How many have read through the Bible?

[III John]

I just started a new plan for reading through the Bible. The plan is set up to allow you to complete the reading in 222 days. I thought that seemed like an interesting challenge, and so far I have read everyday. I am currently on Day 6. I do my reading first thing in the morning before I have a chance to get distracted by anything else. Plus that allows me to reflect throughout the day on what I have read.

Last year, the congregation of the church I am joining read throught the Bible together, but I didn't do it because I started attending the church in late-April and would have been way behind. I decided to do it on my own this year because it is something I have always wanted to do. This will be my first time through the entire Bible, although I have read completely through Genesis a couple of times and have read Job for the adult confirmation class I am currently taking.

 

[whatseekye]

I just started a new plan for reading through the Bible. The plan is set up to allow you to complete the reading in 222 days. I thought that seemed like an interesting challenge, and so far I have read everyday. I am currently on Day 6. I do my reading first thing in the morning before I have a chance to get distracted by anything else. Plus that allows me to reflect throughout the day on what I have read.

Last year, the congregation of the church I am joining read throught the Bible together, but I didn't do it because I started attending the church in late-April and would have been way behind. I decided to do it on my own this year because it is something I have always wanted to do. This will be my first time through the entire Bible, although I have read completely through Genesis a couple of times and have read Job for the adult confirmation class I am currently taking.

I read the bible for the first time in 2003-2004. The absolute best advice that I can give you is, if you find yourself falling behind, don't try to catch up on your readings before you read the current day's readings. Always do your daily reading first (and mark it off), then go back and catch up as time allows. That kept me on track and helped me get through the readings better.

Reading the bible for the first time is a real blessing. I also highly recommend keeping your thoughts jotted down somewhere. I wish I had kept my notes.

 

[Heinrich]

I think most christians read the NT more than the OT... althought that is true 4 me I very much like the OT! Very awsome.
I started re-reading bible in mid 2003 after recommitment. What a life change that was! (infact I sometimes wonder if that wasn't just getting saved
Read NT few times.
Read all of OT accept Songs of Sol.

But I think it's very important to remember that simply reading the bible is all its about. That's why I also prefer reading slower and actually learning something.
And sometimes I find myself reading the bible for hours but never spending time with God (

 

[chunkofcoal]

Thank you for the encouragement. I don't feel guilty about not reading through the Bible yearly. I just feel as a Christian, especially one who ministers to others, my standards need to set higher. This is not legalism to me, this is striving for perfection.

Again thanks for the encouragement.

"But continue thou in the things which thou has learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousnessness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2Timothy 3:14-17

 

[chanis]

I haven't read completley through the bible and I grew up in church and have been saved for over 10 years but I just have never done it but it's my goal this year to do it!

 

[mannysee]

i am reading 3 or more chapters a day and am almost through Job, on my way reading through the OT. I read slowly and think about the things i am reading. It is so wonderful discovering new gems in the OT each day and how things can be seen to look forward to things within the NT. Job is such a poetic and deep book. I am beginning to call it my "Why God?" book. You know, the more i read, the more i begin to think that's it's true what they say, that the bible covers any subject within life.

 

[ChristsChick]

I have read through the Bible a couple of times, but I've read the entire new testament about 5 or 6 times. I think reading through it like I would a book helps me see the overall picture, but I also pick particular verses or chapters in my daily quiet time to think about in more depth, praying and journalling about them. I think reading it this way works best for me, because I can see the big picture without missing out on the details.

 

[LynnMcG]

When I first saw this post it struck me that we often will use something like this as a sort of badge. Believe me, I'm not accusing anyone in this post of this! But it made me think that we need to be careful. Anyone can read the bible, but we are not saved by works (like reading the bible through every year of our life) but by grace. Do you know the Word? Do you use it? Do you act in the Word? Do you lead your life as an example to others through what the Word teaches us?

Me, I'm sure I've read the bible all the way through between bible school and my own studies but I tend to not read it as a project. I often read certain books over and over because of what I need to learn from that particular book.

 

[CFoster]

I have read through the Bible once, and the New Testament 3-4 times. I really need to go back and read the Old Testament. I find I am taking special interest in different subjects and it is leading me into piece meal studies of the Bible. Dont know if that is a good thing or not?

 

[Evie]

I have actually read through the Bible several times,but it's not how many times that matters. It is rather that your getting understanding!!!

 

[RThibeault]

When I first saw this post it struck me that we often will use something like this as a sort of badge. Believe me, I'm not accusing anyone in this post of this! But it made me think that we need to be careful. Anyone can read the bible, but we are not saved by works (like reading the bible through every year of our life) but by grace. Do you know the Word? Do you use it? Do you act in the Word? Do you lead your life as an example to others through what the Word teaches us?

Me, I'm sure I've read the bible all the way through between bible school and my own studies but I tend to not read it as a project. I often read certain books over and over because of what I need to learn from that particular book.

I agree we should not read through the Bible as if it were some sort of merit badge. And we are not saved by works. But the Bible does teach the need to be obedient to the Word of God.

And though the intention may not be the purest, I feel any motivation for reading the Bible, if it works to get a person reading the Bible, is beneficial.
The fact is most people do not read their Bible regularly.

I beleive as did Spurgeon, Anyone who professes to be a Christian ought to be a student of the Bible.

 

[woman.at.the.well]

i believe it is definetly a good habit to get into everyday. like RThibeault said, "I beleive as did Spurgeon, Anyone who professes to be a Christian ought to be a student of the Bible."

 

[Psalms101]

I have read it through 4 times in 4 years, although, right now, i havent been doing a read through in a year, or a chronological plan

 

[kelco]

I have read through the bible at least 15-20 times. And every time I read it I find something new.

 

[Evie]

I am just curious how many have read through the Bible one or more times. I myself have only read through it 13 times in my 24 years as a Christian. Though, I know this is more than most, I still feel I should have read it through at least once a year. What do you think?

I think the real question here is have you REALLY read all the way through the BIBLE? As some Christians,they do not follow according to how we should really should living accordingly. Is does matter whether you have read from Genisis to Revelation, what matters is whether you get understanding, wisdom and knowledge with reading God's Word.

 

[whatseekye]

I think the real question here is have you REALLY read all the way through the BIBLE? As some Christians,they do not follow according to how we should really should living accordingly. Is does matter whether you have read from Genisis to Revelation, what matters is whether you get understanding, wisdom and knowledge with reading God's Word.

"blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" - Luke 11:28 NKJV

"Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." - John 8:51 NKJV

"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" - 1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

That's a good question. I can tell you that reading through the bible has definitely helped me. Right from the beginning of my readings, I did have the overall question in my mind, "What can I learn about Jesus through the whole bible? What can I learn about the heart of God and His Will for me?" The Bible itself says that in reading it, you will grow and be sanctified.

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17 NKJV

When I read God's word daily, I have Him on my mind and I am more likely to pray, more likely to take care in my daily tasks, more likely to recognize opportunities to minister to others, etc. Unfortunately, I am a forgetful person and when I am not contemplating God (through reading his word, praying, etc.), I tend to lapse in to laziness and some of my bad habits like dwelling on the past, watching too much t.v., playing too many hours of video games, and all those activities fill my mind with things that are untrue.

We should approach our readings not with a puffed up attitude of trying to know it all. But we should always read prayerfully with an open heart and submissive attitude, expecting God to speak to us and change us. I personally want to really see what the words are saying and not put on doctrinal glasses. I do consider doctrines at times, especially when I am confused about something.

Here's an interesting scripture:

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." - 1 Tim 4:4-5

This is how I feel about reading and knowing the word of God. The more I read and pray, the more that my life becomes consecrated so that my conscience is at rest and I can live my life knowing that God is at the center of it all.

Thanks for raising the point. If a person has the Holy Spirit indwelling them (having been born again), they will read and grow in spiritual maturity. I think the Word of God has the power to sancitify and change a believer. It's pretty powerful stuff! And if you are not living right as a Christian, you've got to be convicted of your sin (and brought to a realization of how much you need God), especially when you read through the law all through the OT! Required reading should be the ten commandments in that case. (Exodus 20, Deut 5)

For a really good essay on this very subject, especially treating the command for us to be "perfect" (teleios), read this:
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=441

 

[Evie]

"blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" - Luke 11:28 NKJV

"Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." - John 8:51 NKJV

"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" - 1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

That's a good question. I can tell you that reading through the bible has definitely helped me. Right from the beginning of my readings, I did have the overall question in my mind, "What can I learn about Jesus through the whole bible? What can I learn about the heart of God and His Will for me?" The Bible itself says that in reading it, you will grow and be sanctified.

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17 NKJV

When I read God's word daily, I have Him on my mind and I am more likely to pray, more likely to take care in my daily tasks, more likely to recognize opportunities to minister to others, etc. Unfortunately, I am a forgetful person and when I am not contemplating God (through reading his word, praying, etc.), I tend to lapse in to laziness and some of my bad habits like dwelling on the past, watching too much t.v., playing too many hours of video games, and all those activities fill my mind with things that are untrue.

We should approach our readings not with a puffed up attitude of trying to know it all. But we should always read prayerfully with an open heart and submissive attitude, expecting God to speak to us and change us. I personally want to really see what the words are saying and not put on doctrinal glasses. I do consider doctrines at times, especially when I am confused about something.

Here's an interesting scripture:

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." - 1 Tim 4:4-5

This is how I feel about reading and knowing the word of God. The more I read and pray, the more that my life becomes consecrated so that my conscience is at rest and I can live my life knowing that God is at the center of it all.

Thanks for raising the point. If a person has the Holy Spirit indwelling them (having been born again), they will read and grow in spiritual maturity. I think the Word of God has the power to sancitify and change a believer. It's pretty powerful stuff! And if you are not living right as a Christian, you've got to be convicted of your sin (and brought to a realization of how much you need God), especially when you read through the law all through the OT! Required reading should be the ten commandments in that case. (Exodus 20, Deut 5)

For a really good essay on this very subject, especially treating the command for us to be "perfect" (teleios), read this:
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=441

oh,I'm not saying that I don't agree,but when I was younger in the Lord,I read the Bible through a zillion and one times and never understood it. I'm sure that there are many more like me. Now,I find I do understand it because of deeper studies of His Word. Like,devotionsls and just doing my own saerching and such. I think it's a great question,but for me in the past is was not.

 

[Evie]

"blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" - Luke 11:28 NKJV

"Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." - John 8:51 NKJV

"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" - 1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

That's a good question. I can tell you that reading through the bible has definitely helped me. Right from the beginning of my readings, I did have the overall question in my mind, "What can I learn about Jesus through the whole bible? What can I learn about the heart of God and His Will for me?" The Bible itself says that in reading it, you will grow and be sanctified.

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17 NKJV

When I read God's word daily, I have Him on my mind and I am more likely to pray, more likely to take care in my daily tasks, more likely to recognize opportunities to minister to others, etc. Unfortunately, I am a forgetful person and when I am not contemplating God (through reading his word, praying, etc.), I tend to lapse in to laziness and some of my bad habits like dwelling on the past, watching too much t.v., playing too many hours of video games, and all those activities fill my mind with things that are untrue.

We should approach our readings not with a puffed up attitude of trying to know it all. But we should always read prayerfully with an open heart and submissive attitude, expecting God to speak to us and change us. I personally want to really see what the words are saying and not put on doctrinal glasses. I do consider doctrines at times, especially when I am confused about something.

Here's an interesting scripture:

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." - 1 Tim 4:4-5

This is how I feel about reading and knowing the word of God. The more I read and pray, the more that my life becomes consecrated so that my conscience is at rest and I can live my life knowing that God is at the center of it all.

Thanks for raising the point. If a person has the Holy Spirit indwelling them (having been born again), they will read and grow in spiritual maturity. I think the Word of God has the power to sancitify and change a believer. It's pretty powerful stuff! And if you are not living right as a Christian, you've got to be convicted of your sin (and brought to a realization of how much you need God), especially when you read through the law all through the OT! Required reading should be the ten commandments in that case. (Exodus 20, Deut 5)

For a really good essay on this very subject, especially treating the command for us to be "perfect" (teleios), read this:
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=441

oh,I'm not saying that I don't agree,but when I was younger in the Lord,I read the Bible through a zillion and one times and never understood it. I'm sure that there are many more like me. Now,I find I do understand it because of deeper studies of His Word. Like,devotionals and just doing my own searching and such. I think it's a great question,but for me in the past is was not.

 

[whatseekye]

oh,I'm not saying that I don't agree,but when I was younger in the Lord,I read the Bible through a zillion and one times and never understood it. I'm sure that there are many more like me. Now,I find I do understand it because of deeper studies of His Word. Like,devotionals and just doing my own searching and such. I think it's a great question,but for me in the past is was not.

Do you think that the time you spent reading the Bible when you were younger was a total waste? Or did it help you in some way? What would you advise a young Christian to do to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God?

 

[Evie]

Do you think that the time you spent reading the Bible when you were younger was a total waste? Or did it help you in some way? What would you advise a young Christian to do to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God?

yeah,reading through the bible is great,but if your reading just to read there is no sense. Ya know,those READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR things they hand out at church,well that's what I did and did not understand it at all. But if you read through because you love His word and want to know His heart,then certainly read it through all the way.