The Ultimate Guide: What Order to Read the Bible for Spiritual Growth

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Reading the scriptures can be difficult, to say the least. I remember when I came back to Christianity over eight years ago, I tried to pick up the Book of Mormon and committed to myself that I would read a paragraph a night. In most circumstances, I read more than a verse but the meaning and understanding of the scriptures was simply not there.

A few years later in life, I found out that I had ADHD, which is one of the reasons I found it so hard to understand the scriptures but it wasn’t the only reason. Scriptures can and do have different meanings and can speak to you differently depending on what is going on in your life.

I remember watching the General Conference session of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in 2016. It seemed as though every single message was about my relationship with my Father. I was astounded. Years later I wanted to revisit these talks about relationships with our Father, yet none of them seemed to broach the topic at all. 

As Latter-day Saints we are encouraged to read the KJV (King James Version), of the Bible. If you are not familiar with old English it can make it more challenging.

I found it easier to read the NIV (New International Version) in the beginning. It is in a more plain version of English compared to the KJV. After studying the NIV for some time, I was able to move my understanding over to the KJV.

Tools for Reading & Understanding The Bible

As mentioned above I struggled with understanding the Bible. this lack of understanding made it very hard to stay disciplined with my readings because it was not being interpreted in my brain to meaningful lessons.

It’s funny as I look back now I can’t believe that I lacked understanding because the Bible now seems so easy to read. I honestly believe that Satan can affect our reading and understanding and we must pray and persevere and the understanding will come.

Since we all have different learning types for example; audible, visual, kinesthetic, and reading writing.  It is important to try and use tools that work well with your learning style. Here are a few recommendations you can try as a companion to reading the Bible to develop a greater understanding.

​Visual Learners

There are three main YouTube channels that I listen to religiously which has greatly helped my understanding of the whole Bible and the Book of Mormon. These three channels are:

CWIC Media, Bible Talk TV Mike Mag talks, and Teaching with Power. Both CWIC Media and Teaching With Power are LDS channels teaching the word of God through the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.

Bible Talk TV is not a LDS scholar but I do find his talks incredibly insightful and they cover the Old and New Testament Books. 

Audio Learning

​The great thing about YouTube is that it covers two types of learners visual and audio. Simply pop your earbuds in and listen to the talks and messages. Another way to capitalize on audible learning styles is to play the audio version of the scriptures in the LDS Library App.

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learning includes physical activity and movement to process information. This could include coloring and doodling while listening to scriptures to help process information. One fun Kinesthetic learning technique I used with my kids is to make role plays. The first one we did was Adam and Eve, the kids thought it was hilarious to see their parents acts like a snake wiggling on the ground.

Three Ways to Read The Bible

1. Chronological Order

2. Canonical Order

3. Reading the Bible with the Book of Mormon as a companions

Reading the Bible in Chronological Order

Reading the Bible in chronological order can be incredibly rewarding and offers several advantages, particularly for new believers and those looking to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. The best order to read the Bible might not always be the sequence found in the English Bible; instead, reading it chronologically can provide a cohesive and clear narrative of the events as they unfolded.

One significant reason to read the Bible in chronological order is to grasp the historical context. The history books of the Bible, such as Genesis, Exodus, and Kings, outline the creation of the world and the journey of God’s people.

By following these events in the order they occurred, you can see how God’s plan unfolded through time. This approach highlights the continuity of God’s covenant with His people, from creation to the establishment of Israel, and eventually, to the coming of Christ.

For new believers, reading the Bible chronologically can be a great way to understand the overarching story of salvation. Starting with Genesis, you see the creation of the world and the fall of man, setting the stage for the need for a Savior.

Moving through the history books, you witness the struggles and triumphs of God’s people, leading up to the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. The Book of Acts then details the spread of the early church, showing how the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carried the gospel to the ends of the earth. This linear progression makes the narrative more accessible and meaningful.

Paul’s letters, when read in the context of the events in Acts, become even more powerful. Understanding the historical backdrop of each letter – where Paul was, what challenges the early church faced, and how the gospel was spreading – enriches the reading experience.

For example, reading Galatians alongside the accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts can clarify the issues Paul addresses, making his teachings more applicable and understandable.

Different ways of engaging with the Bible can enhance this chronological approach. Using an audio Bible allows you to listen to the events in the order they happened, which can be particularly beneficial for those who learn better through hearing rather than reading.

For those who prefer visual aids, many Bible apps and websites provide timelines and maps to track the events as you read, offering a more immersive experience.

In today’s digital age, platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram offer innovative ways to share and explore the chronological reading order of the Bible.

Many creators produce short, engaging videos that explain the significance of reading the Bible in this manner, providing tips and encouragement for new believers. These videos can be good places to find community and support as you embark on your chronological reading journey.

When selecting a Bible cover or edition, consider one that includes a chronological reading plan. These editions often arrange the books in the best order for chronological reading, making it easier to follow along without constantly flipping back and forth.

They may also include helpful notes and summaries that contextualize each section within the broader biblical narrative.

In summary, reading the Bible in chronological order is a compelling way to understand God’s Word. It presents the story of salvation in a clear, linear fashion, making it particularly beneficial for new believers. By exploring the Bible’s events as they happened, you gain a deeper appreciation for the unfolding of God’s plan and the continuity of His covenant with His people.

This method, complemented by tools like audio Bibles and digital platforms, can transform your study of the Scriptures into a richer, more cohesive experience.

Reading the Bible can be done in various ways depending on your goals and interests. Here are a few approaches you might consider:

1. Chronological Bible Reading Plan 

Reading the Bible in the order the events occurred can help you understand the historical context and flow of biblical events. A chronological reading plan might look like this: (Start reading from the entire left column to the middle and right.)

2. Canonical Order

Reading the Bible in canonical order, the sequence in which it is traditionally organized, offers a comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith and provides a structured approach to exploring the scriptures. This approach respects the established arrangement of the collection of books and offers several benefits, making it a valuable way to engage with the Bible.

One of the primary reasons to read the Bible in canonical order is that it reflects the traditional structure and progression recognized by the Christian community.

This sequence starts with Genesis, the first book of the Bible, and concludes with Revelation, providing a logical and coherent flow. This order guides readers through the foundational narratives, laws, prophecies, and teachings, creating a holistic view of the biblical message.

The canonical order is designed to introduce readers to the major themes and doctrines of the Christian faith gradually. Beginning with Genesis and the rest of the books of Moses, readers encounter the creation of the world, the fall of humanity, and God’s covenant with His people.

These historical books lay the groundwork for understanding the need for salvation and the promise of a Savior.

As you progress through the historical books, such as Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, you witness the unfolding story of God’s people, their triumphs, failures, and the steadfast love of God. These narratives are crucial for understanding the context of the rest of the Old Testament and provide insight into God’s character and His dealings with humanity.

Download Your Free Prayer Journal To Assist With Your Study

The canonical order also highlights the importance of the wisdom literature and the prophets. Books like Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes offer practical guidance for living a godly life, while the prophetic books, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, convey messages of warning, hope, and redemption. These sections enrich the reader’s spiritual life and offer profound insights into God’s plans and purposes.

Transitioning to the New Testament, the canonical order begins with the Gospels, presenting the life, teachings of Jesus Christ, and the significance of His ministry. This is followed by the Acts of the Apostles, which chronicles the early church’s growth and the spread of the Christian faith.

This structure ensures that readers first understand the foundation of the Christian life before delving into the deeper theological teachings found in Paul’s epistles and other letters.

Paul’s epistles, arranged after Acts, provide essential doctrinal teachings and practical advice for Christian living. These letters address different people and communities, offering timeless wisdom applicable to various aspects of the Christian life.

Reading them in the canonical order allows for a sequential understanding of how early Christian theology developed and how it applies to believers today.

The canonical arrangement concludes with the general epistles and the book of Revelation, which provide additional teachings and prophecies about the end times. This ending reinforces the hope of Christ’s return and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

For those seeking a structured study, the ESV Study Bible and similar resources can be invaluable. They offer insights, historical context, and explanations that align with the canonical order, enhancing understanding and application.

This systematic approach ensures that no part of the Bible is overlooked and that readers gain a balanced perspective.

While reading the Bible in canonical order might seem like it requires much time, it is one of the best places to start for those wanting a comprehensive grasp of the Christian faith. It respects the traditional arrangement of the scriptures, provides a logical flow, and ensures that readers engage with the full spectrum of biblical literature.

By following the canonical order, believers can deepen their understanding of God’s Word and its relevance to their lives, ultimately strengthening their faith and Christian walk.

​2. Traditional Order

Reading the Bible in the order it is traditionally organized can help you understand the structure and grouping of the books. This order is typically:

• Old Testament: Genesis through Malachi
• New Testament: Matthew through Revelation

3. Thematic or Topical Approach

If you’re interested in studying specific themes or topics (e.g., love, faith, prophecy), you can find a topical Bible reading plan. Many study Bibles and online resources provide thematic reading plans. You can use this approach with the Book of Mormon as supportive evidence an example would be:

• Faith: Read about faith in the Bible (e.g., Hebrews 11) and compare it with the teachings on faith in the Book of Mormon (e.g., Alma 32).
• Repentance: Study repentance in the Bible (e.g., Luke 15:11-32) alongside similar passages in the Book of Mormon (e.g., Alma 36).

4. Reading Plan for Beginners

For those new to the Bible, it might be helpful to start with more accessible and foundational texts:

• Genesis (Creation and the Patriarchs)
• Exodus (Moses and the Exodus)
• Psalms (Poetry and Worship)
• Proverbs (Wisdom)
• John (Life of Jesus)
• Acts (Early Church)
• Romans (Foundations of Christian Doctrine)

5. Daily Reading Plans

Many people use daily reading plans that cover the entire Bible in a year, such as:

• One Year Bible Plan: A daily portion from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
• Bible in 90 Days Plan: Intensive reading plan that covers the entire Bible in 90 days.
• Two-Year Bible Plan: More relaxed plan that covers the Bible in two years.

What order have you used to read the Bible? Have a better plan than what we have on the blog? Share it with us in the comments below so that we can share your plan with others.

Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum

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