There’s only one day left before 2025 and I assume most of us are busy writing our goals and resolutions for the next year. As Christians, we desire to grow more in the grace and knowledge of Christ. So, reading the entire Bible (or at least the New Testament) throughout the year is part of our 2025 checklist.
Obviously, it’s a challenging goal. Some of us had the same resolution last January 2024, but then stopped and gave up on the habit upon reaching Leviticus or the Prophets.
But here’s the good news—it’s possible.
God certainly didn’t give us His Word only to make it impossible for us to read and benefit from it in full. By God’s grace, I’ve been finishing the entire Bible for three consecutive years now (maybe even four. I stopped counting anyway). It was also hard and frustrating at first, especially in trying to find the perfect reading plan and establishing the best routine that works for me.
Yet there’s a way.
Before I share my favorite and very effective Bible reading plan, let’s review why it’s a good goal to read the entire Bible throughout the year 2025.
Some Benefits of Reading the Entire Bible
First of all, there’s no other way to know God and His saving work in Christ than the Bible. It’s the only divine revelation given for us to obtain faith and increase in faith. So, the more we read and get familiar with Scripture, the more we know Christ and mature as believers (2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Second, reading the Bible from cover to cover renews our minds and reforms our faith and practice. It reveals truths we didn’t know before and corrects assumptions we heard from the preacher or Sunday School teacher but are not in the Bible after all.
Third, regularly reading the Bible nourishes our souls and keeps us on track throughout the year. Through the discipline of daily and weekly reading of Scripture, we are constantly reminded of God’s truth and promises (cf. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2). This habit helps especially in our day and age that is so busy and full of distractions.
Fourth, reading the Bible over and over again aids memorization. The same stories, instructions, commands, and promises get stored in our minds more permanently. This memory helps when we’re faced with temptations to sin or despair, or with situations that require wisdom for immediate decisions and actions (cf. Psalm 119:11).
Now, what’s my favorite and proven Bible reading plan to help you achieve these in 2025?
The 5-day Bible reading program
“The Five-Day Bible Reading Program” is a Bible reading plan for going through the Bible as chronologically as possible. Even the Psalms are read where they most likely belong to the history of David and Israel.
The challenge, however, is even scholars are not conclusive with the chronological order of some books in the Bible. If we try to strictly follow the chronological events of redemptive history, particularly in the Old Testament, we will sometimes deviate from the usual arrangement of our Bibles. That’s why in the Five Day Bible Reading Program, some portions of the Prophets appear to be “out of order.”
Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter to me as long as I get the essential flow of history and finish the Bible in one year.
Now, this Bible Reading plan has a lot of benefits.
1. Seeing the Drama of Redemption Unfold
First, by reading it as chronologically as possible, you’ll see and appreciate the drama of redemption from the Old Testament until Jesus Christ. You’ll see how God controls history and faithfully unfolds his plan and promise of redemption despite the sins of His people.
2. Constant Reminder of the Life of Christ
Second, the New Testament readings space the Gospel narratives throughout the year. You start with the Gospel according to Mark by January, then Luke by March, Matthew by July, and John by October. This helps the reader keep coming back to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ all year round.
3. Do-able and Sustainable Reading Schedule
Third, it fits most of our busy schedule because you only have to read the assigned readings from Monday to Friday. In case you missed one day, you still have Saturday to catch up.
And lastly…
4. It’s FREE
Yes, it’s completely free. Although you can donate to those behind this project, the reading plan is free of charge.
So, are you ready for the challenge and blessing of reading the entire Bible for the year 2025?
Download the Five Day Bible Reading Plan now, print it, put it on your desk, and let it help you know and love God, His Word, and His saving work in our Lord Jesus Christ—more and more.
A Blessed New Year to you all!
