Reading the Entire Bible in 2025? Consider a Different Approach
So you want to read the entire Bible in a year, starting January 1? That’s a great aspiration, and I wouldn’t necessarily discourage you from doing it. But hear me out on possibly taking a different approach to your devotional reading this year, starting with the answer to a simple question: Why Read the Bible?
I’ve read the entire Bible countless times for many years following the McCheyne reading guide (see the link below) that John Stott first commended to me back in 1980. That plan will take you through the OT once and the NT and Psalms twice a year - pretty aggressive! Still, I’ve noticed that people need to read the Bible more deeply; a simple exercise could help make a big difference for you.
Why Read the Bible?
Why read the Bible? It’s such a privilege to be able to do so. We can’t forget those who paid with their lives for us to enjoy reading Scripture in our language. Printing technology also made complete Bibles affordable and accessible. The martyrs John Wyclif and William Tyndale (among others) would urge us to diligently and prayerfully read the Bible privately, along with the public reading of the Bible in the church.
So yes, we should read and digest all of the Bible because “all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Tempted to ignore the Old Testament? That’s a serious mistake! “These things were written for our instruction,” wrote Paul about Israel’s story under the Old Covenant, and Jesus said, “Moses wrote of me” (1 Corinthians 10:11; John 5:46-47). The Old Testament reveals Jesus as much as it promises Jesus, and we don’t want to miss where Jesus is being revealed.
And that final point is the ultimate answer to the question, “Why read the Bible?” We read to meet Jesus, as “knowing him” is the magnificent and singular ambition of every disciple (Philippians 3:7-12). The goal of our reading should be to meet Jesus in all of Scripture, to know him, to be transformed by his truth, and be conformed to his image.
A Deep-Dive Approach
While many people will read the entire Bible (good), they may never go deep into the Bible (not so good). So, if you’ve already read the entire Bible or are intimidated by the thought of trying it, please consider this approach instead.
In addition to the Psalms, pick six books and spend two months with each one. Go deep.
Here’s an example.
Choose Luke. Read 2-3 chapters daily, plus 2-3 brief Psalms (or one lengthy Psalm). You’ll finish Luke in 12 days at two chapters a day, and at three chapters a day, you’ll finish in 8 days. Then start again. Read Luke continuously. Digest it. Listen to it. Meet Jesus in Luke’s words. Do a deep dive on Luke. Two months with Luke. You’ll read it 4-6 times in succession. Patterns will begin to show up for you, along with deep connections you might never have noticed. Add the Psalms daily to help you pray. That kind of focused attention on the text will get the book down inside you, and you’ll find yourself more familiar with Jesus, his life, and his teachings. You’ll also be quoting Luke easily by the end. It will be settled into your soul.
See what I’m suggesting? Dig Deep Wells!
Here are the six I’d choose for the year in addition to the daily Psalms:
Genesis 1-22, 32, 37, 50
Exodus 1-25, 40
Matthew (28 chapters)
John (21 chapters)
Romans (16 chapters)
Philippians (4 chapters)
And if Luke feels too challenging, use Mark (16 chapters that move quickly).
You might prefer six other books -
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
Isaiah 1-12
Isaiah 40-66
Luke (24 chapters)
Acts (28 chapters)
Or…
Deuteronomy (34 chapters)
Judges-Ruth (25 chapters)
Mark (16 chapters)
Romans (16 chapters)
Ephesians (6 chapters)
1-2 Timothy, Titus (13 chapters)
And always 1-3 brief Psalms!
Now that you get the general idea, you could create any combination you believe would be helpful. It’s a great way to go deeper into the Scriptures, grow in our knowledge of God, make room for the Spirit to work on our hearts and minds, and love the Lord Jesus Christ more fully. It’ll be an incredible year of focused attention to God’s word and wisdom.
Here are a few more tips:
Instead of an e-version, USE A PRINT VERSION of the text with enough margin for notes you make as you read. UNDERLINE. Write down questions.
The Bible Project videos offer a brief and brilliant introduction to each of the Bible’s books. Watch them before you start a book. Heck, bookmark them for future use. Here’s the link: https://bibleproject.com/explore/
Consider Including Family reading - Read one of your daily chapters or Psalms with your spouse and/or children.
LISTEN to the book if reading is a challenge. Some of us are readers and some of us learn more audibly. Also, occasionally, listen while you read to slow the reading and focus attention.
Pray before you start.
Here’s a good prayer for us all as we open our Bibles in 2025 to know Jesus, embrace his way as we are embraced in his grace, and be changed into his image.
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (From the Book of Common Prayer).
Some Links for Reading Plans and Other Devotional Resources
The McCheyne Daily Reading Program - https://www.mcheyne.info/calendar.pdf
A host of options on reading the entire Bible in a year - https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
For a daily dose of excellent Systematic Theology, look no further than Kevin DeYoung’s superb new book, “Daily Doctrine” - https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Doctrine-One-Year-Systematic-Theology/dp/1433572850/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14SGAVSU3706Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0gRovu6ISbvH22H6cCL7uKbOkh9e1YJWh-0y_IHbE6rHsVC1pwJ8m7ULrwpmW9hWa7z0SLDSPV7a7KNxF72D_aL9Re7M5gueXqcaOKU8kCQ3VM7G8QFHaBc_mjNQ8YH48qGHehyUOHSy7TbdFpE0cvy3mtGyn3pYVx9BN_zpQGj8HoHWevMh3de4c3FGlIYGKkmG3kObU70pv3jKdYc6MP8yRXTsJqrljDf-jeAhNr0.JszTTAuQQeRgaNaXhjJvShIHx-mI87tx_5DSwCxN69A&dib_tag=se&keywords=Daily+Doctrine&qid=1735570718&sprefix=daily+doctrine%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1
For a daily devotional that unveils Jesus in the Old Testament Hebrew text, look no further than Chad Bird’s wonder book “Unveiling Mercy” - https://www.amazon.com/Unveiling-Mercy-Devotions-Insights-Testament/dp/1948969408/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TSWQCVPGFM82&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qOg5VGr_rQ4ULYmGKLr8aEW_yY1QK997AUGOctjsqzK0QLoQyvAyqrUsQ4Rx0kXc9v78gwusZeiNYbFdziYzZ3iPPwe516rB4wqy1P7xdhukG93fI46pKH1xIB89KCM4aD61XEzTbwYArHywtsA1ppNLLwT1zakaQmF6Pjnj9rjAgdLYDTpxNd9xkzs040lEgz47qq1lMFTXbP2ULmxdJfMA7ZwKKq79zKzUxvF5pho.gd_SlNvrRm-EHmv76Q47wGpedetY4nRCZbh-Ad4HgWs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Unveiling+Mercy&qid=1735570817&sprefix=unveiling+mercy%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1