Why is it Important to Read the Bible in 2026?
The Bible is more than a religious book or a historical book. The Bible is the word of God to help us through our life on earth and leading into eternity. For example, the Bible shows us how the world began and how it will come to an end. It gives us archaeological evidences of places and items that still exist today. We can also look at history to see if the Kings and prophets existed back in the days.
Most importantly, the bible gives us answers to problems we face in our everyday lives.
Mind Blowing Flow of Events
What attracted me most to bible reading is the fact that the Old Testament flows so well into the New Testament with the arrival of Jesus Christ. Old Testament prophecies of Jesus, were fulfilled when Christ entered the world. We also see prophet Isaiah going into much detail about Christ’ death and resurrection, which is listed in this post on the Isaiah prophecies of Jesus.
If you are looking for in-depth bible studies on Jesus, here are a few:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Compelling Reasons to Read the Bible
1. From Start to Finish
The first reason to read the bible is because it is not only a book of strength and peace, but a book of facts.
When we read the Bible from the start to finish, we learn the purpose of life, the creation of the world and how it all ends.
The first verse in the Bible: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
The last verse of the Bible: He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).
It also includes key political figures during biblical times such as Roman emperor Augustus Caesar (Luke 2:1), King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:1) and many more. Historical locations and artifacts including over 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament come as additional evidence that makes the bible reliable.
2. Path to Salvation
How do we enter the Kingdom of God? Is it by going to church? By donating to the needy? Or by reading the bible?
You may be surprised to know that while all these are good works we do here on earth, these are not what gets us saved, according to the Bible.
Jesus says in John 5:39-40 – You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
It is not by simply reading the scriptures but by faith in Jesus that we have eternal life.
This is why Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Notice Jesus did not say our good works and our kind deeds lead to eternal life. While good deeds may entitle us for rewards in Heaven, the first step is to enter into Heaven and that is through Jesus.
Although Jesus is not with us on earth in physical form, it is our faith in Him that brings us salvation.
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
3. Align with God’s Will
The Lord’s prayer teaches us to say, Your will be done.
God is waiting for us to come to Him for help, by laying our problems before Him in prayer.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Prayer and submission to the will of God allows Him to use us for His purpose.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
So instead of fighting with our circumstances, when we submit to the will of God, the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
4. Biblical Examples
Almost every book of the bible is about a story of faith in God. These stories are there to benefit us, so that our own faith in the Lord may be stirred up.
- Abraham was ready to offer up Isaac by faith
- Noah built an ark by faith
- Moses followed God’s instructions and performed miracles before Pharoah in faith
- Joseph, although sold into slavery and put in prison, remained faithful to God
- David, the shepherd boy became a King through his faith in God
Everyone mentioned on this list didn’t have it easy. But by being obedient they were blessed and made prosperous by God.
5. God Has Authority Over All His Creations
Not only did Jesus heal the sick, set captives free and raise the dead, He also had command over the seas and the clouds.
For example:
- Jonah and the fish: And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:10)
- Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22)
- Jesus calms the storm (Matthew 8:23)
- Parting of the Red sea (Exodus 14)
- Elijah prayed to God and it didn’t rain for three and a half years (James 5:17)
6. Learning Hard Truths
Here are some bible verses to do a deeper bible study:
1. It is the Narrow, Small Road that Leads to Life
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
2. God’s Plans are Greater than Our Plans (Although we may not fully understand it)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases him. Psalm 115:3
3. The Fear of the Lord is a Good Thing
Fearing God is giving Him reverence. It is not the kind of fear that is the frighten you, instead when we fear the Lord, we put our trust in Him.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
7. Being Disciplined by God is a Good Thing
Just like how we are disciplined by our earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father also disciplines us out of love and concern. Being discplined puts us on the right direction and allows us to walk the righteous path.
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Here are some other scriptures about discipline in the bible., that help us understand why bad things can happen even though we are in right standing with God.
8. Understand that God Tests Us
Many times as Christians, we may be faced by trials and circumstances that make us question God. But we are to remember the words of Jesus when He said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
It is the peace that Jesus offers, even in the midst of trials that brings comfort in difficult seasons. No one is free from problems, but it is His presence and His exit plan that offers us peace.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
9. Learn from the Bible and Not from Man
The knowledge and wisdom we receive should be from the Bible itself.
While there are a number of pastors, preachers, prophets who teach God’s word, it is important to learn the Word of God from the bible itself. When we have an understanding of what the bible tells us, we will be able to gauge if what they teach aligns with the will of God, otherwise we can be misled.
Trust the bible and the words that are written in it.
The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jeremiah 5:31
10. Why we need to Memorize Scripture
After Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, He used scripture to defeat the enemy.
For every word the enemy spoke, Jesus responded with scripture. That is why during hard times, we pray using the Holy scriptures.
Here are 100 bible verses that are important to memorize.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8
11. Important Lessons Jesus Taught
We know that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth as a man and emptied Himself of all His glory. He did this not only to become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, but to also set an example and show us how we are to live on earth. Here is what Paul says about Jesus Christ,
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7
Here are some important lessons Jesus taught;
- The Beatitudes
- Matthew 6,7 and 8 – On anger, divorce, anxiety and love
Read the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to understand the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
12. Sins according to the Bible
God has given us the Ten Commandments to understand moral values and differentiate right from wrong. While the Law of God in itself does not go into detail on the types of sin, the rest of the bible does:
- Leviticus 18
- Leviticus 19:4
- Matthew 5:32
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
- Galatians 5:21
- Proverbs 11:2
13. Understand the Heart of God
It is very important to understand the heart of God from the Bible itself, rather than learning it from people. The Holy Spirit is the best guide in helping us learn and understand Gods will and how it applies to our lives.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
14. Citizens of Heaven
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
When we understand the concept of eternal life, it is easy to face any difficulty here on earth. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life (John 3:16-18). Knowing that those who believe in Jesus, will continue to live in eternity is the joy of salvation.
15. Humility and Obedience
If it is not about idolatry, the most common reason that God is angered according to the bible is through pride and disobedience.
Disobedience can stem from giving in to worldly desires and and pride can be the result of materialistic desires.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
16. Not by Our Own Good Works
Salvation is a gift of God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
We are saved by faith in Jesus, who allows us to enter into Kingdom of God, thereby receiving eternal life. According to the bible, we do not enter into Heaven by our own effort and the good works we do on earth. It is through Jesus that we can stand before the Father and receive this eternal gift of salvation.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
17. Right and Wrong
While it is a kind thing to be pleasing to others, it is important to understand not all choices and ideologies are right. The truth according to the bible is that one day;
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” Romans 14:11
On that day when we stand before the Lord, if we have understood His heart by reading the bible we will know that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is the only way to eternal life, as mentioned in the bible.
These are some bible verses to consider reading in context:
- Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20
- We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
18. Worship God Alone
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are the foundations to which our moral values are contructed, teaching us right from wrong.
While God gives us all a free choice to make our own decisions here on earth, He has also laid out what happens when we don’t choose Him. (Read – Revelations 21:8, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
Throughout the bible, God warns us about the dangers of idolatry and His anger when we worship false gods. (Read – 1 Corinthians 10:14, Galatians 5:20, Colossians 3:5, 1 Peter 4:1-5).
19. How to Pray
Not only did Jesus give us an example on how to pray with the Lord’s prayer, but He also showed us the prayer mindset that we are to develop.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8
It is not so much the contents of the prayer, but true prayer that comes from the heart. The connection we have with God while we pray is how we deepen our relationship with God.
Related: How to draw closer to God
20. How to Fast
Another important aspect of prayer is fasting. Fasting is not so much the act of restricting ourselves from worldly desires and distractions as an act of submission to God, but when we fast, we begin to focus more on God. It is this shift in focus that causes us to draw closer to God.
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. John 6:27
There are many bible scriptures that teach us the right way to fast:
- Matthew 6:16-18
- Isaiah 58
21. The Blueprint – The Armor of God
Not only has God told us what we are up against, He is also equipped us in every possible way.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
22. Spiritual Warfare is Real
Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The Word of God is the most powerful weapon against any spiritual attack.
2 Corinthians 10:4 – The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
James 4:7 says resist the devil and he will flee. But that doesn’t mean we take matters into our own hands. Its only by the authority we have in the name of Jesus that we can resist spiritual forces that are against us.
This understanding can be imparted in us by wisdom and knowledge. Hosea 4:6 says, My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
23. God Has Sent us Help
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, God has sent us the Holy Spirit, who is the third person in the Holy Trinity. The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are God. Hence there is no need to be afraid of anything. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in all that do you and walk in His presence daily.
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
Once we accept Jesus as our Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us and helps us by guiding us. Although we cannot see Him, the Holy Spirit helps us get closer to God and follow His ways. But we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, and fight the distractions and desires of the flesh that do not align with the will of God.
24. Discerning the Truth
Believers need to be strong on the Word so they are not led astray by false prophets and wrong teachings.
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5
Study Matthew 24 to understand the signs of the end times, and in this Chapter in verse 25 Jesus says – See, I have told you ahead of time. The Bible is literally a map that has detailed accounts of what has happened in the past and things that are about to take place. This is why reading the bible daily is very important.
25. How to Share the Gospel Message
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus has laid out this wonderful teaching on being the light of the world. It is by setting an example and living a life pleasing to Christ that we lead others towards Jesus. This is why Jesus said the most important commandment is love. First to love God and then to love others, which can be found in Matthew 22:36-40.
26. Is the Resurrection real
Although Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus appeared to over 500 people, it can be still questioned if it is factual evidence. So even if we lay aside the idea that there were many eye witness accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, let us focus on the change in attitude of the disciples.
Peter was sure he would never disown Jesus (Mark 14:31), yet when Jesus was captured by the guards, Peter denied knowing Jesus in fear. After the crucifixion, Peter continues his fishing business (John 21:3), and Jesus appears to Peter and the rest of His disciples (John 21:7). From here on and throughout the New Testament we see the radical shift in the disciples being bold for the Lord. It doesn’t seem right for Peter to become bold for something he did not witness – like the resurrected Jesus.
27. Is Jesus God
Finally, if you are wondering whether Jesus is God. Here are some bible verses that are worth considering in your bible study.
1. Why did God say this statement about His Son?
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8
2. Here God Almighty calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
Here Jesus calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega:
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13
So if God calls Himself the Alpha and Omega and Jesus calls Himself the Alpha and Omega. Is Jesus God?
| Free PDF of the Gospels of the Bible Study Pack: Learn about the life of Jesus and His teachings throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with study notes and key verses to memorize |
