It's already a new year and I can't believe it. Have you ever thought about what your goals are for reading the Bible? You need to have a plan. I know our plans are not completely written, but if we have a plan that we are trying to implement, we are more likely to sit down and read the Bible.
There is no more important book in the world than the Bible. So if you plan on reading any other books this year, fiction or nonfiction, be diligent about putting the Bible at the top of your list.
We would like to reflect on the text. Meditation evokes joy.
Are you interested in furthering your studies in Biblical Theology, viewing and interpreting scripture in light of and within the larger story of the Bible? How later Biblical authors used earlier Biblical texts? Would you like to think more about what we do?Would you like to study the many ways the New and Old Testaments are connected?
I think the subject and field of Biblical Theology is thrilling, and I want you to be excited about it, too.
Consider six strategies you can implement in the new year that will help you deepen your understanding of Biblical theology.
1. Read chunks
The more you read, the more you discover. If you read four chapters per day, you can finish reading the entire Bible in a year. But what if you read more than four books on some days? For example, what if you sat down and read Genesis 1 through 11? And then what about Genesis 12 through 25? Or, why not consider reading all of Genesis 1-4 on the first day, Genesis 5-8 on the second day, and all of Genesis 1-11 on the third day?
The emphasis is on larger text areas to connect more characters, dialogue, and events. If you only read a chapter here and a chapter there, or a few verses here and a few verses there, the interconnectedness of the larger story won't shine as brightly.
If you haven't read the entire Bible yet, this year is the perfect time to do so. Reading chapters together prepares your mind and heart to see and enjoy the Bible's vibrant interconnectedness.
2. Ask questions
The purpose is not simply to take in information. We would like to reflect on the text. Meditation evokes joy. One way to think about a text is to research it. Ask questions about what you're reading, such as:
- Could you restate in your own words what you just read in that chapter of the Bible?
- Do you read stories or another genre?
- What characters were involved?
- Do you remember what characters said or did, and do you know why they said or did what they did?
- Did something happen in this chapter that reminded you of something earlier? Was it a pattern of behavior or a particular phrase?
- What does this Bible passage teach us about the Lord and His people?
- How does what you're reading connect to what you've read before?
- Do you understand how this chapter will affect future developments?
- Are there any specific commands I need to understand?
- Is there a place you need to find on the map?
- Are there any promises to rejoice in?
- How does this passage demonstrate our need for Christ?
- Do you know if this passage is quoted or somehow incorporated into a later text?
The goal of these and other questions is to treat the aisles. You're thinking about what you're reading, so asking questions helps you think. you're trying to make me realize, Really Pay attention to what you are reading.
3. Go back
Reading through the Bible isn't always the best way to go. Biblical accounts are interconnected so that previous themes and passages develop and develop. There are patterns to identify and similarities to identify.
For example, when we read in Genesis 9 how Noah bore fruit, sinned, and fell into a state of nakedness and shame, it should remind us of what happened in Genesis 3. Definitely go back to previous chapters and compare things.
The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12 may come to mind as you read the book of Exodus about the plagues that hit Egypt and the people being rescued from Pharaoh. Return to Genesis 12 and meditate on how Abraham's life foreshadows what will come later in the national life of Israel.
Going back into the past aids understanding because it strengthens the unity of the Bible and the consistency of its writings. So this year, as you read through the Bible, take time to read backwards.
4. Pray fervently
Do not read the Bible without praying. We should not try to understand the Bible on our own. We should want to approach the Bible text with a spirit of dependence and humility. We are the ones in trouble. We are people of faith who seek understanding.
In our prayers to the Holy Author, we ask Him to enlighten our understanding and protect us from error. We ask God to stir up joy in us as we read and meditate. We should pray for concentration, patience, and discipline. We must pray for spiritual growth, strength, and renewal.
We pour our souls into the authentic, inspired works of divine authors.
Reading the Bible requires fervent prayer. Hermeneutic formulas and analytical questions are not enough. We need the gracious and faithful work of the Holy Spirit to help us think, believe, internalize, and respond.
Reading the Bible also encourages prayer. We read things that prompt familiar faces and familiar situations. We need to combine our prayer habits with our Bible reading habits. These disciplines are mutually beneficial and both serve our souls.
5. Get resources
Don't think of the new year as just you and the Bible. Many people have thought about the Bible and written about it. And they have come before us as a cloud of witnesses who can teach and enlighten us through their writings. You need good resources.
There are a few things to consider here.
James Hamilton'sThe Glory of God in Salvation by Judgment: Biblical Theology“Hamilton tackles the books of the Bible. His books will be great partners in your Bible reading plan. His books.”What is Biblical Theology?” to learn more about the concepts and practices of Biblical Theology.
There is “”.Commentary on the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament“and”New Testament Dictionary Old Testament UsageThese two resources are packed with insightful explanations and articles.
Jeremy Kimble and Ched Spellman say “Invitation to Biblical Theology“And you should accept their invitation. I love DeLucy, Martin, and Naceri's books.”40 Questions on Biblical TheologyTD Alexander has a concise and helpful book called “.From Eden to New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology” I highly recommend it.Exodus Old and New” by L. Michael Morales is one of my favorite books of the past few years.
There are lots of good resources out there. InterVarsity Press has an entire series called . “New Research in Biblical Theology” And the volume is impressive and useful. Crossway has the following series: “Short-term study of Biblical Theology” And these studies are amazing.
I have written some things that may be useful in 2025.
my book”hope for the whole planet” and “Good news for the whole earth“Explains the content and unfolding drama of the Old and New Testaments. These books are concise, aimed at thoughtful readers, and work well when read in pairs. My Books.”Lack of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall.“Explore Genesis 3 in the light of the Biblical canon. And.”40 questions about typology and allegory” is my effort to understand how various patterns, figures, and symbols in the Bible refer to and are realized in Christ.
We live in a time of abundant biblical and theological resources. The problem is deciding what to read first. Don't fall asleep on the many resources that exist for a deeper understanding of the Bible and theology.
6. Please be patient
It takes time to understand the Bible more deeply. There are no shortcuts. A sense of immersion in the text is required. We need to read and reread. As we internalize the Bible more and grasp the bigger picture, it will stimulate growth in our biblical theology.
You may never read the Bible any more. Don't get caught up in guilt. Instead, let the beauty and glory of God's plan of salvation draw you back to the scriptures to study, meditate, and pray. Please continue reading. Continue walking slowly. Some resources may start but not complete. That's okay too. The important thing is to learn and keep learning.
The development of Biblical theology is not a quick fix. We are playing a long game. We pour our souls into the authentic, inspired works of divine authors. We can read the Bible with a humble yet hopeful attitude. We can trust that God will grow us, strengthen us, sustain us, bless us, nourish us, and renew us.
Let us enter the new year prepared, hoping to become people shaped by the Bible, with a life of submission to God's authority and a heart that rejoices in what God has made known through His Word. I hope you will be able to do it.
This essay is first published At Substack with Dr. Mitchell Chase.”Biblical theology.”
