Scripture reading with purpose …
More than words.
People read the Bible differently. Some read it flippantly, fancifully, dismissively, selfishly or subjectively. Others read it academically or ardently. How do you read it? Do you mine the text for nuggets, seek solace, seek an encounter with God, seek guidance, or simply go with the flow? Do you read it as a collection of disjointed independent books or as a unified canon? Do you read it in mono, stereo or surround sound? Do you read it mainly through the lens of modernity or postmodernity? Do you read it contextually, critically, historically, or literally? Do you read it from a Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal or Charismatic perspective? Do you read it because you want to, have to or think you ought to? Or do you just read it!?
The right way to read Scripture.
There is a right and a wrong way to read the Bible. So what’s the right way? While there are no quick or easy answers, here are three formative suggestions:
- Read the Bible as a whole. The two Testaments are not separate books with one cover. View the Bible as the first and second dramatic acts of God’s covenantal relationship with humanity. Recognize that “in the Old Testament, the New is concealed; in the New, the Old is revealed” Augustine of Hippo.
- Read the Bible Christologically. Christ said, “. . . the Scriptures point to me!” John 5:39. See Christ as the thread holding Scripture together, the central character of the Old and New Testament, the One unlocking meaning and understanding.
- Let the Bible read you. The Bible is more than a book – it’s alive and active (cf. Hebrews 4:12). With permission, the Bible will weigh and measure you and then, finding you wanting, will fill your heart with faith, hope and love.
At its core, Scripture reading with purpose is an avenue for spiritual growth and a means of deepening one’s relationship with God. Ultimately, Scripture reading isn’t about intellectual knowledge; it’s about spiritual renewal and a life lived obeying God’s Word and staying in step with Jesus.
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Summary
Scripture reading with purpose. People approach the Bible in diverse ways—flippantly, academically, subjectively, or ardently. The right way to read it isn’t easily defined, but key suggestions exist for deeper engagement. First, read the Bible as a unified whole, recognizing the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Second, approach it Christologically, seeing Christ as the central figure and thread throughout the Scriptures And third, allow the Bible to form and transform you, filling your heart with faith, hope, and love.
© Scripture Union Canada
