INTRODUCTION TO THE CSB STUDY BIBLE®

Christianity claims to tell the true story of the whole world. Scripture reveals a grand narrative, one that explains the foundational questions of life: where we came from, who we are, what has gone wrong in our world, what the solution is, and where we are going. In these sixty-six writings, the contours of this authoritative and truthful story come into perspective.

CREATION

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in his image to live joyfully in his presence, in humble submission to his gracious authority.

FALL

But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

REDEMPTION

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with his choosing the nation of Israel to display his glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel’s behalf, rescuing his people from slavery and then giving them his holy law. But God’s people—like all of us—failed to rightly reflect the glory of God. Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God himself came to renew the world and restore his people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, he suffered the consequences of human rebellion by his death on a cross. But three days later, God raised him from the dead. Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ’s work to the world. Empowered by God’s Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

RESTORATION

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God’s judgment and live joyfully in God’s presence for all eternity. God’s message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved.

Learning how to interpret the Scriptures correctly isn’t a hobby for church leaders and seminary students. It’s a vitally important part of the Christian life for every believer. Relationships rise and fall with communication, and God has chosen to communicate his plan of redemption, his purposes for us, and his promise of resurrection through the Bible—his inspired Word. We can’t hear from God if we’re not listening to his words.

The CSB Study Bible® represents the work of more than a hundred scholars who have devoted their lives to living and teaching the truths of Scripture. They come from different denominations and diverse backgrounds. The contributors reflect a broad sampling of evangelical scholars whose ministries are based at seminaries, colleges, and churches. They have sought a balanced approach on controversial issues, and each note and essay has been pored over by a team of theological editors.

The goal of each tool in this study Bible—whether study notes, essays, book introductions, maps, or charts—is to serve the text of Scripture by bringing to light facts that aid comprehension. As servants to the text, the study tools are designed to keep the focus on Scripture and never on the tools themselves. We should never approach the Bible as hobbyists trying to master a book, but as worshipers seeking to hear from our Master, our God who is gracious to speak to us. For this reason, the text of Scripture is never positioned beneath a study tool. The uppermost feature on any given page is the text of Scripture itself.

The goal of this study Bible is to provide you with tools for engaging God’s Word on a deeper level, so that you experience life transformation and true knowledge of God. We pray the study helps in this Bible will draw you deeper into the inspired Word of God that continues to speak to us today. May all who use this Bible hear the voice of Christ and faithfully follow him as King!

Trevin K. Wax

General Editor