Book Review: International Inductive Study Bible
Publishers:  Harvest House, Eugene, Oregon 97402
Reviewed by: Anton Hein


þ 7000 Versions, And Counting...

If you are looking for a new Bible, you're in luck.
According to a recent article in Christianity Today,
Americans can now choose from among some 15 translations
and over 7,000 versions.

That's seven thousand versions, spanning the range from a
wide variety of children's Bibles to "specialty" editions
like "The Life Recovery Bible," the "Women's Devotional
Bible," or "The King and The Beast" (the New Testament for
teens searching for answers to questions about drug abuse,
sex, and homosexuality).

Some express concern.  Warren Wiersbe, former director of
the Back to the Bible radio ministry, notes, "I can now
study the Bible through Weslyan eyes, or through
dispensational eyes.  This can give us perspective.  But
is can also fragment."

An example is the NIV Study Bible, which - in its
footnotes - takes a decidedly Calvinistic stand on an
issue like predestination, without also presenting other
viewpoints.  This approach turns what customers hope is an
objective study bible into a slanted commentary.

And while the New International Version is today's most
popular translation, Jo H. Lewis, associate professor of
drama at George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon points out
the NIV "is so contemporary that in 10 or 20 years we'll 
have to have a new one again to be contemporary.  The 
result is that Christians no longer have a biblical 
language in common."

In fact, many Bible readers may quickly outgrow specialty
versions.  Combining 12-step programs, devotionals,
commentaries and answers to life's biggest questions with
the inspired Word of God may seem like a good idea at
first, but in the end it is only the text of the Bible
itself that warrants being read and studied over and over
again.

Warren Wiersbe says that spending hundreds of dollars on
the most up-to-date products "is no guarantee of anything.
It's what you do with it.  The bottom line is obedience to
the Word of God - not merely a lot of knowledge about the
Bible."

Indeed, the Bible to look for is one that features a good
translation, and helps that do not intrude by taking
attention away from the text itself.

Enter the International Inductive Study Bible...


þ The International Inductive Study Bible

The International Inductive Study Bible is unique in many
aspects, and while it is seldom easy to switch Bibles, I
fell in love with this one right away.  I made the switch
within hours after receiving my copy, retiring my previous,
7-year old, marked up NIV - changing translations in the
process.

The first study Bible to be released in several years in
the NASB text, the International Inductive Study Bible
(IISB) features what many consider to be the most accurate
English translation of the Bible today.  The NASB allows
the reader to appreciate the treasures of the original
languages since it is the most literal word-for-word
translation of the best Hebrew and Greek manuscripts.  This
fact is acknowledge by polular Bible teacher, Charles Stanley, 
who says, "I have found that the NASB is uniquely suited to
inductive Bible study.  I personally use it and strongly 
recommend it."


þ What is "Inductive" Bible study?

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the IISB is that this
Bible is designed to teach you how to discern truth for
yourself, through inductive study.  Inductive study is a method
that involves three skills: observation, interpretation, and
application.

Observation:    teaches you to see precisely waht the
                passage says.  It is the basis for accurate
                interpretation and correct application.
                Observation answers the question: What does
                the passage say?

Interpretation: Answers the question: What does the passage
                mean?

Application:    Answers the question: What does it mean to
                me personally?  What truths can I put into
                practice?  What changes should I make in my
                life?

Howard G. Hendricks, of Dallas Theological Seminary, 
shows the importance of inductive study:

"Inductive study of the Bible is the best way to discover 
scriptural truth.  Knowledge that is self-discovered it stored 
in the deepest part of the mind and remains the longest in the
memory.  There is no jewel more precisous than that which you 
have mined yourself."

Others agree.  The International Inductive Study Bible was 
recently featured as a special radio offer on "The Bible Answer 
Man," the daily call-in program of the Christian Research 
Institute.  CRI highly recommends the new study Bible, and 
interviewed Kay Arthur, who - together with the staff of 
Precepts Ministries - compiled the study material in the IISB.

"At last! A study Bible that is truly a STUDY Bible!" exclaims 
Dr. Joe Aldrich, President of Multnomah School of the Bible.
"Most study Bibles draw more attention to the author's notes 
than to the Bible itself.  But the genius of the International 
Study Bible is its ability to draw readers directly into the 
biblical text and give them the tools to clearly understand 
what they read.  Outstanding!"

Unlike other study Bibles, the International Inductive Study
Bible does not interpret the Bible.  As you follow simple,
easy-to-understand instructions that will help you apply the
principles of inductive study, you will dig out truth on your
own.  This makes the IISB unique, in that it is the first and
only Bible of its kind that doesn't lead its readers into a
particular theological interpretation of the text.  Rather, it
teaches Christians how to build a solid foundation on
Scripture.


þ How the IISB works

The introduction section of the IISB gives ten simple steps
that provide the basis for inductive study.  Reminding readers
to begin with prayer, the steps include tips for getting the
most information out of each passage of Scriptures, things to
watch for, and suggestions on how to mark your Bible.

The IISB is an interactive Bible.  Every page invites you to
become involved.  Like my previous Bible, the IISB has a 
wide-margin format, designed to allow the student to record 
personal notes and insights.

Ever wonder who came up with the chapter themes found in other 
Bibles?  No need for that here.  YOU provide the themes 
yourself.  And while each book is preceded by a book-specific
introduction, YOU do the work of digging out pertinent 
information.  The book introductions include "Things To Do" - 
tips that will - again - help you get the most information out 
of the text.  

There are In-text helps, such as maps (placed where you need
them) and charts (e.g. Old Testament Timelines, providing
insight into the relationship between Kings, kingdoms and 
prophets), as well as special "Insight" boxes with information
on such topics as history, family relationships and customs of 
Bible times.

At the end of each book is a "Book-at-a-Glance" chart where you 
provide the information: overall theme, author, date, purpose, 
logical divisions, and chapter themes.  In time, these charts 
become handy overviews, helping gain more and more insight into 
the structure of each book.

R.C. Sproul, in his endorsement of the IISB, says, "The 
principle of private interpretation of the Bible was privilege 
for which people paid with their lives.  It is a duty as well 
as a privilege.  It never assumes the right to distort the 
truth of God's Word.  Rather it carries the sacred burden of 
accurate interpretation.  To fulfill that task we need guides 
and helpers.  The International Inductive Study Bible is a 
guide that will equip you with the tools necessary for 
diligent, rewarding self study of God's Word.  I highly 
recommend it."


þ Some Tips

A brochure on the International Inductive Study Bible includes
the following passage:

  The difference between inductive Bible study and other
  methods is the difference between reading a good book and
  reading a review written about that book.  While a review
  can give you a fair understanding of what the book is about,
  it cannot possibly take the place of personally reading the
  book, interacting with it, and drawing your own conclusions.

  At best, reading a review gives you the insights and
  deductions of the reviewer.  Inductive study is the
  difference between being a passive spectator and an active
  participant.  And active participation is the basis of
  inductive Bible study.

Indeed, no amount of writing on my part can do the IISB 
justice.  You've got to see this Bible in order to understand 
why leaders such as Warren Wiersbe, Ruth Bell Grahame, Jack 
Hayford and many others have endorsed it.

When you visit your local Bible Bookstore, be prepared...  Have 
your checkbook with so, so you'll spare yourself a second trip.

The IISB is published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, 
Oregon 97402.  It is currently available in a hardcover edition
($39.99), in bonded leather ($69.99), or in genuine leather
($84.99).  I suggest you invest in the genuine leather edition.
It is naturally more sturdy and durable than the others;
something you will want in a Bible that is likely to become a
life-long companion.  Look for specials, or order your Bible
through the Christian Book Distributors, which usually provides
good discounts.  Phone: 508-977-5000.

The IISB includes tips and samples on marking your Bible.
Before you choose any of the approaches, first try each one in
your old Bible.  Then choose which one system you prefer.
Also, make your notes in pencil rather than ink.

Another reason to keep your old Bible handy is convenience.
Changing Bibles is somewhat like moving to another residence.
You know everything is there, but you just can't find it yet.
If you can turn to a certain Bible verse because you know it is
on the top right-hand page somewhere in Hebrews two pages after
the coffee-stain, do so, and then look up the same verse in
your new IISB.  Then mark it. (I use small post-it notes as
temporary bookmarks).

Finally, if your personal Bible study has not been what is
should be: refreshing, inspiring and life-changing, my prayer
is that the principles taught in the International Inductive
Study Bible will get you back into the Word.

In the words of Jack Hayford: "May God use this new Bible to
lead believers to dig into His eternal Word - and to mind its
wealth for sharing with others."
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This review was first published in the Christian Press Report.
(C) Copyright 1993 - Christian Press Report.  This file may be
freely uploaded to and downloaded from Bulletin Boards.  The
Christian Press Report is published by Abba II: 619-487-7746.
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