If you are a christian, have you personally read the bible cover to cover for yourself?

Question

If you have not read it cover to cover for yourself, then do you have a right to advise others on what it says or means?

The reason that I ask is...I have studied it all of my life, but I am going through it for the first time cover to cover.....i find that is reads allot different than it studies....I have finished with the new testiment and I am now in 2 Samuel.

jwfacts...sorry no but the New World Translation does not count.....I don't count the 22 years that I studied that one......It needs to be recognized as a viable document.

Answer 1

Good for you. It's always nice to once in awhile to just sweep through it. May I recommend another way to re-read it from cover to cover when you are finished?
Try reading straight through using a "Chronological" Bible. (the order in which the events actually happened)

Some of the order is "educated guesswork" but I think overall most of the Chronological Bibles do a good job. I myself am using "Reese's" Chronological Bible. I like it, because alongside the passages, they also give the best estimated guess of "calendar year" of the events you are reading about.

Try it next time. You'll love it.


....theBerean

Answer 2

Ok, here we go : 1. through out the Bible there are what is known as *covenants*, and those covenants separate the TIME LINES of God.... 2. Before Abraham there was NO separation of peoples, we were ALL the same in Gods eyes and dealings. 3. Abraham was *called out* to form a *peculiar people* which we know as the Jew or Israelite or Hebrew.... 4. There was NO Law during Abraham's time the Law came to be with Moses 5. The Laws, which included worship, living, etc. where ONLY for those who God where dealing with, and that was the JEW ... 6. The Law is still ONLY part of the Jewish peoples lives and faith ... 7. Jesus came 8. Jesus hung on the Cross, died was buried and arose again after 3 days ( a NEW covenant came into being) 8. Jesus became the Law and ALL that that entails, Temple worship, sacrifices, etc...... 9. The Gentiles were and are a *Grafted In* peoples, a called out peoples for the Body of Christ, The Church, The Bride... 10 . We are ALL now under Grace NOT Law.....11. Law and Grace do not and can NOT mix... 12. You either know Jesus as your Lord and Savior or you are under Law, and if under Law, you are a slave to it, each and EVERY one of them and that includes Temple Worship , sacrifices, etc...... The problem is there is NO Temple to worship in...... We do accept it all...... We are NOT UNDER it all..... Study the Bible and notice the different *covenants* I mentioned, but remember there are MORE than I type of here...... God *separated* peoples through out the Bible..... You have to take that into consideration to know what and to whom it all is written and directed to...... that simple.... Child of God - X atheist

Answer 3

As a Christian, not only have I read it cover to cover but I have done so at least THREE times that I can think of.

Although I don't think it's a good idea, I do believe a person has the right to advise others of what it says or means if a thorough study of the particular passage in question has been conducted.

Answer 4

I have read it cover to cover many times. It is an incredible experience. I also teach Sunday School and studying for my class every week teaches me a lot about particular passages. I try to help people who are asking for where to find certain scriptures or what the meanings are. I try to stay away from pointless debate. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Not yet, the bible is inexhaustible.

I think it is easer to take it on one book at a time, one topic at a time.

I think you have a right and a duty to tell others what it means if you truly understand it. After all, who knows EVERYTHING about the Word?

Besides, knowing what is says and understanding it are two different things. I see many TV evangelists that seem to know it word for word but apparently have no clue as to the spiritual meaning.

Remember its “line upon line, precept upon precept” Isa 28:10

My dad has read the whole thing through seven times. He is the kind of guy the Jehovah's Witness’s can’t wait to get away from.

Answer 6

Well, before I started using software on my notebook computer as my primary Bible, I wore the covers off 11 Greek New Testaments, so yes, I've read the New Testament dozens of times in its original language. I have not read Old Testament but a handful of times though, mostly for seminary or college classes.

Answer 7

I read the Jehovah's Witness' New World Translation cover to cover when I was at Bethel; does that count.

There is certainly a difference between reading it in sequence to hopping from scripture to scripture to attempt to prove a doctrine.

Answer 8

Yes at least once a year. I also get study materials and commentaries to help me understand it better. I also go around asking people lots of questions which probably drives tham crazy. Judas rage. One How many witnesses do I need that I spoke the truth I read it through at least once a year. As to why. It is the book I set my life by. I read it so that I can be a better christian. I can not control another's behavior but I can attempt to make mine as Christ like as posible. I take umbrage at the liar comment and the statement that I ( being one of "them" use my Bible ,not as a guide for my life but as a weapon to attack others. You put apologetic words in there but they do not seem genuine in the midst of a diatribe that attacks a group of individuals that you don't know.

Answer 9

I'm actually currently working on that right now.

But no, you don't need to have read it cover to cover to advise others on what it says or means. I don't need to read Chronicles to quote and discuss Jesus' teachings on hypocrites. Know what I mean? I have read the entire New Testament, Pentateuch, and a great deal of the prophets and history books. I'm well-grounded in my belief and know the doctrine of my faith, so yes, I think I can advise people. I have a habit of rereading Romans. It's so full of stuff to think about!

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:9)

Answer 10

Yes, I have read the entire Bible, but not from cover to cover, in order. I think everyone has his/her own interpretation of the Bible, so no one can tell another person what it means for certain...in all areas. Everyone has his/her own thoughts, and those thoughts are right for YOU.