Deciding between Accordance and Logos...

[RachelS]

I have been considering purchasing Bible study software, but I am not sure which program is the right program for my needs. I would love your insights and advice. 

 

I am not in ministry or a scholar, but someone who wants to be able to do deeper Bible study. I saw Logos at a conference at my church, and I'm interested in having more study resources available (Bible dictionaries, a good commentary, info on biblical culture) and the software to help with searching. I have since been researching different software programs. I bought the Accordance starter package to give a try, and I'm interested in upgrading. However, I am undecided about Logos vs Accordance. The draw for Accordance is that it is less expensive ($500 is my budget) plus there is a sale now. So it appears to me that I would be able to get more bang for my money with Accordance (I have been looking at the Bronze package in Logos). But Logos advertises that they have extensively tagged datasets to help with searching and they have different Guides to help with studying words, passages, and topics. Many reviews have said that Accordance is better for original language study, but that is not relevant to me at this point. 

 

So my question, will Accordance be a good investment for me as a layperson wanting to do deeper Bible study and invest in some digital resources, or is it more suited to a scholar?

 

Any advice is welcome!

 

Rachel

[rcdeacon]

Rachel,

 

The short answer to your question regarding whether Accordance is a good investment is a big YES!

 

I actually have both Accordance and Logos having been a pastor (now retired) using them for sermon study. Both certainly have their strong points but the real advantage of Accordance is it's incredible speed doing searches. Additionally it is stable and the customer support is unparalleled! I have the Essential package which is equipped exceptionally well for your needs and the best thing is it fits your budget. Accordance has an "info pane" that is very helpful finding info. The Essential package has a great selection of Bibles, commentaries and language helps for those of us who are challenged in this area.

 

Another item worth mentioning is the Accordance IOS app. I love this app. I can get the info I need in hurry very easily.

 

I hope this info has been helpful.

 

Bob

[David Voth]

Accordance is designed to be helpful for anyone that wants to study the Bible. There are a number of resources that are made available to help with using Accordance in your Bible study: a couple of the Accordance modules including Dr. J's Bible Study Methods and the Lighting the Lamp podcasts with Dr. J. Accordance also comes with excellent documentation and support if you have questions about how something works.

[Daniel Francis]

Accordance is a great deal... for $59 you may get most of what you want. (some great classic resources, a modern one volume commentary IVP New Bible Commentary, a great one volume modern Bible Dictionary Eerdmans, and the ability to dig into the original languages with ESV tied to strongs numbers). Accordance offers some of the best textual lexicons out there... The gold standard in introductory level OT lexicon has long been thought to be Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, this is available in Accordance but because of publisher issues has not been for sale in Logos for years. I personally have always like the abridged kittel available both places... but I feel a good companion to TWOT would be  the abridged edition of the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. This currently is not for sale over at Logos. Most of the most popular commentaries are available here but Logos does have a larger selection. That is not to say that Accordance does not contain a large selection of prime resources not currently offered in Logos. I will not go on to list the works here but I can say even though I have more resources in Logos, i have several key resources in Accordance I would not want to be without. Logos to get started basically wants you to spend $300... to get a base package which is virtually the only way to get original language  reference there. Now that gives you 241 books, but there are likely a huge number of resources there you do not want. Often times number of books can seem very inflated too when a Logos set contains say the treasury of David, they consider that 6 books. When Accordance includes it it is simply listed as 1 resource. Both are very good but Accordance has always felt like a better value to me and more accessible to casual users. No matter which you go with I am sure you will find it a blessing but I would advise to to at least download the Free Trial to see if Accordance could be the right choice for you.

 

-dan

Edited December 28, 2015 by Dan Francis

[Michael Miles]

I used to have a pile of Logos resources that ran into more cash than I paid for my first new car and I gave it all away because the Logos program ran so poorly at that time.  The person that I gave it to uses it and likes it with the current Logos program and wants me to purchase another Logos package so that we can share study materials.  I started to do the math and it turns out that it would be far less expensive for me to just buy them an Accordance package and a few additional resources to accomplish the same thing.

 

With a $500 budget you could do a lot more actual Bible study in Accordance and probably be more focused and productive than you could ever be with $500 spent on Logos.

 

You will probably be a lot happier with Accordance and will actually feel like you got something for your $500. 

[Daniel Francis]

I must admit looking at the responses you have received in the other forum makes me shake my head, the number of people trying to convince you you will not be happy unless you are willing to spend $1500 feels to be very illogical, especially when you have set a very generous budget to get you into Bible software. I thought I would mention certain items you might want to consider in accordance if you decided to go with the $59 Starter:

 

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - ABRIDGED EDITION (2 VOLUMES)

This is a very nice abridgement of the Award winning 12 volume set.

 

NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, ABRIDGED

mentioned above.

 

THEOLOGICAL WORDBOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

mentioned above.

 

NIV (2011) WITH G/K NUMBERS AND PHRASE TAGGING

Great translation with helpful tagging.

 

NEW INTERPRETER’S STUDY BIBLE NOTES

Great study Bible. I am a fan of the entire family and would highly recommend the 12 volume set as an ideal commentary. Thanks for the NIB Family.  Has more detailed information on all of them.

 

THE TORAH: A MODERN COMMENTARY

This is a detailed commentary on the first 5 books of the Jewish and Christian Bible. I include it because it a jewel that you will only find in Accordance.

 

SACRED BRIDGE, THE (SECOND EMENDED AND ENHANCED EDITION)

A fabulous historical resource / Atlas and again only found in Accordance.

 

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA, THE (FULLY REVISED) (4 VOLUMES)

I chose to recommend this Encyclopaedia because even though I highly value Anchor Bible and feel it is the best one out there, ISBE is not that far behind in my mind and I would hate to see limit your resources by having you spend $120 more on a resource.

 

These are all resources that I feel will greatly aid your study and while all together blow your budget, these give you a good selection  of things to consider.

 

-dan

EDIT--

PS: With the current sale could get you total for these additions under $500... below being the regular retail total.

 

TOTAL $617.40 Edited December 28, 2015 by Dan Francis

[accord]

 

I'm interested in having more study resources available (Bible dictionaries, a good commentary, info on biblical culture) and the software to help with searching.

 

But Logos advertises that they have extensively tagged datasets to help with searching and they have different Guides to help with studying words, passages, and topics. Many reviews have said that Accordance is better for original language study, but that is not relevant to me at this point. 

 

So my question, will Accordance be a good investment for me as a layperson wanting to do deeper Bible study and invest in some digital resources, or is it more suited to a scholar?

 

Any advice is welcome!

 

Rachel

 

HI Rachel,  as a user of both programs I find Accordance to be all around a much better software.  With the sale you ought to be able to purchase the Essential Collection and most likely the Essential IVP Reference collection (lots of Bible background, dictionaries) and stay within your budget.

 

As far as the extensively tagged datasets goes – Accordance resources are extensively tagged as well.

 

Edit:  oops... I was thinking resources, not datasets – you'll need to purchase many additional resources to have optimum use of the datasets in "L".

 

Bible study, whether in original language or not – I can't imagine you being dissapointed. 

 

Hope this is helpful.

Edited December 28, 2015 by accord

[RachelS]

Thanks to everyone for your responses! I am strongly leaning towards Accordance because of the sale that is currently on. While it seems that the two programs have differences, I have not heard any strong arguments that Logos is better except that it has a larger number of resources available. However, a large number of resources is not important to me. I would prefer to have a few good quality resources over a large quantity. So it seems that Accordance will have better value for my money at this point. 

 

Would you recommend buying the Bible Study or Essential package, or just the Starter and adding some additional resources (like those listed above)? 

Thanks to everyone for your responses! I am strongly leaning towards Accordance because of the sale that is currently on. While it seems that the two programs have differences, I have not heard any strong arguments that Logos is better except that it has a larger number of resources available. However, a large number of resources is not important to me. I would prefer to have a few good quality resources over a large quantity. So it seems that Accordance will have better value for my money at this point. 

 

Would you recommend buying the Bible Study or Essential package, or just the Starter and adding some additional resources (like those listed above)? 

[RachelS]

HI Rachel,  as a user of both programs I find Accordance to be all around a much better software.  With the sale you ought to be able to purchase the Essential Collection and most likely the Essential IVP Reference collection (lots of Bible background, dictionaries) and stay within your budget.

 

As far as the extensively tagged datasets goes – Accordance resources are extensively tagged as well.

 

Edit:  oops... I was thinking resources, not datasets – you'll need to purchase many additional resources to have optimum use of the datasets.

 

Bible study, whether in original language or not – I can't imagine you being dissapointed. 

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

Thanks! This is very helpful information. I may be confused about the datasets vs tagged resources. Can you explain further?

[accord]

Thanks! This is very helpful information. I may be confused about the datasets vs tagged resources. Can you explain further?

 

Resources are the texts and/or tools – bible, commentary, lexicon, dictionary, etc.  

 

An example regarding datasets I had just recently – "ancient literature dataset" has many more resources available to it than I have within my  rather large library; not a problem... they're available for purchase.  Quite frankly I don't know how much impact, if any, this would have for you.

 

Without providing more examples, I want to say that Accordance is my pick for software, and the company is stellar.

[RachelS]

Resources are the texts and/or tools – bible, commentary, lexicon, dictionary, etc.  

 

An example regarding datasets I had just recently – "ancient literature dataset" has many more resources available to it than I have within my  rather large library; not a problem... they're available for purchase.  Quite frankly I don't know how much impact, if any, this would have for you.

 

Without providing more examples, I want to say that Accordance is my pick for software, and the company is stellar.

 

Thanks for clarifying. I have been wondering how relevant/useful "datasets" would be to me, given that I am not willing on spending a huge amount of money at this point. 

[accord]

Would you recommend buying the Bible Study or Essential package, or just the Starter and adding some additional resources (like those listed above)? 

 

If it's at all possible for you to call in and talk with a representative regarding these possible options and pricing – I'm certain that they'll be happy to help you.  

 

 So it seems that Accordance will have better value for my money at this point. 

 

Yes, I believe so.

Edited December 28, 2015 by accord

[Julia Falling]

Rachel – The Bible Study Collection is great for those who study in English only.  But even if you don't have a scrap of Greek or Hebrew, you would benefit from the Essential Collection.  It allows you to create interlinears with original languages and will greatly help with word studies.  The Essential Collection also gives you the Graphics Package – I use those tools all the time and would hate to be without them.

 

I asked for Accordance as my Christmas gift in 2003.  I've never regretted it.  I was English only at that point.  I've since taken a lot of Greek and a smattering of Hebrew (hope to pursue it further).  Accordance has aided me tremendously in language study, word studies, and Bible study in general.  Accordance allows me to make the most of my study time because it streamlines the 'grunt work' – no more huge concordances, word study aids, multiple English versions spread out all over the floor (too much stuff for a desk).  It's all right there on my MacBook Air, though I prefer working with my Air connected to an external monitor if I'm doing anything beyond my regular reading.  Being able to design custom workspaces will make you dissatisfied with print resources very quickly.

 

And as mentioned above, customer support is excellent.  If you've got a problem, the Accordance folks will get it fixed.  Lots of podcasts, free webinars, and free training seminars (we've been to three).

 

It is cheaper in the long run to buy the Collection that you'll grow into rather than one that is adequate right now.  The current sale is the best I've ever seen.  If you can afford the Essential Collection, it will give you a great selection of texts, dictionaries and commentaries.  It's what we have.  We have purchased some resources beyond the Essential Collection, but don't plan to purchase a larger collection later – we would get too many things that would never be used.

Edited December 28, 2015 by Julie Falling

[ukfraser]

Personally rachel, i would Look at the resources included in the different packages (listed on the home page) and think about what you actually want. I know its cheaper to buy sets but do you want everything thats included or are there certain 'expensive' resources you really want and would prefer to get within your budget and others have given some good pointers. (I wouldnt want to be without the jps, jewish annotated nt and esv study bibles as good general starting points and always get tagged translations where available)

 

However, One phrase i keep coming across is that a translation is a translation and like julie, i really appreciate having the original language resources which i suggest you should seriously consider if you are after a package (either as your starter or in essential).

[Daniel Francis]

BIBLE STUDY COLLECTION (ACCORDANCE 11)

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - ABRIDGED EDITION (2 VOLUMES)

NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, ABRIDGED

THEOLOGICAL WORDBOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

NEW INTERPRETER’S STUDY BIBLE NOTES

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA, THE (FULLY REVISED) (4 VOLUMES)

 

Is honestly the core recommendation I would make for you.... This keeps you in you budget gives you some serious tools to help you dig into the Bible. Also the Bible Study Collection adds in many great works that would cost you a lot more to get on their own.

 

-Dan

[Dr. Nathan Parker]

Accordance is probably going to be far more affordable for your current budget. In the past, I had this insane notion in my head that "Accordance was too expensive". That notion has thankfully been blown out of my mind. My Accordance Essential collection was about $400 on sale, and the upgrade to v11 Essential was about $70. With Logos, I paid about $750 for Silver, $400 for Gold 3, $200 for Gold 4, close to $400 for Platinum 4, $600+ for Platinum 5, and $500+ for Platinum 6, plus I'm on Logos Now for $90/year. So who's way more expensive now?

 

Essential is a good "sweet spot" to buy into Accordance if you want the "full experience". You'll get a good core set of English Bible Study tools and some Original Language tools, plus Atlas, Timeline, PhotoGuide, etc. Atlas and PhotoGuide are a ton of fun.

 

The difference between Accordance and Logos in terms of "data sets" are that Accordance libraries primarily include resources that you'd find print editions to. Logos does this as well, but they also have an in-house team that produces various "datasets" that allow you to perform some interesting searches on some biblical topics, and many of these are handy as well. However, Accordance in a way also has a few of its own "datasets". Atlas and Timeline are both some, and I find both of these to be of higher quality than the Logos equivalents at the moment. PhotoGuide is another one, and I've found this to be a valuable module in my library. They're also working on Topic Searching of the Bible which could be considered its own "dataset".

 

Additionally, in order to get the "full benefit" of Logos and all the datasets, you'd need at least Gold or higher, plus Logos Now. The sale price under my academic discount logged into Logos is showing: $1,239.96. Your price would be higher, plus you'd be looking at another $90/year if you wanted all the datasets available in Logos. So your entry to the "full experience" in Bible software programs is going to cost less with Accordance than with Logos.

[jmc1982]

Honestly, I'd really love a list of things that are only possible in each app.

 

I've not used the desktop version of Accordance beyond a quick go with the demo version, and I'm pretty new to Logos (I jumped that way based on a couple of exclusive resources that I wanted, but I know that goes both ways).

 

Something like this (but with answers from people who actually use both, because I'm basically just working on hearsay):

 

Accordance

• Vastly more flexible Atlas
• Considerably Faster searching/opening of resources, particularly on older systems but noticeable on all.
• Better handling of images

 

Logos

• I honestly don't know what Logos does that Accordance doesn't do - is Accordance as hot on tagging as Logos? e.g. being able to search the text for Speaker/Audience labels, old testament allusions, etc?

[RachelS]

 

Honestly, I'd really love a list of things that are only possible in each app.

 

I've not used the desktop version of Accordance beyond a quick go with the demo version, and I'm pretty new to Logos (I jumped that way based on a couple of exclusive resources that I wanted, but I know that goes both ways).

 

Something like this (but with answers from people who actually use both, because I'm basically just working on hearsay):

 

Accordance

• Vastly more flexible Atlas
• Considerably Faster searching/opening of resources, particularly on older systems but noticeable on all.
• Better handling of images

 

Logos

• I honestly don't know what Logos does that Accordance doesn't do - is Accordance as hot on tagging as Logos? e.g. being able to search the text for Speaker/Audience labels, old testament allusions, etc?

 

 

Thanks so much for all the responses. I agree a comparison like jmc1982 mentioned above would be very interesting. However, the information that I would not be able to fully utilize the Logos software with my budget, and that I would get more resources and capability with the Accordance software has made my decision. I am planning on calling Accordance tomorrow and seeing how I can use the current sale coupons to the best advantage. I am now doing a comparison of the Essential package vs. the Bible study package plus the additional resources listed by Dan Francis above to see which I think would be best for my needs/budget. 

 

I do appreciate that Logos gives away a free book each month, and I have downloaded the free Logos software and free books that they are currently offering. 

 

Again, thanks so much for the advice!

 

Rachel

[RachelS]

BIBLE STUDY COLLECTION (ACCORDANCE 11)

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - ABRIDGED EDITION (2 VOLUMES)

NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, ABRIDGED

THEOLOGICAL WORDBOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

NEW INTERPRETER’S STUDY BIBLE NOTES

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA, THE (FULLY REVISED) (4 VOLUMES)

 

Is honestly the core recommendation I would make for you.... This keeps you in you budget gives you some serious tools to help you dig into the Bible. Also the Bible Study Collection adds in many great works that would cost you a lot more to get on their own.

 

-Dan

 

I tried calling but it was after Accordance hours, so I will try again tomorrow. I would love a little clarification on your recommendation above - would you recommend the above books over the Essential collection? I'm excited to take advantage of the sale that Accordance is having, it seems this is a great time to invest in Accordance!

 

Thanks,

 

Rachel

[Daniel Francis]

I personally would because although Essential is a good collection it will include a lot of Hebrew Greek resources that could become useful in the future if you learn Hebrew and Greek but for now they are like window dressing. I honestly feel this will give a complete enough library to grow on. If in a few years or even months you want to upgrade to essential it can be done, Accordance takes account what you already own.

 

I hope you enjoy which ever you decide on...

 

Dan

 

EDIT-PS: I just went back to check out the contents of essential. The items I see that I think you might miss most from it are Timeline, Accorances interactive atlas, Photoguide, and possibly the NRSV strongs. All these items can be picked up apart from that package and I own them all but I still feel these do not justify the jump up to essential at the cost of resources you are likely to utilize more. It should be noted that the NRSV tagging is just the 66 books of the Protestant bible, Accordance at one point hoped to tag the Apocrypha but decided it was beyond what they were prepared to undertake as all the Greek used in it is not found in the lexicon of the New Testament Strongs Greek.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Dan Francis

[Daniel Francis]

I open accordance and using the resources I recommended Looked at Genesis 1:1 focused in on the word created, looked at the commentary/ study bible dealing with that one verse, and selected the word creation from ISBE. I copied these all over as citations so you can see what is possible with what I have recommended.

 

Gen 1.pdf

 

-Dan

 

Forgot to include NBC:

 

1:1-2 The beginning of creation

The NIV accepts the traditional understanding of these verses, namely that they describe the very first act of creation, when God created all matter (the heavens and the earth) out of nothing. But the earth immediately after creation was formless and empty, i.e. unproductive and uninhabited. So the narrative then proceeds to relate how in six days God organized this chaos into the well–ordered world we now see.

Some modern translations and commentators understand v 1 differently. Some (e.g. the NEB) take it simply to be defining the situation when God started to create, ‘In the beginning when God created... the earth was formless...’ Others simply regard v 1 as a summary title to the first chapter. But neither view is as likely as that adopted by the NIV. ‘Create’ is something that only God does (the verb is used only of God in the OT). He demonstrates his power by creating marvellous and unexpected things (Nu. 16:30), e.g. great sea creatures (21), men and women (27) and mountains (Am. 4:13).

V 2 pictures the world as dark and desolate, covered by water and with the mysterious Spirit (or ‘wind’) of God hovering above the ocean. The suggestion here of a power within the Godhead is developed further by Pr. 8:22-31 and Jn. 1:1-3, which speak of ‘wisdom’ and ‘the Word’ assisting in creation.

 

New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A Carson et al., Accordance electronic ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994), 59.

 

PPS: Should also be noted I did not include Matthew Henry concise or full, Wesly's notes on the Bible Calvins commentary or J-F-B, Calvin and full MH are  a bit long to post but will put the other three up.

 

Chapter 1. The holy scripture, being designed to maintain and improve natural religion, to repair the decays of it. and supply the defects of it, since the fall, lays down at first this principle of the unclouded light of nature: That this world was, in the beginning of time, created by a Being of infinite wisdom and power, who was himself before all time, and all worlds. And the first verse of the Bible gives us a surer and better, a more satisfying and useful knowledge of the origin of the universe, than all the volumes of the philosophers. We have three things in this chapter.

 

I. A general idea of the work of creation, ver. 1, 2.

 

II. A particular account of the several days work, distinctly and in order. The creation of light, the first day, ver. 3-5. Of the firmament, the second day, ver. 6-8. Of the sea, the earth and its fruits, the third day, ver. 9-13. Of the lights of heaven, the fourth day, ver. 14-19. Of the fish and fowl, the fifth day, ver. 20-23. Of the beasts, ver. 24, 25. Of man, ver. 26-28. And food for both, the sixth day, ver. 29, 30.

 

III. The review and approbation of the whole work, ver. 31.

 

1. Observe here.

 

1. The effect produced, The heaven and the earth—That is, the world, including the whole frame and furniture of the universe. But ‘tis only the visible part of the creation that Moses designs to give an account of. Yet even in this there are secrets which cannot be fathomed, nor accounted for. But from what we see of heaven and earth, we may infer the eternal power and godhead of the great Creator. And let our make and place, as men, mind us of our duty, as Christians, which is always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. Observe

 

2. The author and cause of this great work, God. The Hebrew word is Elohim; which (1.) seems to mean The Covenant God, being derived from a word that signifies to swear. (2.) The plurality of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The plural name of God in Hebrew, which speaks of him as many, tho’ he be but one, was to the Gentiles perhaps a favour of death unto death, hardening them in their idolatry; but it is to us a favour of life unto life, confirming our faith in the doctrine of the Trinity, which, tho’ but darkly intimated in the Old Testament, is clearly revealed in the New. Observe

 

3. The manner how this work was effected; God created, that is, made it out of nothing. There was not any pre-existent matter out of which the world was produced. The fish and fowl were indeed produced out of the waters, and the beasts and man out of the earth; but that earth and those waters were made out of nothing. Observe

 

4. When this work was produced; In the beginning—That is, in the beginning of time. Time began with the production of those beings that are measured by time. Before the beginning of time there was none but that Infinite Being that inhabits eternity. Should we ask why God made the world no sooner, we should but darken counsel by words without knowledge; for how could there be sooner or later in eternity?

 

John Wesley, Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, Accordance electronic ed. (Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1997), n.p.

 

 

 

 

Genesis 1:1, 2. THE CREATION OF HEAVEN AND EARTH.

 

1. In the beginning — a period of remote and unknown antiquity, hid in the depths of eternal ages; and so the phrase is used in Proverbs 8:22, 23. God — the name of the Supreme Being, signifying in Hebrew, “Strong,” “Mighty.” It is expressive of omnipotent power; and by its use here in the plural form, is obscurely taught at the opening of the Bible, a doctrine clearly revealed in other parts of it, namely, that though God is one, there is a plurality of persons in the Godhead — Father, Son, and Spirit, who were engaged in the creative work (Proverbs 8:27; John 1:3, 10; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:2; Job 26:13). created — not formed from any pre-existing materials, but made out of nothing. the heaven and the earth — the universe. This first verse is a general introduction to the inspired volume, declaring the great and important truth that all things had a beginning; that nothing throughout the wide extent of nature existed from eternity, originated by chance, or from the skill of any inferior agent; but that the whole universe was produced by the creative power of God (Acts 17:24; Romans 11:36). After this preface, the narrative is confined to the earth.

 

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1871, Accordance electronic ed. (Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1996), n.p.

 

 

 

 

 

Genesis 1:1, 2. The first verse of the Bible gives us a satisfying and useful account of the origin of the earth and the heavens. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. And let our make and place as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! And here, at the beginning of the sacred volume, we read of that Divine Spirit, whose work upon the heart of man is so often mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Observe, that at first there was nothing desirable to be seen, for the world was without form, and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. In like manner the work of grace in the soul is a new creation: and in a graceless soul, one that is not born again, there is disorder, confusion, and every evil work: it is empty of all good, for it is without God; it is dark, it is darkness itself: this is our condition by nature, till Almighty grace works a change in us.

 

Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary (Condensed), Accordance electronic ed. (Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1996), n.p.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Dan Francis