“What Bible Reading Plan Should I Use?”
There are scores of Bible reading plans. You’ll find some linked at the bottom of this post. A typical plan takes you through the Bible in a year – with some going from Genesis to Revelation, while others take you through the Bible chronologically (in the historical order of the events). Some plans are more focused, taking you through just the New Testament or the Gospels. There are all sorts of variations to fit any schedule, stage of life, or appetite.
The key point is that we must read our Bibles! Whether we read a passage or a chapter a day, we must read. There is simply no substitute for personal Bible reading. Sermons, Christian books and blogs, and even group Bible studies cannot take the place of your own time in God’s word.
So, where should you begin?
Here’s one suggestion: If you have never read every book of the Bible, I would strongly urge you to read it cover to cover – whichever plan helps you attain this goal. There are two reasons you should do this.
First, reading the Bible cover to cover gives you the big picture of the story of redemption. It shows you that the Bible is not primarily a book of principles. It is primarily the story of God’s exaltation of His glory in the salvation of sinners through His Son, our King, Jesus Christ. Going from beginning to end helps us better see how every part of the Scriptures develops that story. Consider that Gen 3:15 gives us the first seed of the gospel, and Rev 21-22 ends with God dwelling with His people forever in the new heavens and new earth. Everything in between, in one way or another, gets us to that end.
Second, reading through the Bible helps you see the major themes interwoven throughout the Scriptures. One example is justification: all believers from all eras are equally declared righteous by faith, not by works (Gen 15:6; Gal 3:6). Another example is God’s judgment. The same God who took down empires (Amos 1:3-15) will judge the whole earth with a great tribulation (Matt 24:21). Seeing these connections helps you appreciate the unity of the Bible. It also helps you see how God operates distinctly yet similarly from one era to the next. And such a sight of His glory deepens our worship of and love for Him.
So, read! Start with a gospel or one of Paul’s letters. Use a plan. Believe that God will draw near to you as you draw near to Him. Ask Him for help, for faith, and for the perseverance to abide in His word and for His word to abide in you so that your joy may be made full (John 15:7, 11).
Straight through the Bible in a Year
http://www.heartlight.org/devotionals/reading_plans/straightthrough.pdf
5-Day Bible Reading Plan
A Plan for Shirkers and Slackers
https://ransomfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bible-reading-plan.pdf
A Two-Year Bible Reading Plan
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/two-year-bible-reading-plan/
(The reading plan link is at the bottom of this helpful article.)
A Chronological Plan