this Bible as the Introduction to the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible. Yes, it’s just the introduction, and not an official class, but as I read it, I felt like I was in a class on how to study the Bible, with Dr. Bryan Chapell as my instructor. It’s amazing!
This is a great resource that Crossway has produced. It is one that I plan on using for years to come, and one that I think you will benefit from as well.