Is Regular Bible Reading Legalism?
As 2021 comes to a close, I joyfully finished up my systematic Bible Reading plan.[1] For the past several years I have used the Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s plan that takes you through the Old Testament 1X and the New Testament and the Psalm’s 2X (if interested you can find the plan HERE).[2] A recent study from Lifeway Research found that only 9% of Americans had read through the whole Bible more than once.[3] Although it is estimated that 87% of American households have a Bible, less than 25% have a plan for reading it. All this got me thinking…Should we read our Bibles or am I stuck in some sort of old school legalism?
Before I answer that question let me be upfront with a couple of assumptions I am working from. First, I believe the Bible is the only standard of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ, and the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and without error in the original documents (Psalm 119:160; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21). If you don’t believe that, there may be other valuable reasons to read the Bible (google it, there are some great articles out there), but I am addressing those who claim to be followers of Jesus and say the Bible is their standard of faith. Second, I confess I am (or at least was) a pastor and perhaps I have a biase in my background. Third, I grew up in very legalistic churches that hammered the idea of reading the Bible regularly – many of my friends who have grown up in the same tradition have wandered away from regular Bible reading perhaps because of the same emphasis I am trying to promote here.
Should we read our Bibles or am I stuck in some sort of old school legalism? First, the Bible doesn’t necessarily command you to read it but it does make some assumptions that you are reading it. For example, to Joshua (speaking of the Pentateuch) God says, “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). The idea of meditating on God’s law (Word’s, Work, Character, etc.) is repeated through Scripture (see also Psalm 1:2; Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77:12). Meditating on God and His laws requires at least some foundation in the Word of God. As we read the Bible - God’s laws, His character and His works are wonderfully revealed to us in a way that we can reflect on and live by.
Second, the Word of God is beneficial to the believer. The Word of God is like a light on our path (Psalm 119:105). The Bible when read and even memorized helps keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). Scripture through the Holy Spirit digs deep into our soul and confronts our motivations and thoughts (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is profitable to the believer, it is food for the soul, and it sanctifies us (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17). According to the Lifeway study mentioned above, over half of the U.S. (53%) have read very little of the Bible. If you are a follower of Jesus why would you walk in the dark when you have a flashlight in your hand, why would google solutions without at least trying to see what God has to say on a topic?
Third, rhythms, rituals and regular habits can be life giving. Yes, “read your bible everyday” can become legalistic but so can brush your teeth, exercise or eat right. Some habits are just good for you. Job said God’s commandments were better than food (Job 23:12), King David wrote a whole praise song about the Word of God (Read Psalm 119), the Wisdom writers tell us we will gain knowledge and understanding (see Proverbs, read Proverbs 2:3-5), and James tells us the Word of God is able to save our souls (James 1:21).
There are many other good reasons and I would love to sit down with you and discuss them, but let me address some objections that I hear all the time. First, for those who have trouble reading, consider listening to the Word of God there are many great, free apps and websites that will read the Bible to you (check out Bible Gateway HERE). Second, for those that think the Bible is outdated with old stories that seem a little weird, Paul told us those stores are there for our instruction (see Romans 15:4). Third, to those who will say I just don’t understand what I am reading I would suggest reading it in a group (see 1 Timothy 4:13). If you can’t find a group, I will be doing the reading plan mentioned in the first paragraph, feel free to shoot me any questions I love talking about the Bible.
We live in a quickly changing, often difficult world. Many people’s faith in God seems to be weakening. My experience as a pastor saw many people more interested in politics, potlucks, and their own personal standing than in true transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. Perhaps this year you can challenge yourself to read through God’s Word. Start each day by asking God to show you new things in his word or pray this “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew 6:5ff.).
[1] The picture is of my reading checklist – I love checking things off!
[2][2] There is an alternate version that will take you through the Old Testament in two years and the New Testament/Psalms 1X you can find it HERE
[3] You can read more about the results of Lifeway’s Study HERE