Is reading the Bible one of your resolutions for the new year? Many of us have the best of intentions, but by the time we get to February or Leviticus, we’ve run out of steam and other things take priority.
Knowing the reason for something is often the best motivation to actually do it. Here are 15 reasons you need to read the Bible this year.
1. The Bible is a Bestseller
The Bible is the best-selling non-fiction book of all time. Regardless of what you think about the Bible, it’s worth your time to read a work that’s been so widely read. Find out what the buzz is all about!
2. Learn History
The Bible is an excellent source of history. Historians use the Bible as a reference. Explore the culture of ancient times and see the progression of nations over centuries through captivating stories, poetry, and more.
3. Develop a Relationship with Jesus Christ
The Bible is God’s Word. It is God’s Word to you. More than that, the Bible is the means by which we really get to know Jesus. If you want to have a real, living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, digging into the Bible is how that relationship will grow. Through the pages of Scripture, we discover the heart and character of God.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-3).”
4. It is Life and Breath
God’s Word, the Bible, is the food and nourishment our souls need not only to thrive but simply to survive.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).”
5. Find the Answers
Sometimes knowing what to do is difficult. The Bible gives us instruction for every aspect of life and can direct our decision-making, show us the next step, and teach us how to live. It’s the source of wisdom.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).”
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).”
6. Be Victorious in Spiritual Battles
We’re always in a spiritual battle whether we realize it or not. The Bible is the one offensive weapon God has given us with which we fight the enemy of our souls (Ephesians 6:17). It brings us victory.
7. Overcome Sin & Temptation
Jesus used Scripture to strike back against Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13). He had it memorized, “hidden in His heart” so He was ready to use it at any moment.
“I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).”
8. Become Discerning
Discernment is the ability to recognize what is true and what is false. We develop discernment by becoming familiar with truth, knowing it so well that detecting a counterfeit is second nature.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).”
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes (Ephesians 4:11-14).”
9. Know Real Peace, Joy & Contentment
Peter told us that peace comes to us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We get to know Him through His Word.
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).”
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble (Psalm 119:165).”
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).”
10. Be Filled With Hope
“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).”
11. Encourage Others
When we receive all the instruction, peace, joy, wisdom, and knowledge of God that the Bible has for us, we’re equipped to impart the same to others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).”
12. Grow Your Faith
Does your faith feel weak? The Bible is the cure.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).”
13. Pray Effectively
The Bible is full of prayers we can learn from or even pray from our own hearts. Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15.
As we abide in Christ, allowing His Word to inform our hearts and minds, His desires become our desires, His will becomes our will. This results in prayers He loves to answer!
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7).”
14. Receive Salvation
John Piper says, “Salvation has happened to God’s people, salvation is — at this moment — happening to God’s people, and salvation will happen completely at the resurrection of God’s people, and it is happening now…”
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).”
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21).”
15. Become Like Jesus
As we grow in our knowledge of Jesus, as we allow His Word to transform our hearts and make us more like Him, we become holy as He is holy. This is the process of sanctification.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17).”
The Benefits of Reading the Bible
We just looked at only 15 benefits of reading the Bible, but there are many more! God’s Word promises all kinds of blessing to those who spend time in it.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).”
