Essential Reference Books for a Home Library
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This too is must reading--a useful and comprehensive treatment of the theology of the New Testament in its historical/canonical context (Biblical Theology). Great for understanding basic categories like flesh and spirit, the two ages, justification and sanctification, etc. Highly recommended.
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People often ask me, "what commentary should I buy?" While I am not a fan of one-volume commentaries (and I answer that question with another question, "what book of the Bible are you interested in?"), this really is the best and most up to date single-volume commentary in print.
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This volume is indispensable. Buy it! Read it! Use it! A great reference to have close at hand. When someone says "the Reformed teach . . " or "The Lutheran position is . . ." you can look it up for yourself!
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This is not what it seems. This book is a real gem! Even if you don't give a hoot about the meaning of Greek and Latin theological terms, you can get at some great theology by using the English term section at the back. Questions about the Trinity? Questions about person and nature language? Questions about the sacraments and the terms theologians use? This is the book to get. Read it alongside of Berkhof, Bavinck or Turretin. Very helpful.
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I use this set more than any other reference work I own. Great articles on every major doctrine, person, place, and event in the Bible. This one too is indispensable!
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Rattled by some A & E documentary on ancient Israel? Hear something in a "secrets of the Bible" special you were not sure about. Harrison's volume will help. Although a bit dated, this reference work still offers the best place to find the case for the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, the unity of Isaiah, and an early date for the prophecy of Daniel. Good ammunition against critical scholarship.
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This volume is simply invaluable--a running commentary on the New Testament's use of the Old Testament.