“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Begin the new year reading through the bible. Here are 4 reasons to read the entire bible this year:
1. It helps you understand the big picture of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible is not a collection of individual stories, nor is it a roadmap for your life. It is a gift from God telling you about himself and your need for him. Reading through the Bible will piece together his plan of salvation that is revealed more and more throughout history. The message of it is He reigns, saves, and satisfies for his glory in Jesus Christ.
2. It helps you better understand the Old Testament. Let’s face it, most of us are not familiar with the Old Testament, nor do we understand much of it. As you read through the Old Testament, it will give you a better grasp for what the New Testament accomplishes. It will help you see why the Son of God humbled himself and died on the cross for God’s people, and why Jesus is our only hope.
3. It will help you keep biblical passages in context. The Bible was not written to us, it was written for us. The worst thing a believer can do is to take a verse, a passage, or chapter out of context and misuse or misquote it. So many well-intended Christians have life verses or biblical sayings that are applied wrongly. Reading through the Bible will explain how a passage fits into the theme of the whole Bible and provide context for right application.
4. It will feed your soul and reward you with greater assurance and faith. Psalm 19:7-11 says:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
If you don’t have a reading plan choose from one of these:
5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan
You can also download the ESV Bible app and have it audibly play through bible passages.