CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students

By Sean McDowell and CSB Bibles by Holman

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students anchors young Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful responses when the core issues of their faith are challenged. Updated with additional content curated by editor Dr. Sean McDowell, the core materials explore over 130 of the top questions students are currently asking along with articles and extensive apologetics study material from today’s most popular youth leaders and apologists. This unique Bible will guide teens and encourage them to ask tough questions, get straight answers, and strengthen their faith. 

Features:

• 130 Articles from popular youth leaders and apologists (including editor Sean McDowell)
• 60 “Twisted Scripture” explanations for commonly misunderstood passages
• 50 “Bones & Dirt” entries explaining how archeological findings support Christian apologetics
• 50 “Notable Quotes” from influential people throughout history
• 25 “Tactics” that help students answer frequently heard anti-Christian arguments
• 20 “Personal Stories” of how God has worked in real lives
• 20 “Top Five” bullet-point lists that help readers remember significant apologetics topics
• Book introductions
• Distinctive two-color design that appeals to students 
• Two-column format
• Black-letter text 
• 9.75-point type size
• Smyth-sewn binding with ribbon marker
• Presentation page
• Full-color maps

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BH Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781433651182

Sean McDowell

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, especially young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support of a biblical worldview. Sean is an associate professor in Talbot School of Theology’s Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. Sean is an internationally recognized speaker and the author, co-author, or editor of numerous books. He has a popular YouTube channel in which he discusses apologetics, culture, and worldview issues and regularly hosts conversations with non-Christians. He blogs regularly at seanmcdowell.org and engages a range of different social media platforms.

Book preview

SWP

INTRODUCTION TO THE APOLOGETICS STUDY BIBLE FOR STUDENTS

SEAN MCDOWELL, GENERAL EDITOR

I all too clearly remember the day when the young man sitting next to me on the plane looked in my eyes and asked, Why do you think Christianity is true? Having grown up in the church, I had been through numerous Bible studies, had attended many Christian conferences, and had read lots of Christian books. My parents raised me in the faith. But for some reason, that question took me by surprise. I didn’t have an answer. Or more accurately, I didn’t have a good answer—and that troubled me.

Have you ever been asked a tough question about your faith that you were unprepared to answer? How did that make you feel? Take a look at the questions below. Could you answer them today?

•Why does God allow evil?

•If God made the universe, then who made God?

•If God made everything good, why shouldn’t we smoke pot?

•Does the Bible endorse slavery?

•How can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God?

These are some of the prominent questions we explored when the Apologetics Study Bible for Students first released in 2010. But now new questions need answering as well. Can you be gay and Christian? How should a Christian respond to Islamic Jihad? Does God care about racial issues? How should Christians think about the transgender issue? These are just a sampling of some of the tough questions being asked today by both Christians and nonbelievers. Maybe you wonder about some of them too. The great thing about being a Christian is that you don’t have to check your brain at the door to be one. Jesus never asks his followers to take a blind or irrational step of faith. In fact, Jesus calls people to love God with all their hearts, with all their souls, and with all their minds (Mt 22:37

).

The apostle Peter commands Christians to be prepared to offer good reasons for their hope: But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense [an apology] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1Pt 3:15

). Despite the common misconception, apologetics has nothing to do with apologizing for your faith! Rather, it is the branch of theology concerned with defending the claims of Christianity. As Peter indicates, we are all called to be ready with answers.

That, in fact, is the purpose of The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. Our goal is to put a tool in your hands that will help you find answers to some of the toughest questions about God, science, ethics, world religions, and Christian living. The contributors to this book were carefully selected not only because they can articulately defend the Christian faith, but because they are practitioners of it.

Consider a few of the unique features of this study Bible:

• Articles—Over fifty authors have contributed answers to 125 of the most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.

• Study Notes—At the bottom of each page are in-depth explanations of difficult issues that arise in the biblical text.

• Twisted Scriptures—Sixty-five of the Bible passages most commonly distorted by cults and others promoting a nonbiblical worldview will be brought to light and clarified (thanks to associate editor Eric Johnson).

• Bones & Dirt—Key archaeological finds relating to both the Old and New Testaments will be highlighted to build confidence in the reliability of Scripture (thanks to associate editor Joseph M. Holden).

• Notable Quotes—Short quotes from present and past apologists will be highlighted to encourage, challenge, and motivate you.

• Challenges & Tactics—Specific tactics will equip you to be prepared to handle the most common challenges to Christianity (thanks to associate editor Brett Kunkle).

• Personal Stories—You will be encouraged through the personal stories of some of the great defenders of the Christian faith, including the stories of some people much like you (thanks to associate editor Dillon Burroughs).

• Fast Facts—Twenty-five of the most important apologetics topics are put into brief bulleted lists for easy memory and access (thanks to associate editor Jason Carlson).

As you will discover in studying this book, apologetics is helpful in several practical ways. First, it helps develop believers in Jesus Christ who are passionate and self-confident. Christians who believe but cannot explain why they do often become Bible-thumpers who are dogmatic and insecure about their convictions. When we learn the basis of our beliefs, however, we gain a confidence and willingness to engage those who see the world differently. I have seen many young people become radical followers of Christ after receiving a little training in apologetics.

Second, apologetics helps when we share our faith. Often people have genuine questions about God. Being prepared with answers can help Christians overcome stumbling blocks in the hearers’ hearts or minds that prevent them from trusting in Jesus. While it is the Holy Spirit who saves, a gracious apologist is one tool God may use to bring people into his kingdom.

Remember, the point of using apologetics is not to win an argument but to win a person to Christ. This is so important, so let me say it again: Apologetics is not about winning arguments, but about winning people. It is possible to win an argument and yet do it in a way that damages the cause of Christ. If we make a great argument, but we don’t do it in love, then it profits us nothing (1Co 13:1-3

). We must follow the example of Jesus and be full of both grace and truth (Jn 1:14

).

This is why the ultimate apologetic is not a well-reasoned argument but a life that exemplifies the love of Christ. The way we live often speaks more loudly than our words. Getting our hearts right with God prepares us to be vessels of his love to a broken and hurting world.

Let’s go!

NOTES

CHALLENGES AND TACTICS—AN INTRODUCTION

A tactic is a strategy used to achieve a specific goal. Athletes rely on tactics in their respective sports. For instance, a basketball player might use the tactic of boxing out to ensure she gets the rebound. When it comes to defending Christianity, clear thinking is one of the best tactics available. Clear thinkers use sound logic and good reasoning. By use of reason the mind examines, understands, and comes to a conclusion. Just as a hammer is a tool for carpentry, logic is a tool of reasoning. All human thought and communication depend upon the laws of logic. In fact, thought would be impossible without them. The purpose of good reasoning is simple: to help us separate truth from error.

TACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR APOLOGETICS

Here are effective questions you can employ when reasoning with an unbeliever:

1.Google It: When you need more information, you Google it. Often we need more information before we can progress in a conversation. In these cases ask, What do you mean by that? The purpose of this question is to gain more information so we can clarify the nature of the challenge and then respond appropriately.

2.Ask Why: When someone challenges your beliefs, ask them, Why do you believe that? This way you both can determine what evidences (if any) have led them to their conclusion.

3.Just the Facts: Even really smart people can get their facts mixed up. Therefore, be skeptical of arguments against Christianity. Ask the nonbeliever, Is that really a fact?

TACTICAL AWARENESS FOR APOLOGETICS

A logical fallacy is a mistake in reasoning. Unbelievers are often guilty of logical fallacies when criticizing Christianity. Sadly, Christians are often guilty of logical fallacies as well. We worship a God of truth (Jn 14:6). Therefore we should never use poor reasoning even if we seek to accomplish a good cause. Here are several logical fallacies you should watch for:

1.Walking Contradiction: Nonbelievers often make contradictory statements when criticizing Christianity or explaining their own beliefs (e.g., There is no truth). Be on the lookout for this.

2.Sticks-n-Stones: Stick and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me. Remember that from childhood? It turns out that many critics of Christianity do more name calling than sound reasoning (e.g., Christians are hypocrites). Learn to recognize this faulty tactic.

3.Straw Man: Someone commits the straw man fallacy when they misrepresent your beliefs and then criticize those misrepresented beliefs. Critics of Christianity often do this (e.g., If everything that exists needs a cause, then God needs a cause). When speaking with nonbelievers, be on the lookout for straw men arguments.

4.Genetic Fallacy: Someone commits this fallacy when they attempt to discredit a belief simply by criticizing its origin (e.g., You’re a Christian because you grew up in a Christian home). However, the origin of a belief does not determine whether it is true. Keep Christianity’s critics on task by sticking to the evidences.

So What?: Critics of Christianity often leap from an argument to an unjustified conclusion. This is called the non-sequitur fallacy (e.g., There cannot be just one true religion). It leaves us saying, So what? to the argument that’s been offered. When you engage nonbelievers, listen closely to see if their conclusions logically follow from their arguments.

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel L. Akin, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: 1–3 John

Marla Alupoaicei, Author and Speaker, Leap of Faith Ministries, Does the Bible Demean Women? Is God Male? What Does the Bible Teach About Satan? If God Already Knows What We Need, Then Why Pray? What Does the Bible Teach About Angels? Does the Bible Teach Reincarnation?

John Ankerberg, Ankerberg Theological Research Institute, In What Ways Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecies?

Clinton E. Arnold, Talbot School of Theology, Notes: Colossians, Philemon

Paul W. Barnett, Macquarie University, Notes: 1 and 2 Corinthians

Timothy Barnett, Speaker, Stand to Reason, What Is the Trinity?

Douglas M. Beaumont, Southern Evangelical Seminary, Why Does God Care About My Entertainment Choices?

Stephen J. Bedard, Pastor, Queen Street Baptist Church, Should Christians Practice Yoga?

Robert D. Bergen, Hannibal LaGrange College, Notes: Exodus, 1

and 2 Samuel

Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary, Notes: Gospel of John

Robert M. Bowman, Jr., Institute for Religious Research, Did Jesus Claim to Be God?

Chad Owen Brand, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, "New Religious Movements Belief Chart, World Religions Comparison Chart

Andy Braner, President, KIVU, Is Relationship Important in Apologetics?

Dillon Burroughs, Ankerberg Theological Research Institute, Personal Stories feature, Do Psychics Have Supernatural Powers? Can Something Be True for You, but Not True for Me?

Lamont W. Cannon, Beaufort County Community College, Introductions: Ezra, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Jason Carlson, Christian Ministries International, Fast Facts notes, What Do Hindus Believe? What Makes Christianity Unique? What Do Buddhists Believe?

R. Dennis Cole, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: Numbers

Lamar E. Cooper, Sr., The Criswell College, Notes: Ezekiel

Natasha Crain, Speaker and Blogger, Why Did Jesus Need to Die on the Cross for Our Sins?

John Crawford, First Baptist Church, Sebring Florida, Study Note Revisions

Edward M. Curtis, Talbot School of Theology, Notes: Proverbs

Joe Dallas, Genesis Counseling, The Transgender Question

Barry C. Davis, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, Notes: Judges, Ruth

Barrett Duke, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, SBC, Notes: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Lenny Esposito, Come Reason Ministries, Are There Contradictions in the Bible? How Can I Be Sure That I Am Saved? What Does It Mean That God ‘Inspired’ the Bible?

Ken Fentress, Montrose Baptist Church, Introduction and Notes: Joshua

Thomas J. Finley, Talbot School of Theology, Notes: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Duane A. Garrett, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: Ecclesiastes

Rick Gerhardt, Reasons to Believe, The Reason for Justice

Tom Gilson, Senior Editor, The Stream, Can You Be Gay and Christian?

Derwin Gray, Pastor, Transformation Church, Three Tough Questions About Heaven So, What Makes the Bible So Special?

Chad Gross, Teacher and Blogger, Truthbomb Apologetics, Is the Old Testament Reliable?

Craig Gross, XXXChurch.com, Is Pornography That Bad?

Amy K. Hall, Stand to Reason, Are Singles Condemned to a Life of Loneliness?

Hank Hannegraaff, Christian Research Institute, Is There Evidence for Life After Death?

Shawn Hayes, Stand for Truth Ministries, What’s the Big Deal with Scientology?

Joseph M. Holden, President, Veritas Evangelical Seminary, Bones & Dirt feature

Michael W. Holmes, Bethel University, Notes: 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Jeremy Royal Howard, Author, Did the Apostles Report Jesus’s Words Accurately?

Alan Hultberg, Talbot School of Theology, Notes: Matthew, Mark, Luke

Eric Johnson, Mormonism Research Ministry, Twisted Scripture notes, Why Are There So Many Translations of the Bible? What Do Mormons Believe? How Can a Person Get into Heaven? Are the Teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses Compatible with the Bible?

Jeremiah J. Johnston, Houston Baptist University, Can We Talk to the Dead?

Kent Keller, Senior Pastor, Kendall Presbyterian Church, Introductions: Joshua, Nehemiah, Daniel, Hosea, Micah, Habakkuk, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude

Travis S. Kerns, Send City Missionary, North American Mission Board, Twisted Scripture Revisions

Dan Kimball, Vintage Faith Church, How Do I Talk with Someone of Another Religion?

Adam Kingston, The Shoreline Church, Does God Care About Race?

Michael Klassen, The Neighborhood Church, Introductions: Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Judges, Ruth, Proverbs, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Haggai, Zechariah, Acts, Romans

William W. Klein, Denver Seminary, Notes: Romans, Ephesians

Sheri L. Klouda, Taylor University, Notes: Song of Songs

Scott Klusendorf, Life Training Institute, Should Christians Support Euthanasia?

J. Ed Komoszewski, Christus Nexus, Did Jesus Claim to Be God?

Gregory Koukl, Stand to Reason, Can a Christian Believe in Evolution?

Brett Kunkle, Speaker, Challenges and Tactics notes, Is Jesus the Only Way? What Is Apologetics?"

J. Steve Lee, Prestonwood Christian Academy and Mountain View College, Why Does God Allow Evil? What About the Crusades? Don’t Religious Beliefs Just Reflect Where One Was Raised?

Mike Licona, Houston Baptist University, Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? What Are the Crucial Differences Between Muhammad and Jesus?

Ronnie Littleton, Legacy Christian Academy, If There Is Such Good Evidence for God, Then Why Don’t More People Believe?

Kirk E. Lowery, Westminster Theological Seminary, Notes: 1 and 2 Kings, 1

and 2 Chronicles

Casey Luskin, IDEA Center, Does the Fossil Record Support Evolution? How Important Is Darwinian Evolution?

A. Boyd Luter Jr., The King’s University, Notes: Genesis 12–50

, Revelation

Kenneth A. Mathews, Beeson Divinity School, Notes: Genesis 1–11

Mark Matlock, President, WisdomWorks.com, Are UFOs Real? What Does the Bible Say About Demons?

Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell Ministry, Is the New Testament Reliable?

Sean McDowell, Speaker & Educator, SeanMcDowell.org, General editor, Introduction: Genesis, Introduction to the Apologetics Study Bible for Students What Does It Mean to Have Faith in God? Evidence for God: Biochemistry Evidence for God: Physics and Astronomy How Do I Know God’s Will for My Life? Why Should I Wait Until Marriage to Have Sex? Is Christianity a Copycat Religion? Aren’t All Religions Basically the Same?

Alex McFarland, Director, Center for Christian Worldview and Apologetics, Can God Make a Rock So Big He Can’t Lift It?

Richard R. Melick, Gateway Seminary, Notes: Philippians

Eugene H. Merrill, Dallas Theological Seminary, Notes: Deuteronomy

Stephen R. Miller, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: Daniel

Mark Mittelberg, Christian Author and Speaker, How Can I Find a Confident Faith?

Jonathan Morrow, Impact 360 Institute, Why Does God Seem Hidden? Is It Okay to Have Doubts? Were So-Called ‘Lost’ Gospels Left Out of the Bible? How Do We Know the Bible Includes the Right Books? Should Christians Be Tolerant?

Randall Niles, RandallNiles.com, What’s the Big Deal with Gambling?

Scott Noble, Noble Creative LLC, Introductions: Exodus, 1

and 2 Kings, 1

and 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Ezekiel, Amos, Obadiah, Colossians, Philemon, James

Gabriel Pagel, The Bridge Community Church, Is It Okay to Pick and Choose Religious Beliefs and Practices?

Richard D. Patterson, Liberty University, Notes: Job

Ryan Pauly, Christian Teacher & Apologist, Does God Send Good People to Hell?

John Perrodin, Christian Writers Guild, Introductions: Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 1

and 2 Corinthians, Philippians, 1

and 2 Thessalonians, 1

and 2 Timothy, Titus

Stanley E. Porter, McMaster Divinity College, Notes: Acts

Doug Powell, Christian Apologist and Author, How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin? Was Jonah Really Swallowed by a Big Fish?

Charles L. Quarles, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus

Nabeel Qureshi, Speaker and Best-Selling Author, www.nabeelqureshi.com, How Should a Christian Respond to Islamic Jihad?

John Mark Reynolds, St. Constantine School, Evidence for God: Beauty Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?

Daryl Rodriguez, Love of Truth Ministries; Bracken Christian School, Does God Want Me to Be Rich? How Could Satan Fall If He Was with God? What Is Heaven Like?

Mark F. Rooker, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: Leviticus

Allen P. Ross, Beeson Divinity School, Notes: Psalms

Walter Russell, Talbot School of Theology, Notes: Galatians

Steve Russo, The Choices School Assembly, SteveRusso.com, What’s the Big Deal with Wicca?

Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: 1 and 2 Peter, Jude

Ryan W. Sharp, Pastor, Impact Church, Does My Life Really Have Any Meaning? Why Are Some Christians Hypocrites? Why Are There So Many Different Denominations? If God Made the Universe, Then Who Made God? Can People Who Commit Suicide Go to Heaven?

Mike Sherrard, Director, Ratio Christi College Prep, Evidence for God: Free Will

Chris Sherrod, Pine Cove Christian Camps, How Old Is the Earth?

Alan Shlemon, Stand to Reason, What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? Is Homosexuality Natural? Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?

Gary V. Smith, Union University, Notes: Isaiah

Ryan P. Snuffer, Director, The Christian Resource Center, www.crcbeckley.com, What Does the Bible Teach About War? What Is God Like? Is Alcohol Bad? Should Christians Care About the Environment? If God Made Everything Good, Why Shouldn’t I Smoke Pot?

David K. Stabnow, B&H Publishing Group, Notes: Jeremiah, Lamentations

Eric Stanford, Edit Resource, LLC, Introductions: Numbers, 1

and 2 Samuel, Job, Isaiah, Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Hebrews, Revelation

Andy Steiger, Director, Apologetics Canada, What Does God Think About Tattoos?

Dave Sterrett, Founder, Disruptive Truth, Evidence for God: The Moral Argument How Do I Know Jesus Even Existed? Who Is the Holy Spirit? How Can Jesus Be God and Man?

Greg Stier, Dare 2 Share, How Do I Share My Faith?

John Stonestreet, President, Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, If God Knew Adam and Eve Would Sin, Why Did He Put the Tree in the Garden of Eden in the First Place? Has Science Disproved Miracles? Do I Need to Forgive People Who Decline Forgiveness? What About Those Who Have Never Heard of Jesus?

Bayard Taylor, Vineyard Bible Institute, What Are Worldviews and Why Are They Important? What Is Evolution? What Is the New Age Movement? Why Do Catholics Have More Books in Their Bible?

Alison Thomas, Author, Can God’s Love Be Reconciled with His Order to Kill the Canaanites? Is Religion the Cause of Evil in the World? Does the Bible Contain Errors?

James Tonkowich, Christian Author and Apologist, How Do I Defend Religious Freedom?

Frank Turek, CrossExamined.org, Same-Sex Marriage: What’s the Big Deal? Evidence for God: The Cosmological Argument Evidence for God: DNA

Josiah Vencel, Author, Do Christianity and Politics Mix? How Should a Christian Relate to Culture?

Fred von Kamecke, The Chapel, If I Can’t See God, How Do I Know He’s Real? What’s the Problem with Judging Others? What Is the Connection Between Christianity and Judaism?

Stephen Wagner, Director and Trainer, Justice for All, stephenmwagner.com, What Does the Bible Say About Abortion? Is Abortion Acceptable in Cases of Rape and Incest?

J. Warner Wallace, Speaker and Best-Selling Author, Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers? How Were People Saved Before Christ? What Does the Bible Teach About Purgatory?

Terry L. Wilder, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Notes: Hebrews, James

Ken Wytsma, President, Kilns College, The Reason for Justice

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®

The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity. It is our only source for completely reliable information about God, what happens when we die, and where history is headed. The Bible does these things because it is God’s inspired Word, inerrant in the original manuscripts. Bible translation brings God’s Word from the ancient languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic) into today’s world. In dependence on God’s Spirit to accomplish this sacred task, the CSB Translation Oversight Committee and Holman Bible Publishers present the Christian Standard Bible.

TEXTUAL BASE OF THE CSB

The textual base for the New Testament (NT) is the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition, and the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament, 5th corrected edition. The text for the Old Testament (OT) is the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, 5th edition.

Where there are significant differences among Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek manuscripts, the translators follow what they believe is the original reading and indicate the main alternative(s) in footnotes.

GOALS OF THIS TRANSLATION

•Provide English-speaking people worldwide with an accurate translation in contemporary English.

•Provide an accurate translation for personal study, sermon preparation, private devotions, and memorization.

•Provide a text that is clear and understandable, suitable for public reading, and shareable so that all may access its life-giving message.

•Affirm the authority of Scripture and champion its absolute truth against skeptical viewpoints.

TRANSLATION PHILOSOPHY OF THE CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE

Most discussions of Bible translations speak of two opposite approaches: formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence. However, Bible translations cannot be neatly sorted into these categories. Optimal equivalence capitalizes on the strengths of both approaches.

Optimal equivalence balances contemporary English readability with linguistic precision to the original languages. In the many places throughout the Bible where a word-for-word rendering is understandable, a literal translation is used. When a word-for-word rendering might obscure the meaning for a modern audience, a more dynamic translation is used. This process assures that both the words and the thoughts contained in the original text are conveyed accurately for today’s readers. The Christian Standard Bible places equal value on fidelity to the original and readability for a modern audience, resulting in a translation that achieves both goals.

HISTORY OF THE CSB

Holman Bible Publishers assembled an interdenominational team of 100 scholars, editors, stylists, and proofreaders, all of whom were committed to biblical inerrancy. Working from the original languages, the translation team edited and polished the manuscript, which was first published as the Holman Christian Standard Bible in 2004.

A standing committee maintained the translation, while also seeking ways to improve both readability and accuracy. As with the original translation, the committee that prepared this revision, renamed the Christian Standard Bible, is international and interdenominational, comprising evangelical scholars who honor the inspiration and authority of God’s written Word.

FOOTNOTES

Footnotes are used to show readers how the original biblical language has been understood in the CSB.

1.Old Testament (OT) Textual Footnotes

OT textual notes show important differences among Hebrew (Hb) manuscripts and ancient OT versions, such as the Septuagint and the Vulgate. See the list of abbreviations that follows for a list of other ancient versions used.

Some OT textual notes (like NT textual notes) give only an alternate textual reading. However, other OT textual notes also give the support for the reading chosen by the editors as well as for the alternate textual reading. For example, the CSB text of Psalm 12:7

reads,

You, LORD, will guard us;

you will protect usA

from this generation forever.

The textual footnote for this verse reads,

A 12:7

Some Hb mss, LXX; other Hb mss read him

The textual note in this example means that there are two different readings found in the Hebrew manuscripts: some manuscripts read us and others read him. The CSB translators chose the reading us, which is also found in the Septuagint (LXX), and placed the other Hebrew reading him in the footnote.

Two other kinds OT textual notes are

Alt Hb tradition reads ________

a variation given by scribes in the Hebrew manuscript tradition (known as Kethiv/Qere and Tiqqune Sopherim readings)

Hb uncertain

when it is unclear what the original Hebrew text was

2.New Testament (NT) Textual Footnotes

NT textual notes indicate significant differences among Greek manuscripts (mss) and are normally indicated in one of three ways:

Other mss read ________

Other mss add ________

Other mss omit ________

In the NT, some textual footnotes that use the word add or omit also have square brackets before and after the corresponding verses in the biblical text. Examples of this use of square brackets are Mark 16:9-20

and John 7:53

–8:11.

3.Other Kinds of Footnotes

Lit________

a more literal rendering in English of the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek text

Or ________

an alternate or less likely English translation of the same Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek text

=an abbreviation for it means or it is equivalent to

Hb, Aramaic, Gk

the actual Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word is given using equivalent English letters

Hb obscure

the existing Hebrew text is especially difficult to translate

emend(ed) to ________

the original Hebrew text is so difficult to translate that competent scholars have conjectured or inferred a restoration of the original text based on the context, probable root meanings of the words, and uses in comparative languages

In some editions of the CSB, additional footnotes clarify the meaning of certain biblical texts or explain biblical history, persons, customs, places, activities, and measurements. Cross references are given for parallel passages or passages with similar wording, and in the NT, for passages quoted from the OT.

ABBREVIATIONS IN CSB BIBLES

What Are Worldviews and Why Are They Important?

Bayard Taylor

Aworldview is how a person looks at the world, and those with differing worldviews see the world through different lenses that color how they understand and experience it. Those who share worldviews share assumptions about what is real, true, and good. Worldviews seek to answer the big questions in life: Who am I? Where did I come from? They also contribute heavily to what a person believes to be acceptable or wrong behavior.

Worldviews cover a lot of the same ground that religions do, but the term worldview is useful because everybody has one—whether or not they claim to be religious. The worldview, in fact, serves like a religion for those who do not identify with a particular faith. This is a key insight, for it shows that all humans filter the world through their particular perspectives. Everyone is biased; no human sees the entire big-picture of the world exactly as it is. Only God can do that perfectly.

All worldviews share these commonalities:

•They influence the way people live. Even those without a well-thought-out worldview that can be clearly articulated still live by a code based on basic assumptions.

•Worldviews, in fact, are always based on bottom-line assumptions that are not to be challenged or questioned.

•All worldviews compete for allegiance; each claims its own way of looking at the world is the best or only true path.

•Each is, therefore, a contributing factor in making its adherents narrow-minded—even those who claim to be open-minded.

•All worldviews have very strict rules that must not be broken.

Understanding how worldviews work levels the playing field for Christians in a culture that often seems biased against them. By learning how worldviews work, you are equipped to understand the assumptions and rules by which others play. This will not only build your sympathy for them, but it will also provide you with a greater appreciation for the solid truths of the biblical worldview.

Paganism holds that many gods and spirits exist, all competing with one another and typically harming humans. Naturalism says the physical, material world is all that exists. Pantheism holds that the world itself is divine. Syncretism blends together many different worldviews and ignores their fundamental contradictions. The biblical worldview, however, teaches the following. (1) We humans are not left to figure these deep matters out on our own, for the one God reveals himself to us, expressly through Jesus. (2) We have innate value and dignity because no matter our genders or ethnic backgrounds, we’re created in the image of God (Gn 1:26

). (3) Our Creator loves us and proved it by sending his Son to die so that those who believe in him might live with God forever.

Is Relationship Important in Apologetics?

Andy Braner

One day I was walking down the street in a major U.S. city when I saw a man dressed like Jesus shouting at people who passed by.

Repent! Repent! he called out. The kingdom of heaven is at hand!

I watched as naysayers mocked him. Some began to respond violently to this man who was simply pointing out the obvious need for people to honor God with their lives.

Seeing all of this, I turned to a friend and said, We need to go save this guy before the crowd decides to beat him up.

As we approached, one of the man’s companions intercepted us. He asked us if we knew Jesus and told us how God provided Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. In an attempt to see how much this man really knew about Jesus, I asked him, Why should I choose Jesus above all other religions?

We engaged for about thirty minutes, and he named off all the stock apologetics answers he had learned. All the while his tone was argumentative. He was literally trying to argue me into belief by laying out a series of facts and quotations. Thankfully I was already a believer. If I had not been, I doubt if his attempt to convince me of the truth of Christianity would have succeeded.

Let me explain. The facts revealed by apologetics can give us confidence that the Bible is true. Archaeology, history, philosophy, and even science can help show that the Bible tells the truth about God, the world, and humanity. It can be especially helpful in supporting the biblical portrait of Jesus—that he really did the things the Bible says he did.

So apologetics helps us understand Jesus and the reason why the world works the way it does, but does that mean we can use apologetics like a weapon when talking to someone about Jesus? Do relationships not matter? In my experience, truth without grace is ineffective. Grace toward people always trumps knowledge. In fact, the apostle Paul said, We know that ‘we all have knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, he is known by him (1Co 8:1-3

).

As you grow in your understanding of the nuts and bolts of the Christian faith, do not forget the importance of being gracious. Truth builds our confidence, but grace builds our effectiveness. Grace toward others allows them to see the strength of God in our lives far better than our ability to rattle off facts that support faith. And ultimately it is God’s grace that can provide your listeners with the hope they long for. Always remember what Jesus once said to a Pharisee: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:37-39

).

Genesis

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50

Introduction to

---

GENESIS

Ever look up at a starlit sky and ask, How did we get here? Since the dawn of time, people have been speculating about the origin of the universe. Have we always been here? Are we the result of a cosmic accident? Did God create the world? While there are many theories about the origin of the universe, the Bible has always stood out with its audacious claim that the universe is the purposeful creation of a personal God: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" ( 1:1

, italics added). The scientific consensus now supports the biblical view—the universe did indeed have a beginning.

Not only did the universe have a beginning, but so did everything else. In fact the word Genesis actually means beginning. In Genesis we get a front-row seat to the beginning of the world, animals, humans, language, marriage, the family, the Sabbath, and much more. And of all things God created, humans stand out uniquely as made in the image of God (1:26-27

). While all creation has value, it is this fact that makes each human being particularly special.

In the book of Genesis, you will also see the beginning of a nation chosen and shaped by God: the people of Israel. You’ll also learn how individual choice brought about the fall of humanity and the need for a Savior (chap. 3

). Through the interactions of the Creator God with the people he created, you’ll see the rescue plan of God begin to unfold as he works through each generation of the tiny nation of Israel to fulfill a promise made to Adam and Eve (3:15

).

The stories of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph play a huge part in the interwoven stories of beginnings. They are the patriarchs—leaders through whom God made covenants or special agreements on a certain course of action. For example, after bringing about a great flood, God promised Noah that he would never again destroy the earth by a flood (9:12-17

). God also promised Abraham that he would build a nation out of Abraham’s offspring (15:1-5

). The rest of Genesis focuses on the beginnings of that family—their ups and downs—until the sons of Jacob (who eventually became the twelve tribes of Israel) enter Egypt for protection from a famine with the help of a special brother named Joseph. God protected his people, for he had a special plan for them.

As with other books of the Bible, Genesis is meant to help us understand God’s work in the world and what it means for how we are to live. It will begin to unfold the story of how we got here, why we need a Savior, and what God would do about that need. Genesis offers some amazing insights about life that profoundly influence those who read it with an open heart and with an open mind. Are you ready?

Author:Moses

Date:Most likely written during Israel’s wandering in the wilderness (ca 1445–1406 BC)

What in the world is going on?

Genesis 2 »

THE CREATION

---

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. A

² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. ³ Then God said, Let there be light, and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day.

⁶ Then God said, Let there be an expanse between the waters, separating water from water. ⁷ So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above the expanse. And it was so. ⁸ God called the expanse sky.B Evening came and then morning: the second day.

⁹ Then God said, Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear. And it was so. ¹⁰ God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the water he called seas. And God saw that it was good. ¹¹ Then God said, Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And it was so. ¹² The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ Evening came and then morning: the third day.

¹⁴ Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for seasonsC and for days and years. ¹⁵ They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth." And it was so. ¹⁶ God made the two great lights — the greater light to rule over the day and the lesser light to rule over the night — as well as the stars. ¹⁷ God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, ¹⁸ to rule the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ Evening came and then morning: the fourth day.

²⁰ Then God said, "Let the water swarm withD living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." ²¹ So God created the large sea-creaturesE and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ²² God blessed them: Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth. ²³ Evening came and then morning: the fifth day.

²⁴ Then God said, Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds. And it was so. ²⁵ So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

²⁶ Then God said, "Let us make manF inG our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth,A and the creatures that crawlB on the earth."

How Old Is the Earth?

Chris Sherrod

There are two main views among Christians. Old earth creationists (OEC), also known as progressive creationists, believe God created the universe and all life forms in stages separated by long periods of time. They believe the geologic record accurately portrays a very long earth history. Young earth creationists (YEC) believe the universe and all life forms were created in six successive twenty-four-hour days, meaning earth is only thousands of years old. Major arguments for each view include the following:

OEC

•Speed of light measurements and the distance of stars indicate an ancient universe.

•The Hebrew word yom (day) does not always mean a literal day (e.g., Gn 2:4

).

•Genesis 1:12

says the land produced vegetation on Day Three, indicating growth from seed to maturity. That takes longer than twenty-four hours.

•There is too much activity on Day Six to fit in twenty-four hours (see Gn 1:24-31

; 2:15-25

).

•Many animals are specifically designed to prey upon other animals. This indicates that by God’s design, animal death preceded the fall of Adam and Eve.

•The sun was created on Day Four; thus Days One–Three could not have been twenty-four-hour solar days.

•The testimony of nature powerfully indicates an ancient creation.

YEC

•The usual meaning of yom is a literal, twenty-four-hour day.

•There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day, seems to indicate a literal day (Gn 1:5

, etc.).

•Sabbath rest (Ex 20:11

) seems to imply six literal days of work during creation week.

•The sun was not created until Day Four, but there was life on Day Three (Gn 1:11-13

). Life cannot exist for long periods without sunlight, and so the days were not long ages.

•Plants were created on Day Three and animals on Day Five. The interdependence between plants and animals implies that their creation was not separated by long ages.

•If death is an enemy (1Co 15:54

), was God’s original paradise free from killing, or was it filled with violence, decay, and death? Man was not permitted to eat animals until after the flood (Gn 9:2-3

).

•If decay and death were originally part of creation, why is creation looking forward to liberation from bondage to decay (Rm 8:20-22

)?

Despite these differences, Christians in both groups are committed to God’s supernatural creation of all things. Similarly, both are committed to the inspiration and authority of the Bible. Also, it is important to note that even if earth is many millions of years old, this still is not enough time for life to arise naturally and then evolve into the complex species we have today.

Though Christians sometimes passionately disagree about the age of earth, we should not break fellowship about issues of peripheral importance (Rm 14:1

). Both parties can work together, support common ground (such as Intelligent Design), and work in one accord contending together for the faith of the gospel (Php 1:27

). We can have friendly in-house debates, graciously discussing our viewpoints in a spirit of love while standing united against the world’s deceitful philosophies (Col 2:8

).

²⁷So God created man in his own image;

he created him inC the image of God;

he created them male and female.

²⁸ God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawlsD on the earth." ²⁹ God also said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, ³⁰ for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth — everything having the breath of life in it — I have givenE every green plant for food." And it was so. ³¹ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.

Genesis 2 »

1:1

The Hebrew word for God, Elohim, is grammatically plural but does not indicate a numerical plural (i.e., gods). Hebrew uses the plural form to indicate honor or intensity, sometimes called the plural of majesty. The pairing of a singular adjective (Ps 7:9

) or verb (Gn 20:6

) with Elohim shows that the one God is intended. From the Israelite standpoint the oneness of the true Deity is never in question. In Dt 6:4

The LORD, that is, Yahweh the God of Israel, is called "our Elohim, and declared to be one."

1:14-18

The lights were signs that mark off time periods. They were not to be heeded as astrological signs, correlating heavenly movements with events on earth. The worship of heavenly bodies is condemned (Dt 4:19

).

1:26-27

Let us make . . . (3:22

; 11:7

; Is 6:8

) does not indicate multiple gods. Such a view would be inconsistent with the singular his own image (Gn 1:27

; see 5:1-2

). Ancient theories of the universe’s origin typically explained creation as the outcome of sexual cohabitation between male and female deities or of a battle between a deity and a hostile entity. The Bible uniformly affirms that God is asexual with no corresponding female consort. God made the universe by his authoritative speech, not by battling deities. Gn 1

was written in part to show that the view of the physical world current at that time (i.e., that physical objects represented the work of various deities) was wrong. The cosmos is inanimate and entirely under the control of the one God. Plural and singular forms are combined in 1:26-27

(see the Spirit of God, v. 2

), reflecting God’s unity and yet his fullness. Subsequent scriptural revelation develops this further.

Although humans are created in the image and likeness of God (the terms are essentially synonyms; see 5:3

), it does not follow that God has a body. Image or likeness often refers to a physical representation of something that may be non-material. Humans were created to serve as God’s representative to govern the earth.

A 1:1

Or created the universe

B 1:8

Or heavens.

C 1:14

Or for the appointed times

D 1:20

Lit with swarms of

E 1:21

Or created sea monsters

F 1:26

Or human beings; Hb ‘adam, also in v. 27

G 1:26

Or as

A 1:26

Syr reads sky, and over every animal of the land

B 1:26

Or scurry

C 1:27

Or man as his own image; he created him as

D 1:28

Or and all scurrying animals

E 1:30

I have given added for clarity

« Genesis 1 | Genesis 3 »

---

2So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. ² On the seventh F day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested G on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. ³ God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation. H

MAN AND WOMAN IN THE GARDEN

⁴ These are the records of the heavens and the earth, concerning their creation. At the timeI that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, ⁵ no shrub of the field had yet grown on the land,J and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not made it rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground. ⁶ But mist would come up from the earth and water all the ground. ⁷ Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.

CHALLENGE AND TACTICS

CHALLENGE: Evolution is a scientific fact that makes God’s existence unnecessary.

TACTIC EMPLOYED: Google It

Ask, What do you mean by ‘evolution’? Even scientists use the word to refer to different ideas at different times. Therefore, until we define it, we cannot determine whether evolution is incompatible with a Creator. Sometimes evolution simply refers to change over time; if that’s what someone means when using the word, no problem. Change is not incompatible with a Creator. Another possible definition is the process by which small-scale genetic changes occur within an organism to modify existing characteristics; we might call this microevolution. Again, this kind of evolution is not incompatible with a Creator who designed life to adapt. However, if evolution refers to the process by which large-scale genetic change produces entirely new kinds of organisms—we might call this macroevolution—then we question the claim and examine the evidence for this so-called fact of science.

FAST FACTS: Faith and Technology

▶︎ The abilities to design and use technology are gifts from God and are signs that humans are uniquely made in his image (Gn 1:27

).

▶︎ Technology can be used for good or evil. As Christians, our use of technology should reflect Christ’s commands to love God and others (Mk 12:30-31

).

▶︎ Technology influences our worldview and relationships. We must guard our hearts and be rooted in Scripture to discern right from wrong (Pr 4:23

; Mt 7:24-27

).

⁸ The LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he placed the man he had formed. ⁹ The LORD God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God promised Adam and Eve that they would surely die if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Because they did not physically die right after they ate, some skeptics like to say this is a contradiction. Yet the majority of Jewish and Christian commentators agree that, while both Adam and Eve eventually died physically, this passage refers primarily to a spiritual death. Paul explained in Romans 5:12-21

how all humans were declared guilty through Adam’s sin, which resulted in judgment and condemnation (v. 16

). Fortunately, a remedy was made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thus, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification for believers (v. 18

). Despite the horrific penalty caused by the original sin, there is a provision for eternal life by way of the cross and faith in Jesus Christ.

¹⁰ A river wentA out from Eden to water the garden. From there it divided and became the source of four rivers.B ¹¹ The name of the first is Pishon, which flows through the entire land of Havilah,C where there is gold. ¹² Gold from that land is pure;D bdelliumE and onyxF are also there. ¹³ The name of the second river is Gihon, which flows through the entire land of Cush. ¹⁴ The name of the third river is Tigris, which runs east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

¹⁵ The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. ¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die." ¹⁸ Then the LORD God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him. ¹⁹ The LORD God formed out of the ground every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the manG no helper was found corresponding to him. ²¹ So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. ²² Then the LORD God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. ²³ And the man said:

This one, at last, is bone of my bone

and flesh of my flesh;

this one will be called woman,

for she was taken from man.

²⁴ This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. ²⁵ Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.

« Genesis 1 | Genesis 3 »

2:2-3

Rested (Hb shabat) does not imply fatigue but means only ceased. God stopped because his work of creation was complete.

2:4-26

Chapter 2

is a second creation account only in the sense that it gives a more detailed accounting than chap. 1

, not a contradictory one. While chap. 1

provides a general description, chap. 2

is specific. Twofold accounts were common in ancient theories of creation (e.g., the Babylonian story of Atrahasis). The differences in the order of creation events are due to each narrative’s distinct purposes. The first gives a loosely chronological account, gathering creation events into a discernible pattern to show the symmetry of creation’s purpose. The second is topical, focusing on the sixth day by expanding on the creation of man and woman. Gn 2

presupposes chap. 1

and does not duplicate all the creation events.

2:7

,21-22

The creation of the first man and woman is not myth. The author of the account intends to portray a historical event. The first man (Hb adam) is treated in genealogies as a historical individual named Adam (5:1

; Lk 3:38

). Since the name Adam means man(kind), the author also intends him to represent humanity in general (Gn 3:17-18

; see Rm 5:12-21

). The account of the man and woman’s creation views them as special creations, not merely types of humans. The concept of evolution of humans from lower forms is inconsistent with the author’s purpose in this narrative.

2:10-14

The lack of archaeological evidence for the garden of Eden does not mean that it existed only in myth. Despite advances in archaeology, what has been discovered of the ancient Near East is only a small percentage of what might one day be found. The rivers Tigris and Euphrates exist today in modern Iraq. The identities of the Gihon and Pishon are uncertain but may have been local streams or canals. Floods, climatic changes, and land shifts since ancient times may well have brought about significant changes in topography.

F 2:2

Sam, LXX, Syr read sixth

G 2:2

Or ceased, also in v. 3

H 2:3

Lit work that God created to make

I 2:4

Lit creation on the day

J 2:5

Or earth

A 2:10

Or goes

B 2:10

Lit became four heads

C 2:11

Or of the Havilah

D 2:12

Lit good

E 2:12

A yellowish, transparent gum resin

F 2:12

Identity of this precious stone uncertain

G 2:20

Or for Adam

« Genesis 2 | Genesis 4 »

THE TEMPTATION AND THE FALL

---

3Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the L ORD God had made. He said to the woman, Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?

² The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. ³ But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’"

⁴ No! You will not die, the serpent said to the woman. ⁵ "In fact, God knows that whenH you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,A knowing good and evil." ⁶ The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

SIN’S CONSEQUENCES

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,B and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ So the LORD God called out to the man and said to him, Where are you?

¹⁰ And he said, "I heard youC in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid."

¹¹ Then he asked, Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?

¹² The man replied, The woman you gave to be with me — she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.

¹³ So the LORD God asked the woman, What is this you have done?

And the woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate.

¹⁴ So the LORD God said to the serpent:

Because you have done this,

you are cursed more than any livestock

Since the KJV translates this verse as ye shall be as gods, both Mormons and New Age followers have interpreted this to mean that humans have the potential to become gods. Second Nephi 2:25

in the Book of Mormon says Adam needed to commit the first sin in order for humans to become gods in the next life. This assumes Satan was telling the truth in Genesis 3:5

, but the Bible says Satan is a liar and the father of lies (Jn 8:44

) and a roaring lion (1Pt 5:8

). Genesis 3:22

shows that Adam and Eve became like God only insomuch as they learned the difference between good and evil. Thus Satan misled Adam and Eve by telling a half truth. Paul compares the cunning serpent to false teachers who twist the gospel when they teach another Jesus (2Co 11:3-4

). Rather than earning godhood, in Adam and Eve’s fateful choice we see that death spread to all people, because all sinned (Rm 5:12

,16

).

and more than any wild animal.

You will move on your belly

and eat dust all the days of your life.

¹⁵I will put hostility between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring.

He will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel.

¹⁶ He said to the woman:

I will intensify your labor pains;

you will bear children with painful effort.

Your desire will be for your husband,

yet he will rule over you.

¹⁷ And he said to the man, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’:

The ground is cursed because of you.

You will eat from it by means of painful laborA

all the days of your life.

¹⁸It will produce thorns and thistles for

Reviews for CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students

[yhwhisyeshua · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome study bible giving ready answers to skeptics questions. Ravi Zacherias is one of my favorite contributors.

[wilsonknut · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a great study Bible even without the apologetic articles because of the wealth of notes on the verses, other translations, and manuscripts. The Holman translation is very accurate to the original Hebrew and Greek, and the notes tell you when they have chosen a word or phrase that is debatable and why the chose it. Some of the poetic feel of the language is lost in this translation, but I would rather have the accuracy of translation in a study Bible than the aesthetics of poetic language. The apologetic articles are okay. Most of them are very basic, but I have found them helpful when people unfamiliar with the Bible ask questions. My only gripe is that they can break up the flow of a book. The mini-biographies on the apologists are interesting. The real keys to this Bible are the notes and the translation.

[kittycrochettwo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In today's world faith and Christianity is more important than ever for our teens. When they are challenged about what they believe or just asked by fellow peers why they believe what they believe they might need a bit of help being steered in the right direction for the answer. With the Apologetics Study Bible they have a valuable resource that will make finding those answers easier. One of the stand out features of this Bible was the numerous articles included that answered a multitude of questions, and those answers included solid scripture reference so the user can look it up for themselves.I am far outside the age range that this Bible is intended for and found that the topics were relevant to me! The twisted scriptures was another feature that I really enjoyed reading, they are scriptures that people often try to twist to fit their own agenda, or perhaps make you question why you believe what you believe. The personal stories feature stories about teens, stories that the user just might relate too. There are so many useful features in this Bible,from the study notes, to the great articles and the easy to use layout making it a great study aid for teens, but truthfully this is a Bible that will appeal to older adults as well, whether they are just beginning their walk in faith or looking to learn more. A complimentary copy of this Bible was provided for review.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Apologetics Bible Study for StudentsAuthor: Sean McDowell Publisher: Holman Bible Publishers (updated 2014)Pages: 1440Year: 2014 My rating is 5 stars.The page layout makes reading the Scripture exceptionally easy without the additional commentary at the bottom or middle or the pages. Additional articles are written including references for the students to see where in the Bible to find supporting verses. At the beginning of each individual book in each testament, there is an introduction along with a timeline to help readers know what was occurring at the certain times.What are helpful in some places of the Bible are pictures of archeological sites relevant to the text. Inserts titled “Fast Facts” aid students in understanding either a particular point or an overall view of the subject matter. Reading the text is very easy on the eyes and the pages will make marking the text with a date, phrase or any thought God speaks to the student easy to write on.The hardback is my favorite as it will stand up against the constant barrage of being handled and toted around in a backpack. The hardback too makes lying on the grass or having on a lap from folding up while a student is reading or pausing to consider what God is speaking to their hearts. I believe the goal of this particular version is to make available quick help when a student is engaged in a discussion about any particular subject matter that arises.Just as parents have prepared their children to leave home for college or local schools, the Bible is the book all students should have with them. In this day when so many are seeking, confused or unconvinced, we need to make sure our next generation has the tools to stand up for Christ no matter what the situation or place!Even if one should have a Bible, there is no reason not to purchase one designed for personal use in time alone with the Lord or being able to respond to any person with informed answers. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”