Holman first published the Master Study Bible in 1981. Available only in King James or New American Standard versions, the Master Study Bible offered perhaps the most comprehensive assortment of study aids available. It was a bit more costly than other study Bibles. It sold poorly, and eventually it was discontinued.
Leather bound Master Study Bibles can fetch as much as $500-$1,000 today. That’s small money when compared to the big money Bible which was printed on Gutenberg’s press. A single page of a Gutenberg Bible would likely sell for $20,000. An intact Gutenberg Bible would likely bring $25 million to $35 million at auction today.
Even MasterCard advertised, “Some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s MasterCard.”
Worth more than all the gold in the world is a loving family. Worth more than pure gold are good friends. Worth more than a Gutenberg Bible are the words printed on its pages — God’s words.
The Psalmist wrote, “I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold.” Again he wrote, “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”
God’s word is powerful to save. It’s the imperishable seed of our faith by which we are born again. God’s word is pure milk and solid food to nourish us spiritually. By the word of God we grow and are being transformed into Christ’s image. God’s word points us to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. It points to Jesus who is The Way, The Truth and The Life. He gives life that’s abundant and everlasting. Now, He is priceless!
Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.