Many new believers often ask, “Where should I begin in the Bible?” It’s a fair question when you are new to the Faith. The Bible can seem daunting and overwhelming. And while that is a common question the response is familiar as well. “Begin with John.” But is there a blueprint? Is there a correct response when faced with the question, “Where to start reading the Bible?”
Why Not The Beginning?
I understand the rationale for starting with the Gospels. The Gospels tell the life and ministry of Jesus. But why start with John when Matthew is the first book of the New Testament? Well, the Book of John is regarded as the most explicit gospel, revealing that Jesus is God.
However, whenever the question arises regarding where to begin, I always wonder why no one ever says the beginning. Why not start in Genesis? Jesus is in the beginning too.
Jesus Is On Every Page
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
When God creates, He SPEAKS. The Book of John opens with the blunt statement that Jesus is the WORD. Therefore, we understand that creation was created through Jesus. When the Bible says that the Word became FLESH, that is not a mere metaphor but a realization of God’s promise. Jesus isn’t only a man who was born through immaculate conception. He is GOD. Our culture has created a habit of reading the New Testament only and treating it as superior. If we regard God’s Word as HOLY, then ALL HIS WORDS ARE HOLY. But when we fail to go back to the beginning, we lack understanding of the fullness of God. The Old Testament foreshadows the New. Jesus is found on every page of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
There Is No Blueprint
Is it wrong for a believer to read the Book of John first? No. Do I believe that they must begin with Genesis? No. There is no blueprint. I do believe however that creation is the foundation. I also love what Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell says about new believers opening the Bible for the first time. He says to send them to the book according to their need. For example, why not send them to the Book of Proverbs if they lack wisdom? The point is that wherever you begin should not be where you end. The Bible should be read in totality. Whether you are starting in the Gospels or Genesis, the intention should be to read it entirely. Only then will we have a complete understanding of God, His nature and sovereignty, and the gift of salvation He has bestowed on us.
With Love,
Tamara
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Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.